DALINC
Resource Guide
About the Program
Dubuque County Reads (DCR) brings our community together through shared reading and action. In 2026, we explore themes of environmental stewardship, family legacy, and Indigenous identity with two powerful titles:
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Adult Title: The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson
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Youth Companion Title: Berry Song by Michaela Goade
Free copies of both books will be distributed across Dubuque County. Each book includes an eco-friendly sticker with a QR code linking to this resource hub—your gateway to sustainability activities, local organizations, and educational materials.
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Why Digital?
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Reduces paper waste
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Expands access to resources for all ages
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Supports community education through interactive content​
Explore Themes
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Environmental Stewardship: Learn how small actions create big change.
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Family Legacy: Discover stories that connect generations.
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Indigenous Identity: Honor Native voices and traditions.
Get to Know the Author
Diane Wilson
Diane Wilson (Dakota)
is a writer, educator, and bog steward who has published five award-winning books as well as essays in numerous publications. Learn more.
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Watch: Diane Wilson's author talk for the 2024 All Iowa Reads.
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Listen: Listen now to Iowa Public Radio’s podcast Understanding Ourselves through Seeds in Diane Wilson’s Novel and dive deeper into the themes of The Seed Keeper.
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Read: Pick up a free print copy of The Seed Keeper at a nearby library*, purchase a copy online through Milkweed Editions, or purchase a copy in person at River Lights Bookstore in downtown Dubuque.
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*At participating libraries while supplies last. Audiobook and eBook formats are also available at some libraries.
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Kids Activities
Engaging kids in environmental activities can include fun ideas like nature scavenger hunts, planting a garden, or creating bird feeders from recycled materials. These activities help children learn about nature while fostering a sense of responsibility for the environment.
Connect
locally
Start Learning
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Be where people are. Go to the reservation and Native community organizations. Visit your local Native cultural center. Learn about the culture and history.
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The Meskwaki Cultural Center & Museum: https://www.meskwaki.org/museum
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Visit nearby Native sites. such as archeological and geological preserves and museums.
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Support Native artists and businesses by buying Native. Buy art, jewelry, clothing, and other items made by Native people and communities
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Examples
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Understand that there are over 550 tribal affiliations in the US. They are extremely diverse and have different languages and cultural customs.
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Learn more about indigenous lands.
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Native Land is resource to learn more about Indigenous territories, languages, lands, and ways of life. The Canadian non-profit's mission is to uplift Indigenous ways of knowing, and build understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples - through tools like our interactive map, Teacher’s Guide, and Land & Waters Acknowledgement Guide.
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Community Support
