Middle Grade Events

Sticking together through thick and thin, sisters Lucy and Frida decide it is time to explore what lays beyond the family farm after catching glimpses of a two fanged monster wreaking havoc at night in Daniel Nayeri’s newest graphic novel. In Annie Barrows's latest novel, we meet Genie, Fenella, and Tillotson Maconochie as they begin their journey as ghosts. Without a copy of Ghostology the Maconochie siblings are led astray and find themselves trapped by a notorious swindler. Joined by moderator Shana Targosz both authors come together to discuss their beautifully illustrated new works about family and unexpected journeys.  

Local author Triona Murphy’s debut novel tells the tale of Peri, a hopeful magician and Apprentice Shopkeeper that supplies equipment to local adventurers. While she waits for her magic to manifest, the Master Shopkeeper is kidnapped, and she must rely on the nearest adventuring party to rescue the Master Shopkeeper. In The Magic Library of Waterfall Way by Julie Abe, Lyra is looking for a Guild to join and discover the village of Waterfall Way and the secretive Guild of Scholars. To join, she embarks on a quest to recover their lost scholar’s crystal and meets many along the way. Both authors will join moderator Kate Ristau to discuss the quests their young protagonists go on to claim their destinies.  

In Pedro Martín’s incredible graphic memoir Mexikid, we are thrown into the world of seven year-old Pedro and his experience picking strawberries with his families during the weekends and summers. Pedro just wants to live the life of the other kids; spending time at the beach and watching cartoons, not spending hours in the sun picking strawberries worried about the threat of immigration control. When his older brother finds a job outside of the farm, Pedro is inspired to do the same, but first learns about the sacrifices his parents made to provide for the family. In Huda Fahmy’s graphic novel, Huda is about to graduate high school and cannot wait to the live the life she has always dreamed of. She soon realizes that the plan she and her friends have developed over the years may need to change in order to find a true happily ever after. Aron Nels Steinke will moderate this discussion between these two incredible graphic novelists.