American Writers Museum to Host Middle Schoolers for Event with National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature in Addition to Public Program

(CHICAGO- September 5, 2018) – On Friday, September 7, award-winning author and National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Jacqueline Woodson will be at the American Writers Museum (AWM) to discuss her new book Harbor Me, first with middle school students at 11 a.m., and then at a 6:30 p.m. public event. More than 150 students from several low-income schools who have participated in AWM’s subsidized field trip program, Write In have been invited to attend the special one-hour daytime event and will have the opportunity to ask Woodson questions in a Q&A session following her talk. A limited number of tickets are still available at americanwritersmuseum.org for the public program on Friday evening.

Woodson’s first middle-grade novel since her New York Times bestselling memoir Brown Girl Dreaming, 2014 National Book Award Young People’s Literature Winner, introduces a valiant group of classmates who find a common bond by opening up about things they usually don’t discuss—whether it’s fear of being deported, racially profiled, or being judged by their accents, skin color, or parental heritage. She will also present her other newest book for young readers, The Day You Begin. Written for ages 5 and older, this picture book illustrated by Rafael Lopez is about finding the courage to connect.

AWM Membership includes free admission to most author programs. Become a member by September 7, 2018 and an extra three months will be added to a one-year or two-year membership.

Upcoming Events:

  • Saturday, September 8, 15, 22, 29 10:30 a.m. Little Squirrels Storytime Bring your little book lover to our children’s storytime every Saturday morning in the Children’s Literature Gallery. For pre-school age children with a caregiver. Free Museum admission not included.  
  • Tuesday, September 11, 6:30 p.m. Surprise Bookshelf Series: Nnedi Okorafor An evening with the international award-winning and national bestselling author of Who Fears Death (A World Fantasy award-winner) and Black Panther: Long Live the King among many other works. Books will be sold before and after the event. Free with museum admission or membership.
  • Thursday, September 20, 6:30 p.m. The Frederick Douglass Mixtape A one-night-only workshop and open mic with Young Chicago Authors’ Tim “Toaster” Henderson responding to AWM’s new exhibit, Frederick Douglass: Agitator. Free.
  • Friday, September 21, 6:30 p.m. Singers & Songwriters: Dessa Rapper, singer and essayist Dessa talks poetry, lyrics and her new book, My Own Devices. Books will be sold before and after the event. $26 admission includes book.  
  • Thursday, September 27, 6:30 p.m. Surprise Bookshelf Series: Ken Krimstein, The Three Escapes of Hannah Arendt The New Yorker cartoonist’s page-turning graphic biography of Hannah Arendt, the most prominent philosopher of the 20th century. Books will be sold before and after the event. Free with museum admission or membership.
  • Thursday, October 4, 6:30 p.m. James Mustich, 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die Indie bookseller James Mustich offers a list of a thousand great books to get lost in. This reading list will spark a vigorous discussion about any personal favorites! Mustich appears in conversation with Chicago Tribune literary editor Elizabeth Taylor. Books will be sold before and after the event. Free with museum admission or membership.
  • Saturday, October 6, 13, 20, 27 10:30 a.m. Little Squirrels Storytime Bring your little book lover to our children’s storytime every Saturday morning in the Children’s Literature Gallery. For pre-school age children with a caregiver. Free Museum admission not included.  
  • Saturday, October 6, 6:30 p.m. Singers & Songwriters: Ketch Secor Old Crow Medicine founder Ketch Secor presents his new picture book Lorraine, with illustrator Higgins Bond. $18 admission includes book.

Museum admission includes special exhibits and programs. For tickets and more information, please visit americanwritersmuseum.org.

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About American Writers Museum

The American Writers Museum is the first museum of its kind in the United States. The mission of the American Writers Museum is to engage the public in celebrating American writers and exploring their influence on our history, our identity, and our daily lives. The museum is located at 180 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60601, and offers something for every age group including permanent exhibits and special galleries highlighting America’s favorite works and the authors behind them. Tickets to the museum are $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and free for children ages 12 and under. Museum hours are Monday – Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM. For more information visit www.americanwritersmuseum.org or call 312-374-8790.

American Writers Museum
Contact: Karie McGahan
312.374.8790
mcgahan@americanwritersmuseum.org