Recently, two notable activists launched their collaboration, a children’s literature historian made an appearance at an exhibition, a YA author celebrated a new mystery novel, and supporters christened a nonprofit’s new office.
Together We Rise
Feminist organizer Gloria Steinem (l.) and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Leymah Gbowee (r.) came together at 92NY to share their picture book collaboration Rise, Girl, Rise (Orchard). Illustrated by Kah Yangni, the book explores how both creators found their way into the activism arena. Onstage, the two discussed their decades of work, their friendship, and the importance of finding community. Steinem told the audience, “If we can’t create a space where everyone is welcome, we need to re-examine what we’re doing.” The evening closed with a book signing.
The Best Kind of “Clique”
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Mass., welcomed guest curator and children’s historian Leonard S. Marcus (fifth from r.) for the exhibition opening of CLICK! Photographers Make Picture Books. On January 16, Marcus was joined by artists (from l.) Shelley Rotner; Charles R. Smith Jr.; Isabel Ancona representing her late father, George Ancona; Susan Kuklin; Walter Wick; Saxton Freymann; Nina Crews; Ellen Michelson; and Rita Marshall for a discussion about the show and its conception.
Wishing These Readers Well
Red Stick Reads in Baton Rouge, La., welcomed YA author Jumata Emill on January 20 for the launch of his latest mystery I Don’t Wish You Well (Delacorte). The story follows teenaged Pryce as he seeks to exonerate a Black teen accused of killing his teammate five years ago. Here, Emill (r.) and Tere Hyfield (l.), co-owner of Red Stick Reads, take a selfie with the audience.
All in a Name
Nonprofit organization Literary Arts celebrated its first anniversary on January 23 in a new office in Portland, Ore. Classrooms and libraries in the new Susan Hammer Center headquarters were named by Literary Arts supporters. Here, retired librarian Ginnie Cooper shows the “book nook” space she named in honor of Oregon author Beverly Cleary.
