Recently a library was built in a late publisher’s honor, a bishop made an appearance in N.Y.C., an author paid a school visit to present a graphic novel, readers sampled traditional treats at an event, an author kicked off a farewell tour, and students enjoyed a visit.


A Special Honor

Lerner Publishing Group publisher and CEO Adam Lerner and his wife Maryann made a trip to Tanzania where they visited the new Harry J. Lerner Memorial Library at Mashati Secondary School, built in honor of LPG’s late founder. (From l.): volunteer teacher David Deogratius Kimario, teacher Salome Msuya Elias, Adam Lerner, Maryann Lerner, teacher Johansen Ernest Muchwampaka, Peace Corps volunteer and local Books for Africa captain Jocoa Kerschen, and Madelynn Fontana.


A Bishop’s Bravery

On October 16, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde (r.) appeared at Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City, an event hosted by Greenlight Bookstore. Budde was joined by author and educator Cornelius Minor (l.), to celebrate the launch of her YA book, We Can Be Brave: How We Learn to Be Brave in Life’s Decisive Moments (Penguin), adapted by Rev. Bryan Bliss from her adult title.


Into the Woods

Comic artist and author Debbie Fong made a school visit to Twinbrook Elementary School in Rockville, Md., on October 15 to present the first book in her new Faraway Forest series, Wally’s Route (Chronicle). The graphic novel follows the titular mail carrier who delivers packages to his friends across the forest. At the event, hosted with Politics and Prose and Open Book Foundation, each student received a free copy of the book. Here (from l.), Twinbrook librarian Natalie Shelton and Fong following Fong’s drawing demonstration for students.


A Winter Treat

On October 18, Michelle Jing Chan made an appearance at Mam’s Books, Seattle’s only Asian American bookstore, to launch her picture book Weiwei’s Winter Solstice (Bloomsbury). The picture book follows young Weiwei, who struggles to find a way to celebrate Chinese winter solstice (or Dōngzhì) after a move to an unfamiliar town. The event was hosted in partnership with Mixed Pantry, a local Asian specialty grocery, providing snacks for guests to enjoy. Here, Chan gives a reading for the audience.


Queen for a Day

J. Elle kicked off her tour for the final installment of her House of Marionne series Fortress of Ambrose with an event at Park Books in Severna Park, Md., on October 13. Elle appeared in conversation with romance authors Ali Hazelwood and Shannon J. Spann for a conversation about the series finale and crafting a romantic fantasy story. Here (from l.), Elle, Spann, and Hazelwood after their conversation, with Elle and Hazelwood decked in diadems featured in the book.


Have a Sip

On October 7, Joanna Ho shared her new picture book, Becoming Boba, with students in St. Louis, Mo., in partnership with The Novel Neighbor. Illustrated by Amber Ren, the picture book centers around Mindy, who doesn’t understand why she is unlike her fellow amorphized milk tea drinks. When she begins to look into the history of their town, she uncovers a secret.