This month a feminist icon made an appearance at a book launch; a YA debut celebration came with festive treats; a young readers adaptation of a historical memoir was released; and a Grammy-award winning author celebrated her picture book collaboration.
History in the Making
New York City’s The Corner Bookstore welcomed author Willie Mae Brown (l.) on January 3 for the launch event for My Selma: True Stories of a Southern Childhood at the Height of the Civil Rights Movement (FSG). Brown gave a reading of her middle grade book and journalist and activist Gloria Steinem (r.) made an appearance at the event. Photo: Luana Maria Şeu.
A Debut Match Made in Heaven
Author Priyanka Taslim celebrated the release of her debut YA romance The Love Match (Salaam Reads) on January 12. The event took place at the Montclair Public Library in Montclair, N.J., in partnership with local bookstore Watchung Books and community group AAPI Montclair. Taslim held a conversation with author Marina Budhos, in which they shared their creative processes and inspirations for their latest books, and discussed South Asian representation in literature. Taslim also held a book signing with sweet treats and Love Match-themed goodies for attendees.
The Past Is Our Present
On January 17, Carlotta Walls LaNier (l.), the youngest member of the Little Rock Nine, launched the young readers adaptation of her memoir A Mighty Long Way (Delacorte) with an event at Pikes Peak Library in Colorado Springs, Colo.. LaNier spoke about her memoir and her experience integrating the all-white Little Rock High School in 1957.
Centering Collaboration
Grammy-nominated artist Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D. (l.) and illustrator London Ladd (r.) celebrated the release of their picture book collaboration You So Black (S&S/Denene Millner), with a hybrid in-person/virtual event on January 14. Hosted by Decatur, Ga., bookstore Charis Books & Moreon, the event included a storytime reading and q&a with the author-illustrator team. The book’s editor and imprint CEO Denene Millner made a guest appearance and shared details about the editing process.
