Author Jordan Ifueko recently launched a digital tour for her first YA fantasy novel, Raybearer (Amulet). Along with many books by debut and established children’s authors who have been affected by the pandemic, Raybearer was delayed from April until August 18, and Ifueko’s in-person events moved online. That didn’t stop an all-star lineup of fellow authors from joining in the celebration. We’ve gathered a selection of highlights from the tour.
During the launch event for Raybearer with Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego, authors (from l.) Nic Stone (Dear Justyce) and Jordan Ifueko discussed the power of story, Ifueko’s love of mythology, and tips for aspiring writers.
Hannah Oliver Depp of Loyalty Bookstore in Washington, D.C. (r.) moderated a discussion between Ifueko and Angie Thomas (Concrete Rose, c.). The two discussed how much Raybearer has changed since Ifueko began writing it at 13 years old, and how the story is a mix of her cultural influences, from Anansi the Spider to Jane Austen.
(From l.): Ifueko, Patrice Caldwell (editor of A Phoenix First Must Burn) and Mark Oshiro (Each of Us a Desert) with sun halo crowns made by Ifueko. A hot topic of conversation revolved around The Lady, one of the more mysterious characters in Raybearer. The event was sponsored by Charis Books in Decatur, Ga.[
Bethany C. Morrow (A Song Below Water) wearing a crown in celebration of Ifueko’s debut. Morrow and Ifueko will promote their novels together at a virtual event with Powell’s Bookstore on September 15 at 5 p.m. PST.
Ifueko hosted a read-along on Instagram Live on August 23, during which she gave away three sun halo crowns to celebrate the book debuting on the New York Times bestseller list.
Short N Sweet Bakery in Los Angeles surprised Ifueko with a Raybearer-themed cake, modeling the design after the book’s U.K. cover.
Jordan signing stock at Skylight Books in Los Angeles.
