About One Book

The "One Book, One Community" program encourages the East Lansing and Michigan State University community to read the same book over a six-week period this fall and to come together to discuss it in a variety of settings. Although dozens of similar programs have been sponsored nationwide, this is one of the very few that bring together a city and a university.

The 2008 program will run from August 20th to September 18th. The book selection this year is Benson Deng, Alephonsion Deng, and Benjamin Ajak with Judy A. Bernstein's They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky.

History of the "One Book, One Community" Program

Book Selection Process

Discussion Questions for Freshman and Community

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One Book, One Community Announces 2008 Book Selection

07-248
March 10, 2008

EAST LANSING, Mich. - One Book, One Community (OBOC) announces its 2008 book selection, “They Poured Fire on Us from the Sky,” by co-authors Benson Deng, Alephonsion Deng and Benjamin Ajak. The OBOC program, co-sponsored by the City of East Lansing and Michigan State University, encourages the city-university community to read the same book and come together to discuss it in a variety of settings. The book is an assigned reading for all incoming MSU freshmen.

Meet the Author
Meet one of the authors, Benjamin Ajak, along with their mentor, Judy A. Bernstein, as they kick-off the month-long OBOC program on Wednesday, Aug. 20 at East Lansing High School. They will also welcome freshmen at the MSU Academic Welcome at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts on Thursday, Aug. 21.

They will return to East Lansing on Thursday, Sept. 18 to participate in a community-wide book discussion and visit students at East Lansing High School. A number of other community and campus events will be announced.

Support the Program
Support the OBOC program by shopping at Barnes & Noble, 333 E. Grand River Ave., in East Lansing. From March 19-25, Barnes & Noble will donate a percentage of every sale to the OBOC program. Please mention that you would like your purchase to benefit the program.

About the Book
In 1987, 27,000 boys in Sudan were forced to flee when the bitter civil war invaded their villages forcing them to run, terrified, into the bush. Lost and unable to return home most walked in small bands or large groups, sometimes numbering in the many thousands, searching for refuge and clinging to hope of finding what remained of their families. Almost half of the boys died along the way.

“They Poured Fire on Us from the Sky” tells the remarkable true story of three of those boys: Benjamin Ajak and his cousins Benson and Alepho Deng. Many years after their ordeal, the three boys, now young men, told of their experiences in a series of compelling short essays written for their American mentor, Judy A. Bernstein. For the boys, it was a way to bridge the huge gulf between their unspeakable past and their strange new life in America.

The book takes the reader on an agonizing journey, through violence and deprivation, as each little boy bravely finds his way from one hopeless situation to another. Their story begins with their early memories as children living in close-knit extended families in Juol, a small village on the edge of the Kenyan jungle. At the center of their world was their Dinka tribal customs binding their families together and giving each boy a sense of personal identity and pride.

The first boy to be lost was Benson. He was seven years old when a fireball fell from the sky in the middle of the night. In the chaos that followed he was lost in the bush, wearing his only possession, a pair of red shorts his father had given him. He walked, barefoot, through the thick jungle, across the parched desert and through the mosquito infested Gilo River, to arrive at a squalid refugee camp in Panyido, Ethiopia. There he learned his alphabet by tracing his fingers in the sand.

After three years, the tens of thousands of Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia were driven out by the Ethiopian army. With bullets flying over their heads they fled back across the treacherous Gilo River into Sudan. Always the war at his heals and starvation his constant companion Benson finally found refuge in Kenya.

Alepho was lost when he too was forced to run. He crisscrossed Sudan, walking a thousand miles, always following rumors of safety ahead and the chance he would find his family. After five years, he miraculously found his brother Benson and they made their way to a sprawling filthy refugee camp in Kakuma, Kenya. There they lived for nine years on subsistence rations and makeshift shelters as they struggled to get an education.

At five, Benjamin also fled in terror. He walked with twenty thousand other boys fleeing the war. Eventually captured by the army, Benjamin was forced into harsh military training. He escaped but was recaptured and tortured. Five months later he escaped again and managed a death defying walk alone across the desert to Kenya where he lived in the Kakuma refugee camp for nine years with his cousins.

Each boy tells his story with a simple narrative, sad at times but never with self pity. The reader is struck by how stalwart they are in the face of unimaginable obstacles, constant violence, and the hunger, pain and disease they endured. Even though they were children when they fled the bombs, bullets and fire, they always carried with them a strong sense of Dinka pride and integrity.

For additional information about the One Book One Community program, contact Ginny Haas, Director of Community Relations, MSU at 355-5060 or Ami Van Antwerp, Communications Coordinator, City of East Lansing at 319-6927.

The Authors: Benson Deng, Alephonsion Deng, and Benjamin Ajak With Judy A. Bernstein

The Authors

Alephonsion Deng

In 1987, when Alephonsion was seven years old, his village in Southern Sudan was attacked by government troops. To avoid capture he ran into the night with many other young boys. Without food, water, shoes or parents, he crossed a 1000 miles of lion and crocodile infested territory. After five years of fleeing war, starvation and wild animals, he reached Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya and began his education.
In 2001 the U.S. Government welcomed Alephonsion as one of the Lost Boys of Sudan. His first job was at Ralph's Grocery Store where he worked for nine months. An opportunity came up to be in a Russell Crowe movie and he spent six months on the Fox Studios set in Rosarito Mexico where he learned to sail a tall ship, fire a cannon and swordfight. Now, he attends San Diego City College and works in the Medical Records Department at Kaiser Permanente Hospital.
Alephonsion, his brother, Benson, and cousin, Benjamin, wrote their memoir entitled, "They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky." Alephonsion has spoken to over 60 schools, universities, clubs and organizations about his extraordinary story of survival in Africa and adapting to his life here in America.

Benson Athiin Deng

I learned English by writing the alphabet with a stick in the sand in Ethiopia. Five years later when I reached safety in Kenya I began my education again, but was soon struck with a serious illness, River Blindness. For five years that disease that made it impossible for me to sit and attend class so I taught myself English by lying on my stomach in my hut and copying the essentials of grammar and vocabulary into a composition book.

Since my arrival in America in August 2001, I worked at Ralphs Grocery Store in Hillcrest until the strike in November of 2003. Now I run the computer and digital photography system at Waste Management in El Cajon.

When I arrived in America my brother and cousin and I began writing about our experiences. Our literary agent, Joni Evans, VP of William Morris, sold our book to Public Affairs. It is entitled "They Poured Fire on Us from the Sky: The True Story of Three Lost Boys of Sudan" and was released June 13th, 2005. We hope that the book will allow us to further our education and help our family back home who are still suffering.

Benjamin Ajak

Benjamin Ajak was born in 1982 in a village in Southern Sudan. His parents were pastoralists and subsistence farmers who raised cattle until a civil war broke out between Northern and Southern Sudan. In 1987 Benjamin's village was attacked. To escape death or induction into the Muslim army, at the age of five years, Benjamin fled alone into the night. Several days later he found his cousins, Benson and Lino, seven years old, and they joined the exodus that became twenty thousand boys fleeing a thousand miles across Africa's largest country. Facing lions, crocodiles and starvation, only a half survived, made it into Ethiopia, and became known to the world as The Lost Boys.

The Lost Boys remained in Ethiopia for three years. In a fall from a tree, Benjamin sustained a serious leg wound and a piece of wood remained lodged in the bone, causing an infection that refused to heal. When a civil war broke out in Ethiopia they were run out of the country at gunpoint and forced to swim the Gilo River where two thousand lives were claimed by shooting, drowning or crocodiles.

The boys began the trek back across Sudan scavenging for food and dodging bombings, and all the other hazards they'd faced before. Benjamin, his leg even more seriously infected now, and his cousins Alepho, Benson and Lino were captured by the rebel army and taken to a training camp in the Natinga Mountains. Benjamin escaped, was captured and jailed. Each day he was caned in the morning and evening until five months later he escaped again, this time successfully.

Another long walk through deserts and mountains led him to Kakuma Refugee Camp, a barren wasteland in northern Kenya, but the safest place he'd been in years. The education in Kakuma was excellent. Benjamin studied English, math, science and history, but food was scarce, about one half cup of ground corn a day and the supply was often exhausted or stolen before the next ration. Benjamin remained in Kakuma from 1992 until 2001.

On September 11, 2001 Benjamin's first glimpse of America outside his plane window was the World Trade Towers on fire. His plane was diverted to Canada and he arrived two weeks later in San Diego. Since then Benjamin has explored many opportunities in America, from a wrapper at the Hillcrest Ralphs Grocery Store to a part in the Russell Crowe/Peter Weir movie, "Master and Commander." Holding a Class A licnese, from behind the wheel of an 18 wheeler, Benjamin has seen all 48 states. He now resides in San Diego and speaks full time to organizations and schools, sharing his amazing life and insights into surviving as a child of war and a newcomer to the U.S.

Judy A. Bernstein

Stepping down after twenty years in the computer business, Judy now spends her time as a mother, writer, Student Advisor for the Community Economic Development Department at San Diego State University, volunteer mentor and Chair of the Advisory Committee of the San Diego International Rescue Committee and co-founder of the IRC Lost Boys Education Fund.

In her capacity as an IRC mentor in 2001, she met co-authors, Alephonsion Deng, Benson Deng, and Benjamin Ajak. Awed and deeply touched by their tragic childhoods, epic journey, and heroic survival, when they wrote accounts of their experiences she turned her attention from her just completed historical novel to helping them develop their poignant stories. Knowing the process would improve English skills and hoping it would be good for their spirits, she soon saw the potential for a dream that might also help them to get an education and a foothold in their newly adopted country. That dream began its journey toward reality when Joni Evans, Vice President of William Morris Agency, agreed to represent them. Clive Priddle at Public Affairs recognized the possibility for a book, nurtured it along and took it to fruition. They Poured Fire on Us from the Sky: The True Story of Three Lost Boys of Sudan will be published in May 2005.

Judy now spends her time speaking publicly with her co-authors to community groups such as Rotary Clubs and Amnesty International, temples, churches, and schools. When not speaking, she is writing articles, working on another collaboration with her co-authors, continuing her volunteer activities with SDSU and IRC, and enjoying time with her husband, Paul, and son, Cliff.

If you want to contact one of the lost boys, email Judy Berstein at JudyABernstein@aol.com and specify which lost boy you would like to send an email to. If you want to email Judy Bernstein directly, use the same email listed above.

Taken from the book's website: www.theypouredfire.com

Learn about Alepho and his Music
If you would like to purchase the new CD by Alepho and his band Thong Jieng, please send a check or money order for $10 to:

Judy Bernstein
PO Box 1365
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

Info for First Year Students

The One Book, One Community Project
Michigan State University and City of East Lansing

What’s the assignment? All first-year students are expected to have read They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky before arriving on campus for the Welcome Days for the fall, 2008, semester. There is no written assignment, although you may want to use the guide questions on the back of this information sheet to provoke your thinking about the book.

How do I obtain a copy of the book? You will receive a copy of the book at check-in at your Academic Orientation Program (AOP). Unless you return the book before leaving AOP, the cost of the book will be charged to your account as part of the fall semester bill. If you choose not to purchase the book at AOP, you must return the book to the Academic Orientation Office, Club Spartan Room, Case Hall, before checking out of your AOP session.

How do I pay for the book? You do not need cash! A charge of $10.00 will be posted to your MSU account. This cost is substantially below the retail price of the book. If you decide to return the copy of the book provided to you at AOP, you are still responsible for acquiring the book, either from your local library or bookstore.

Why have a required reading before the beginning of school? Welcome to college life! At MSU, students are expected to accomplish learning in their own time, independently, outside of the classroom. You will regularly be asked to navigate texts and to interpret and apply what you have read. This is an introduction to what will become routine. Reading They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky will prepare you to take part in a variety of activities across campus and within the community where you can meet and learn with other students and with members of the community. This "One Book, One Community" assignment gives each new student something in common with every other new student.

Click here to see the discussion questions for They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky

An alternative format of They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky is available for eligible MSU Students who are registered with the MSU Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD).

Please contact RCPD for the alternative format:
MSU Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities
120 Bessey Hall, MSU, East Lansing, MI 48824-1033
Phone: 517-353-9642
Email: rcpd@msu.edu
Web site: rcpd.msu.edu

OBOC in the News

Barnes and Noble Bookfair
Benefitting One Book One Community
August 20th & 21st, 2008
Click here to see the flyer

MSU News Bulletin
March 13th, 2008
Click here to read about the book selection for 2008

Lansing State Journal
March 14th, 2008
Click here to read about Our Town News regarding the book

Sudan, Darfur, and Foreign Policy: A Resource Guide (MSU African Studies Center):
http://africa.msu.edu/news/sudanguide.php

2008 Calendar of Events
One Book, One Community Events

All events are free and open to the general public unless otherwise noted.

Kick-Off: An Evening with Benjamin Ajak
Wednesday, August 20; 7:30 p.m.
Lecture/Book signing featuring co-author Benjamin Ajak and American mentor Judy A. Bernstein.
East Lansing High School Auditorium, 509 Burcham Dr.
*NO TICKETS REQUIRED. Attendees will be seated on a first come, first served basis. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

SPECIAL SEATING WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES OR OTHER PHYSICAL CHALLENGES: If you are in need of speical seating, please notify one of the One Book, One Community volunteers when you arrive at the high school, and you will be escorted to this seating section.

University Welcome for Incoming MSU Students
Thursday, August 21; 9:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Featuring Benjamin Ajak and Judy A. Bernstein
Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, MSU Campus
(Public is welcome)

Engagement Session for Incoming MSU Students
Thursday, August 21, 9:30 and 11:10 am
This session will engage participants in a discussion revolving around the book, "They Poured Fire on Us from the Sky". Participants will be able to have an open and interactive dialogue about their impression of the book, and the book's impact on them. In addition, students will be able to critically look at and debate the role of America in Sudan and the value of reading such a book. Lastly, students will be able to share what they will do differently, if anything after reading the book. This session is limited to incoming MSU students.
Location: Brody Complex

The Residential College in the Arts and Humanities
Friday, August 22
Benjamin Ajak will meet with first-year students in the Residential College for Arts and Humanities.
*This event is limited to students in RCAH.

Writing Workshop:Travelers Together and Alone: Writing About life's Journeys
Tuesday, September 2, 9 and 16; 4-6 p.m./7-9 p.m.
They Poured Fire On Us From The Sky is the story of three young boys forced to flee their village and their country because of a devastating civil war.The book is their narrative of their journey to safety, a memoir of their escape from Sudan and a testament to the tenacity of the human spirit in overcoming insurmountable obstacles and unbearable grief. What, we might ask ourselves, do we have in common with these boys?We, too, are all on a journey.It may not appear as dramatic as that of Odysseus or of The Lost Boys, but we all travel many road through perilous country in our lifetimes.There are the physical journeys we make, the ones that uproot us from home and family and take us to places far away, and the psychological ones that allow us to escape from fear and grief into realms of peace and understanding.There are the spiritual journeys we make from landscapes of doubt and uncertainty to spaces of belief and even passion.And there are the quests of self-discovery that surprise us with unexpected forks in the road, unlikely traveling companions, and unpredictable destinations.In this workshop we will write about those highways we have traveled, keeping in mind the journeys of Alepho, Benjamin, and Benson and discovering in our stories what, after all, resonates with theirs.

Register for this session beginning on August 4 by calling 351-2420.
East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Rd., Community Room

Reading on September 23rd
Theater, Residential College of Arts and Humanities
Snyder-Phillips Hall, MSU Campus
The reading is open to the public

Movie and Popcorn: "God Grew Tired of Us" (Rated PG)
Wednesday, September 3, 7 p.m.
The award-winning story of four boys from Sudan as they embark on a journey to America after years of wandering Sub-Saharan Africa in search of safety.
East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road

From Sudan to Lansing: Lost Boys Tell Their Story
Monday, September 8; 7-8:30 p.m.
The Lansing area has one of the largest concentrations of "Lost Boys of Sudan" in the country. The panel will explore the various experiences of these young men as they went to school and/or work, and began to become assimilated to the U.S. Kellogg Center, 55 S. Harrison Road, Lincoln Room
*Parking will be validated.

MSU Friday Night Film Series; "Lost Boys of Sudan"
Friday, September 12, 7 p.m.
An Emmy-nominated feature-length documentary that follows two Sudanese refugees on an extraordinary journey from Africa to America. Discussion following film led by Malik Balla, from Linguistics, German, Slavic, Asian & African Languages at Michigan State University.
MSU Main Library, Room W 449

Echoes of Africa: An African Experience
Sunday, September 14; 1-2:30 p.m.
Experience the sounds of African drumming and participate in storytelling, crafts and other cultural activities.
Adams Field, MSU campus
More information about parking for symbolic walks to the event will be available September 1st..

Learn more about the Refugee Development Center in Lansing. Looking for items to donate at the event, click here to see the Center's wishlist.

Maps: Two different links to google maps -

Echoes of Africa (MSU Students):
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=110067587068936332114.00045432969c5a6fc2d0d

Echoes of Africa (Off Campus):
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=110067587068936332114.000453dd95779834e9880

East Lansing High School Welcomes Benjamin Ajak
Thursday, September 18; (time tbd)
Benjamin Ajak will meet with East Lansing High School students in an all-school assembly.
East Lansing High School auditorium, 509 Burcham Dr.
*Event is limited to ELHS students.

Book Talk with Benjamin Ajak and Judy A. Bernstein
Thursday, September 18; 7-8:30 p.m.
Community book discussion with the authors
(Pre-registration required. Call 517-351-2420)
East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road

Reading of Works from Writing Workshop
Tuesday, September 23; 7:45 p.m.
Residential College of Arts and Humanities Theater
Snyder-Phillips Hall, MSU Campus (Public is Welcome)

The One Book, One Community program is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities.

Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting Adrienne Kay at kayadrie@msu.edu or 355-5060 two weeks prior to date of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

Other events related to the One Book, One Community Program.

21st-Century Fall 2008 Chautauqua Dialogues
Residential College in the Arts and Humanities
Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions
One Book, One Community

Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions – One Book One community
Five Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions (OCAT)Aides and five International Volunteer Action Corps (IVAC) members will be discussion leaders to lead small group discussions about the book. We will recruit 40-50 domestic and international students to participate. Book discussions will take place early fall semester. Contact Carlos Fuentes for any questions at 353-7745 or fuentes@msu.edu