The 2026 selection “One Book, One Philadelphia” may seem an eerily prescient, dystopian novel about banned literature, silenced speech, and forced family separation, but it is also the story of a 12-year-old boy of Chinese descent who searches for his poet mother whose work has been banned.
“‘Our Lost Hearts’ is really a love letter to reading, to libraries, to stories, and to America,” bestselling author Celeste Ng told Billy Penn. “I think it raises questions about what libraries do to build community, how our stories help us understand our history and who we are and how we can move forward.”
Ng’s novel was announced today as this year’s One Book, One Philly and features work from the Free Library of Philadelphia and the Free Library Foundation, which is launching a four-month book club-style campaign to encourage as many people as possible to read together and participate in free events featuring talks, workshops, readings, artwork, film screenings and more.
Younger readers are also included – in addition to “Our Missing Hearts,” there are One Philly companion stories for younger readers, including “Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet” by Latino author Laekan Zea Kemp for teen readers and “How to Grow a Family Tree” by children’s author and former teacher Bea BIrdsong.
Library leaders and city officials describe the novel’s message as fitting perfectly into the broader mission of One Book, One Philadelphia.
“Every year [this program] brings together tens of thousands of readers around one moving story,” said foundation president Monique Moore Pryor. “With Our Missing Hearts, Celeste Ng encourages us to think deeply about ideas, art and the world we live in. This book provides our city with a significant opportunity to read, reflect and connect.”
For her part, Ng, a Pittsburgh native who also grew up in Ohio, told Billy Penn that when she wrote the book years ago (it’s published in 2022), she “was hoping that our world would move away from the world of the book, and instead I think the opposite has happened.”
“It was really scary. I’m not a prophet, I just look at history and see patterns that are happening,” she said. “I hope people will read this book, read other books, learn about history and try to find ways forward if we learn from the past.”
Being part of Philadelphia’s largest book club “really means a lot to me,” she added, noting that it raises questions: “especially at this time – the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence – what does it mean to be an American? What kind of country have we been and what kind of country do we want to be?”
“I hope people read this book and come away feeling part of a community. To know that no matter what they are struggling with, that they are not alone, that there are other people and we can all help each other, that we are stronger and that the path to the future is together,” she said.
That message resonates with Carol Richardson McCullough, founder of Drexel’s Writers Room, who met with Ng and told her she planned to introduce the book to her students, which include students and members of the surrounding community.
“The book is described as a kind of dystopian novel, and as I read it, there are certain things and events happening in it that almost mirror those that I have seen recently,” she said. “So there will be a lot of time to reflect on what’s going on in our society today, with everything changing… It touches my heart. Librarians are leading the resistance, you know? They’re saving the world. And that’s a reflection of what I see in the library system in Philadelphia and in libraries across the country and probably around the world.”
How to read books
Visit any Free Library branch or download a book using your library card through the Libby app. You can also attend one of our related events where books are available for purchase and signing.
Related One Book, One Philadelphia Event:
Will be the events spread to all 54 branches of the Free Librarybut here are some highlights:
One book, one inauguration celebration in Philadelphia
Where: Tuesday, April 7, at 18:30 | Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St
What: To officially launch the fresh season of One Book, One Philadelphia, join an in-depth conversation with author Celeste Ng. The books will be available for purchase at the library on the day of the event. This will be followed by a book signing.
Film screening and discussion: Librarians
When: Thursday, April 23, at 18:30 | Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.
What: This timely film provides an intimate look at the brave librarians across the country who are on the front lines of the growing book banning and information censorship movement. The film will be followed by an open public discussion during which we will explore these topics and reflect on the crucial role our libraries play in protecting democratic values.
Asian American Voices | Stories among us: creativity, identity and belonging
When: Friday, May 8, at 18:00 | Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.
What: Story Slam is organized by South Asian Americans for Change (SAAFC), a Philadelphia-based nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health through art, storytelling, education and community-centered experiences.
One book, one Philadelphia finale celebration: : Art panel discussion: Censorship and resistance in America
When: Thursday, May 28, at 18:30 | Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.
What: Learn about historical and contemporary examples of censorship in the U.S., including book bans and cultural erasure. Participants will reflect on how communities resist through storytelling, protest and art. Books will be available for purchase at the library on the day of the event. The presentation will be followed by a book signing.
