Common Reader
We The Animals
by Justin Torres
We The Animals is a sensitive, episodic coming-of-age novel about three sons of a very young, struggling mixedrace couple in Brooklyn. The boys' experience of family life veers from the brutality of domestic violence to unexpected moments of tenderness. Initially Torres uses first person plural narration to capture the closeness of the brothers, a solidarity that is shattered in the final chapters of the novel by the revelation of the narrator's secret. Justin Torres will be a keynote speaker at the convention in Savannah, Georgia in 2014. Consider submitting an essay or roundtable proposal on We The Animals next year or perhaps trying for one of the Regents' Common Reader Awards.
Regents' Common Reader Awards
The Regents' Common Reader Awards provide an opportunity for individual chapters to organize and host a local event or activity based on We The Animals. Chapter members do not need to attend the convention to apply. Contact your Regent and you may receive $100 for your event or activity. View application guidelines.
Common Reader Convention Awards
Awards of up to $500 will be given at the international convention for critical essays or other genres of work that deal with the common reader. To be eligible, students indicate on the convention submission form that their work is in the common reader category (presentation type).
