One Title. One State. Thousands Engaged in Literary Discussion.
Since 2007, the Great Michigan Read, the signature program of Michigan Humanities, has united communities across the state through Michigan-centered fiction and non-fiction books. These selections inspire conversations from diverse perspectives, foster a deeper appreciation for the humanities, and connect thousands of readers with authors and engaging educational programs.
Each book is chosen by seven regional selection committees representing every corner of Michigan. Committees are working in summer and fall 2026 to choose the next Great Michigan Read based on program criteria. The 2027–28 Great Michigan Read program will feature an adult selection, and—new next year—a book for children in pre-K through third grade. Cast your vote for the young reader selection by Sept. 28.
All aspects of the program are free and open to the public. Great Michigan Read partners include libraries, schools, book clubs, and other nonprofits.
Two Great Michigan Read titles will be announced on Oct. 8 and the program will launch in fall 2027.
2025-26 Program: Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant
In April 2025 the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) terminated all funding to humanities councils, which impacted numerous Michigan Humanities grants and programs.
The Great Michigan Read is funded in part by private dollars and the 2025-26 program, featuring Curtis Chin’s Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant, launched in October 2025. It will conclude in fall 2026 with a series of partner-hosted events.
As of September 2026, lending and participating partner registration is now closed.
2025–26 PROGRAM RESOURCES
– Partner Guide (PDF)
– Reader’s Guide (PDF)
– Partnership map
Additional reading & viewing
– Reading group guide (PDF via publisher, Hachette)
– Curtis Chin’s website
– Curtis Chin’s latest documentary, Warren King: King of Cardboard (video via PBS)
– Detroit Historical Society’s Chinatowns exhibit (virtual tour) (overview)
– Detroit Chinatown Vision Committee’s website
– Curtis Chin at Detroit Bookfest (video via PBS Books)
Communications & Evaluation
– 2025–26 Great Michigan Read communications resources (Google Drive)
– Online survey (Google Form)
– Print survey (PDF)
Contact
If you have questions or would like to discuss program partnership, please contact Katie Wittenauer
at kwittenauer@mihumanities.org.
2025–26 program Timeline
Late Summer 2025
Registration opened; Great Michigan Read information session; grant application for fall 2025 partner programming opened.
October 2025
Books and resources distributed to lending partners; fall author tour featuring events in Big Rapids, Saugatuck-Douglas, Dowagiac, and Adrian.
November 2025
Grant application for spring and summer 2026 partner programming opened (details below); virtual author event.
April & May 2026
Spring author tour featuring events in Lansing, Muskegon, Flint, Port Huron, Charlevoix, Sault Ste. Marie, Marquette, and West Branch; partner events in Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, Alma, University Center, Morenci, Ann Arbor, and St. Ignace.
SUMMER 2026
Summer events in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Troy, Dearborn Heights, Southfield, and Mount Clemens.
FALL 2026
Fall author events will feature Curtis Chin hosted by the following organizations:
– October 24: White Cloud Community Library
– October 27: South Haven Memorial Library
– October 28: Grand Valley State University (afternoon) and Michigan State University (evening)
– October 29: Association of Chinese Americans
All author event details are included on the Michigan Humanities calendar.
The 2025–26 program will conclude in fall 2026.
The 2027–28 program titles will be announced in October 2026 and launched in fall 2027.
Register to be a Partner
Partner registration is now closed.
Each year, schools, libraries, independent book clubs, colleges, universities, arts and cultural institutions, and a range of other non-profits and organizations are invited to become Great Michigan Read lending and participating partners.
Current registered partners should incorporate the Michigan Humanities logo, Great Michigan Read logo, and this text into external publicity materials and/or intro remarks for 2025–26 Great Michigan Read programming: This event is part of the Great Michigan Read program. The 2025–26 Great Michigan Read is presented by Michigan Humanities. Additional support is provided by national, statewide, and local partners, including the Library of Michigan and MSU Federal Credit Union.
Funding for Partners
Great Michigan Read Action Grants of up to $750 were available to support programming organized by registered 2025–26 Great Michigan Read partners.
All Action Grant funds have been expended and the grant application for GMR partner programming occurring Nov. 2025 through October 2026 is now closed.
2025-26 Great Michigan Read Sponsors
This year’s Great Michigan Read is presented by Michigan Humanities and supported by national, statewide, and local partners, including:
