Recently, two actors came together to discuss an autobiographical picture book; an author had his first TV interview; middle grade authors gathered for an event; students welcomed a debut author; a month-long festival kicked off; and an editor and contributor met.
An Activist’s Tale
On April 16, actor, activist, and author George Takei (l.) made an appearance at Symphony Space in New York City for his newly released picture book My Lost Freedom (Crown), illustrated by Michelle Lee. Actor BD Wong (r.) joined Takei to discuss the book, which highlights his experience growing up in a Japanese American incarceration camp.
Plenty of Firsts
On April 8, Graphix editor Jonah Newman (l.) celebrated the launch of his debut graphic novel Out of Left Field (Andrews McMeel) with his first TV appearance, on San Francisco’s KGO-TV. The semi-autobiographical graphic novel follows Jonah, who joins the baseball team in hopes of impressing a crush. Newman spoke with anchor Reggie Aqui (r.) about Newman’s high school baseball experience and offering queer representation.
Make Some Noise for Middle Grade
Liz Montague’s (l.) tour for the launch of The Equinox Test (Scholastic Press) brought her to Books of Wonder on March 30 for an event with fellow middle grade authors Sayantani DasGupta and Alex London. In The Equinox Test, student Rose is required to pass the titular test at the Brooklyn School of Magic, or transfer to a normal school. Fellow author Kristina Forest (r.) showed her support at the event.
Let’s Rock and “Roll”
Tapestry Charter School in Buffalo, N.Y., welcomed V.P. Anderson for a school visit on April 12 to share her graphic novel Blood City Rollers (Labyrinth Road), illustrated by Tatiana Hill. Anderson showcased her roller derby gear while giving a presentation to students. The graphic novel debut follows tween figure skater Mina Murray’s journey after she’s kidnapped to join a roving gang of young roller derby vampires.
Free for All
The Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore is holding a month-long festival of free family-friendly events at all of the libraries in its system. On April 6, the events kicked off with Imagination Celebration, featuring an appearance from Tammi Sauer (r.), and Vanessa Brantley-Newton (l.), the author and illustrator of Mary Had a Little Plan (Union Square Kids). The Enoch Pratt Free Library will be giving away 1,500 hardcover copies of the picture book.
Editor and Author Chat
On April 22, Barnes & Noble Rockville Pike in Rockville, Md., hosted a launch event for The Door Is Open (Little, Brown), featuring editor Hena Khan (l.) and contributor Simran Jeet Singh (r.). The middle grade collection features stories from 11 Desi authors highlighting a group of young people’s experiences at a community center.
