Two people stand in a dim auditorium aisle asking a question in front of a seated audience
The Campus Community Book Project

Promoting Dialogue. Building Community.

Latest News and Upcoming Events from The Book Project

 

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Stories that open conversations

For 25 years, the UC Davis Campus Community Book Project (CCBP) has brought together perspectives from the university and broader community to read a common book and explore an annual theme. Together, we share dialogue, learn collectively, and build community. The Book Project supports UC Davis’ efforts to realize our collective vision of excellence in which people from all backgrounds thrive.
Join the Conversation Buy the Book

The 2026-27 Theme is Civil Liberties

The announcement for our 2026-27 selection is coming soon! Stay tuned.

The 2027-28 Theme is Futures and Technologies

In 2027-2028, the Campus Community Book Project will focus on the theme of futures and technologies. We are seeking nominations on this topic through Wednesday, September 9, 2026 (extended from August 26, 2026). Nominations should include the book title, author, and optional message about why the book is being nominated. 

Read more about this year's theme Submit Your Nomination

Front cover of Solito: A Memoir by Javier Zamora, which shows a silhouette of a child carrying a backpack

The 2025-26 Book Project Focused on Belonging and Featured Solito by Javier Zamora

The 2025-2026 Campus Community Book Project focused on the theme of belonging and featured Solito: A Memoir by Javier Zamora. Solito narrates Javier Zamora’s 3,000-mile journey at the age of nine from his small town in El Salvador, through Guatemala and Mexico, and across the U.S. border to reunite with his parents. What was anticipated to take two weeks expands into two life-altering months alongside fellow migrants who will come to encircle him like an unexpected family.

Learn More About the Year of Belonging, Featuring Solito

One Book, Many Ways to Participate

Each project cycle brings together students, faculty, staff, academic appointees and community members through:

  • Public lectures, performances and conversations
  • Courses and classroom activities across disciplines
  • Programs developed by campus and community partners
  • Opportunities to engage with the author and the annual theme
  • Shared resources for reflection and discussion

Programming is open to the public, and most events are free.

Founded in 2002, the Campus Community Book Project has featured dozens of titles that trace our community’s evolving conversations, concerns and aspirations.

Visit the Archive
Kendi signs a book for a scholar of race and a fan of the author

Exploring Ideas Together

The Campus Community Book Project brings the UC Davis Principles of Community to life by creating spaces in which people can explore ideas, listen across differences and engage one another with respect.
Read the Principles of Community Learn about the Dynamic Discussions Initiative

We endeavor to foster mutual understanding and respect among the many parts of our whole.” —UC Davis Principles of Community

Woman at podium giving a talk; large projected slide showing a book cover and bio text

Community through the Arts

The project is presented with major partnership and investment from the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts. Together, we create opportunities for shared learning and demonstrate how literature, performance and creative expression can strengthen community.
Explore the Mondavi Center’s mission to Illuminate. Educate. Connect. Learn about Inspiration in the Arts
Shelf of assorted hardcover and paperback books with varied colors and sizes

 

How the Book Project Takes Shape

Each Campus Community Book Project cycle begins with a theme—not a book. The Director engages with groups across the university, including the Campus Council on Community and Diversity and the Inclusive Excellence Executive Leadership Team, to consider issues affecting UC Davis and the broader community. Out of this process emerges the theme for a future project year.

Once the theme is established, all members of the university and surrounding community are invited to nominate books. A volunteer selection committee reviews the nominations and recommends titles to campus leadership.

Selections are evaluated for their ability to:

  • Inspire dialogue about important contemporary issues
  • Raise questions with multiple possible answers
  • Engage a broad audience
  • Support teaching and learning across disciplines
  • Invite participation from university and community members
  • Generate a year of meaningful programs and conversations

Eligible selections may include nonfiction, novels, plays, short-story collections and essay collections. Books must be available in print, appropriate in length for coursework and written by a living author who may be available to visit UC Davis.

Nominate the Next Book

Each Book Project cycle begins with a theme selected to inspire timely, meaningful conversation. Once a theme is announced, university and community members are invited to recommend books that can engage a broad audience and support exploration across disciplines and perspectives. Nomination opportunities and deadlines are announced as each selection cycle begins.

Join a Committee

The selection committee reviews community nominations and recommends a featured title for a future Book Project cycle. Members consider the book’s connection to the theme, accessibility, relevance across disciplines and potential to engage a broad audience.

The program planning committee develops the lectures, performances, discussions and other activities that accompany each annual selection. Members help connect the book and theme with university scholarship, community knowledge and opportunities for shared learning.