Co-founder and executive director of Kenya Connect, James Musyoka will be presenting his book, “The Boy Who Read Newspapers,” at Backwater Books in Ellicott City on World Book Day today.

“The Boy Who Read Newspapers” tells the story of Musyoka’s childhood growing up in rural Kenya with no access to books, according to Kenya Connect. Developing a love for reading by poring over scraps of newspapers, his passion for learning eventually led him to co-found Kenya Connect, a nonprofit organization that strives to ensure that children leave education with options and the values, skills and pathways to thrive.

Illustrated by Julia Cairns, the book shares Musyoka’s journey and the power of literacy to change lives.

“The inspiration to write the book was to share with children about my childhood life and how I had limited access to books, but how that did not deter me from reading,” he said. “When we started Kenya Connect, I experienced firsthand how many of the children were walking the same path like me, so I thought it would be powerful to share this story with them.”

Musyoka said he hopes his book will encourage children to read.

“I wanted to inspire children around the world, even those with access to books, [to learn] the value of reading because reading can open doors to many things,” he said.

Backwater Books is an independent bookstore that was started by former teachers Alli and Matt Krist in 2022, according to its website. Carrying a variety of genres and titles for readers of all ages, the store hosts a number of book-themed events, including audiobook walks, author events and book clubs.

Matt Krist said the event will allow the bookstore to showcase authors and stories from around the world.

“Literacy is global and the more we can have different voices that people can hear, the better it is for everybody,” he said.

Musyoka will be participating in a book signing and happy hour at Backwater Books at 8156 Main St. in Ellicott City, April 23, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“The Boy Who Reads Newspapers” will be available for purchase and the proceeds will benefit the literacy work at Kenya Connect.

Musyoka will also be appearing at Great Minds Bookstore at 12 Winters Lane in Catonsville on Independent Bookstore Day, April 26, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and at People’s Bookstore at 7014 Westmoreland Avenue in Takoma Park, April 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

For more information, visit backwaterbooks.com.

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