Author Derrick Barnes recently embarked on a two-month tour across the country for his latest picture book, Like Lava in My Veins, illustrated by Shawn Martinbrough (Penguin/Paulsen). Barnes made appearances in 14 cities at libraries, classrooms, and bookstores, and 2,000 copies of the book were sold or given to students through indie nonprofits. We’ve rounded up some highlights from his tour.
While visiting at Brave + Kind Books in Decatur, Ga., Barnes signed a book for fellow children’s author Cara Reese.
Barnes spoke with students at Hill Elementary in Austin, Tex., during an event sponsored by Houston bookstore Kindred Stories.
Barnes made an appearance at Orange Grove Elementary in Orange Grove, Tex., also sponsored by Kindred Stories.
Barnes during a school visit at J. Ruth Smith Elementary in Houston.
Barnes signing stacks of books for students at J. Ruth Smith Elementary.
During a school visit in partnership with Left Bank Books, students at Sigel Elementary in St. Louis, Mo., each received a copy of Like Lava in My Veins.
Little Shop of Stories and Page Turners Make Great Learners in Decatur, Ga., hosted Barnes at their Educator Conference and first annual Children’s Book Breakfast.
Barnes visited the Walker School in Marietta, Ga., with Little Shop of Stories, where he participated in the school’s WalkerFest Picture Book Breakfast and Pop-Up Shop, meeting and signing copies for hundreds of students.
Barnes at the Kings and Queens of Kindergarten at Northside Elementary in Chapel Hill, N.C., for an event organized by Flyleaf Books.
