Brilliant Brown Boys' 'Book Bonanza' Celebrates Reading in Greater Grand Crossing

The free event will feature books priced 50 cents to $1, community story time, games, and more.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A literacy organization helping South Side boys spark a love of reading will host its first book bonanza Saturday in Greater Grand Crossing. The Brilliant Brown Boys' Book Bonanza will include book sales, community story time, games, puzzle activities, and raffle prizes. The event aims to promote leisure reading and a passion for books, especially for Black boys who may not see themselves represented in the books they read at school.

Why it matters

The event seeks to address the issue of declining literacy rates and book banning efforts by exposing more boys, especially Black boys, to the joys of reading and the importance of books in understanding their history and culture.

The details

At the Brilliant Brown Boys' Book Bonanza, families can shop for books priced from 50 cents to $1 or use "Brilliant Bucks" to get free books. The book selection will range from early readers to teen books, covering genres like comedy, autobiography, and self-help. The event will also feature community story time, games, and puzzle activities.

  • The Brilliant Brown Boys' Book Bonanza will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026 starting at 11 a.m.

The players

Chez Smith

The founder of the Brilliant Brown Boys Book Club, which promotes leisure reading and a passion for books among South Side boys.

Gyrls in the HOOD

The nonprofit organization hosting the Brilliant Brown Boys' Book Bonanza at its offices located at 605 E. 71st St. in Greater Grand Crossing.

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What they’re saying

“My work is rooted in community, so I'm always going to look for a way to bring more people together. We want to promote a day of putting the devices down and coming in to pick up some books.”

— Chez Smith, Founder, Brilliant Brown Boys Book Club

“It's important for boys to understand how important books are in understanding their history and the role that books have played and will continue to play.”

— Chez Smith, Founder, Brilliant Brown Boys Book Club

What’s next

Smith plans to continue hosting the Brilliant Brown Boys' Book Bonanza, with the next event potentially taking place in the spring or summer on a blocked-off street with vendors and authors.

The takeaway

The Brilliant Brown Boys' Book Bonanza aims to spark a passion for leisure reading among Black boys, providing them with books featuring positive representations and culturally relevant stories. By promoting literacy and a love of reading, the event seeks to address declining literacy rates and counter efforts to ban books, empowering the next generation.