Recently, artists revealed a picture book-inspired installation, sisters presented a book together, an author honored an activist with his debut, an author made a school visit to discuss censorship, romance was the subject at a launch event, and an author discussed a momentous trial.
Art All Around Us
Artists Char Jeré and Meaghan Elyse (pictured) debuted their art installation at the Concord Museum’s 29th annual Family Tree, a family centered event that celebrated children’s literature. Inspired by Ain Heath Drew and Erin K. Robinson’s picture book Ayo’s Adventure: Across the African Diaspora from Afro to Zulu (Barefoot), the sculpture tree, pulled from the story, represents the influence of the African diaspora on traditions and how storytelling connects us all.
Get Your Fantasy Fix
Courtesy Powell's Books
On January 8, sisters and collaborators Fonda Lee (l.) and Shannon Lee (c.), made an appearance at Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing in Beaverton, Ore., to celebrate the launch of their YA fantasy Breath of the Dragon (Wednesday). The duology opener follows Jun, who after being exiled as a child, returns to his home to compete in a dangerous tournament in hopes of winning the emperor’s favor. The duo held a conversation with fellow author Jenn Reese (r.), followed by an audience q&a and a book signing.
Honoring a Legend
Photo Credit: Ellen Gobeille
Poet and author Quartez Harris celebrated the release of his debut picture book Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a Writer (Little, Brown) on January 12 with an event at ThirdSpace Reading Room in Cleveland. The picture book, illustrated by Gordon C. James, offers a look into the life of novelist, poet, and activist Baldwin. Harris held a kid-friendly storytime and book signing with the author, followed by an adult-focused book talk moderated by Jacqueline J. Lamb, senior director of youth services and family engagement at the Cleveland Public Library.
All on the ‘Same Page’
On January 12, Elly Swartz (r.) visited the Wellesley Books in Wellesley, Mass., to share her new middle grade novel Same Page (Delacorte). The book follows newly elected class president Bess Stein and her battle with the administration over her choice of books to be presented in a book vending machine. Swartz was joined by Anne M. Dorner Middle School library media specialist Elly Elizabeth Blye (l.) for a discussion on the right to read, what it means to be an ally in our world today, and more.
Build a Debut
Debut author Elba Luz (l.) made an appearance at Barnes & Noble on Atlantic Avenue in New York City on January 14 to celebrate the publication of her debut YA novel Build a Girlfriend (S&S). The rom-com follows Amelia, who upon discovering that her family is cursed to fail at relationships, tracks down all of her exes to uncover how to be the perfect partner. At the “Romance Night In” event, Luz was joined in conversation by fellow author Kaylie Smith (r.) to discuss tropes and romance. Following a q&a, Luz signed copies of the book for attendees.
Widening the ‘Scope’
Politics & Prose in Washington, D.C. welcomed Debbie Levy on January 14 for the launch of her new middle grade nonfiction book A Dangerous Idea: The Scopes Trial, The Original Fight Over Science in Schools (Bloomsbury). A Dangerous Idea gives an account of The State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes, commonly known as the Scopes Monkey Trial, concerning the teaching of evolution in public schools. Levy was joined by fellow author L.M. Elliott for a conversation followed by a q&a and book signing for guests.
