I’ve never been so eager to wrap up a year in my whole life – and I’m sure I’m not alone. I’m hanging on, helped in part by the lovely inclusion of Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away in “best of 2020” lists at Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, New York Public Library, Chicago Public Library, and Amazon. But I also have a handful of events between now and the end of the year that are bringing me close to friends I admire – a much-needed connection.
Here are a few highlights of places where we can connect around books and authors, if we’ve missed each other this year. As a heads up, I expect to keep a very quiet 2021 calendar while I finish up a manuscript and usher two new books into the world.
A Conversation with Robin Farmer, author of Malcolm and Me: I’m excited to be hosted by A Mighty Blaze on December 3 at 4 pm EST, where I’ll be talking with debut author (and dear friend) Robin Farmer, whose new YA novel, Malcolm and Me has a heroine that I think will steal your heart.
Latinx Kidlit Festival: If you haven’t signed up, please do so right away for the inaugural Latinx Kidlit Festival on December 4 and 5. It’s an
astounding lineup of new and veteran Latinx authors working for kids right now. What better way to sample their work before the eventual return to in-person school visits and conferences? I’ll be the closing speaker at 4 pm EST on Saturday, in conversation with the incomparable Isabel Quintero (My Papi Has A Motorcycle). You can find the full schedule in the link above.
Kids Writers LIVE!: Do I have Baltimore fans in the house? We won’t be strolling around the inner harbor, unfortunately, but on December 9, 6:30 PM EST Enoch Pratt Free Library will host me for an evening conversation as part of Kids Writers LIVE, with Baltimore native and award-winning author Laurel Snyder guiding the conversation. Laurel and I are colleagues at Hamline, and she’s the author of Orphan Island, one of my favorite books of all time. You can register for the event here.
The Wonder of It All: If you’re a teacher, gather up your students right away and take advantage of a low-cost school visit with R.J. Palacio, author of Wonder, on December 15 at 1 PM EST. Sponsored by The Author Village for $15 per class, this special event will feature me serving as moderator for my old friend. We plan to talk about all things having to do with her work and our shared vision for creating a kinder and more just world for kids.
See you on screen!
