HOSTED BY KATY BUDGET BOOKS IN KATY, TEXAS

Our local schools have not been exempt from the string of book challenges happening across the nation. While there is a reason that challenge processes exist, these latest efforts feel directed at keeping literature containing certain topics out of the hands of teens who most need safe spaces to explore these issues: sex, sexuality, and identity; racism and prejudice; and personal rights. As we approach summer, a time when teens have a chance to read books purely because they want to, we want to make sure we're introducing them to some titles they probably won't be seeing in their schools, even for recreational reading, going forward.

We absolutely believe literature can change the world, but it does it best by allowing young readers to be exposed to a diversity of ideas and representation so they can learn to make their own informed decisions about their values and their world. Young people should see themselves on pages, but they also need to see people who don't look like them, don't talk like them, don't have the same opportunities they do, and don't have the same beliefs, so they can learn to engage with the whole world around them and start asking questions of their trusted adults.

In light of all of this, we've put together a panel of phenomenal authors who are doing the work of writing important books that are also just great, enjoyable reads. Just in time to compile your summer TBR, come "meet" these authors and hear about their books.

Register for the free Zoom Webinar here.

Helping Kids Rekindle a Love for LiteratureThe Fulton County Library System in partnership with the Atlanta Fulton Public Library Foundation (AFPLF) is excited to announce the Children's Book Festival. The Children’s Book Festival is an event meant to inspire kids of all ages to rediscover their love for reading, find books that align with their interests, and enjoy a little library fun with friends and family.

Featured Authors: Carmen Agra Deedy, Gregory Christie, Kimberly Jones, Gilly Segal, Mayra Cuevas, Marie Marquardt, Rachael Stewart Allen and Super Bowl Champion Malcolm Mitchell.

FREE REGISTRATION: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/childrens-book-festival-registration-304112798567

Mayra will be spending the day with the students of Norcross High School. She will be talking about what it takes to become a published author and sharing scenes from her debut Salty, Bitter, Sweet. Book signing follows.

Meet five Latina authors using their stories to claim joy and power for their communities. These members of Las Musas Latina authors collective will discuss the process of bringing their life journey and cultural experiences into their books. They will also open up about crafting stories that are as quirky, complex and colorful as they are.

Laura Taylor Namey is a Cuban-American and the author of the young adult novel Library of Lost Things, about a literary genius who uses books to escape the crushing reality of her mother's hoarding. 

Mayra Cuevas is Puerto Rican and the author of the young adult romcom Salty, Bitter, Sweet, about a tricultural girl trying to win a culinary apprenticeship in Lyon, France while learning for about loss and love for the first time.

Adrianna Cuevas is Cuban-American and the author of the middle grade novel The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez, about a boy with a secret ability to speak to animals who must use his gift to save his town.  

Natalia Sylvester is a Peruvian-American author of two novels for adults, most recently Everyone Knows You Go Home, and her upcoming debut YA novel Running, about a Cuban-American teenager whose father is running for president.

Anna Meriano is the Mexican-American (Tejana) author of the Love Sugar Magic series, about the youngest sister in a family of baking brujas whose tasty spells cause problems in their small Texas town.

PANEL TITLE: Gather Around the Latinx Table (#367)

TIME: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM on 3/25/2020

DESCRIPTION: Latinx authors from Las Musas (a Latinx author collective) will discuss culture, marginalization, and family as represented in Latinx children's literature. Explore diversity within Latinx culture and understand how librarians can promote Latinx books through diverse narratives.

For more information visit: https://txla.org/annual-conference/

Celebrate the release of Mayra Cuevas’ debut, SALTY, BITTER, SWEET! The event will take place at the Georgia Center for the Book at the Decatur Library and is hosted by Little Shop of Stories. Atlanta author Kimberly Jones (I’m Not Dying with You Tonight) will talk to Mayra about the release of her book and take questions from the audience. A book signing follows. Books will be available for sale at the event.

Event timeline:

Saturday, February 29, 2020

5 p.m. - 6 p.m. Mayra Cuevas in conversation with Kim Jones and audience Q&A

6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Author book signing

Parking: Free parking is available in the deck behind the Decatur Library, accessible through Sycamore Street.

PLEASE RSVP FOR THIS EVENT: