Reading opens whole new worlds to kids and provides them with personal enrichment. Unfortunately, our country is facing a middle-grade reading crisis. Educators report that fourth through eighth-grade students have a low interest in reading and suffer from poor reading skills. We think introducing them to great authors will help restore their joy of reading!
Reading great books takes on a new dimension when we meet the authors behind the stories. Gwinnett County Public Library has an upcoming Middle Grade Author series for our young customers to build their enthusiasm for reading by interacting with wonderful, creative authors.
Beginning in August 2025, the library will offer monthly author talks for this age range. Come hear these authors speak about their works and the writing process. Talk to the authors, ask questions, and get your books signed! Little Shop of Stories will be on site, and copies of these books will be available for purchase.
Tuesday, August 19 – Author Reem Faruqi
6:30 pm – Lilburn Branch
Author Reem Faruqi will talk about her newest book, Zarina Divided, out in May, as well as her 2023 book Golden Girl.
Tuesday, September 16 – Author Diana Lopez
6:30 pm – Snellville Branch
Author Diana Lopez will talk about her book series, Los Monstruos, including the titles Felice and the Wailing Woman and Rooster and the Dancing Diablo.
Thursday, October 23 – Author Karen Strong
6:30 pm – Lawrenceville Branch
Author Karen Strong will talk about her book The Secret Dead Club.
*Free books for the first 28 attendees!
Tuesday, November 18 – Author Scott Reintgen
6:30 pm – Lilburn Branch
Author Scott Reintgen will talk about his many book series, like the Talespinners series, the Celia Cleary series, as well as his YA titles like Ashlords, A Door in the Dark, and his newest title, The Last Dragon on Mars.
Thursday, December 11 – Author Kwame Mbalia
6:30 pm – Collins Hill Branch
Author Kwame Mbalia will talk about his Jax Freeman series, including the latest release, Jax Freeman and the Tournament of Spirits. Kids arriving first at this event will receive free signed books (while supplies last).
We will have other authors appearing in November and December, so stay tuned for more information!
