Yohannes Gebregeorgis

Yohannes Gebregeorgis is an Ethiopian businessman and the founder of Ethiopia Reads, a philanthropic organization committed to bringing literacy to the children of Ethiopia. In 2008, he was recognized as one of the "Top 10 Heroes of the Year" by CNN. In 2011 he was awarded American Library Association Honorary Membership.

Early life Gebregeorgis grew up in the town of Negele Borana, about 12 hours from Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa. At age 19, he picked up his first book outside of school. ‘“Books saved my life,’ Yohannes says”. He was then offered a job as the children’s librarian at the San Francisco Public Library. Ethiopia Reads also publishes books in Amharic for young Ethiopian readers.

Selected publications

In addition to his book, Silly Mammo, Gebregeorgis also wrote many reviews for School Library Journal during his time at San Francisco Public Library. A sampling is listed below.

Gebregeorgis, Yohannes. "Junior High Up: Nonfiction." School Library Journal 42.7 (1996): 104. Gebregeorgis, Yohannes. "Grades 5 & Up: Nonfiction." School Library Journal 43.7 (1997): 100. Gebregeorgis, Yohannes. "Preschool to Grade 4: Fiction." School Library Journal 44.8 (1998): 140.

Death Gebregeorgis died on January 18, 2022 after a brief ilness.