Youth Events

Events for kids, youth, and teens

 Patricia McCormick and Emily Danforth

Patricia McCormick is the author of five powerful novels with varied subjects, ranging from the psychological suspense of Purple Heart (2009), to teenage substance abuse in My Brother’s Keeper (2006). She has been recognized with numerous awards including one of Best 100 Books of the Year by Publishers Weekly, one of the Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults by the American Library Association, and an ALA Best Book for Teenagers. Her most recent work, Never Fall Down (2012), tells the true story of an 11-year-old boy who survived the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia by playing music. Archbishop Desmond Tutu called it "One of the most inspiring and powerful books I’ve ever read. Never Fall Down can teach us all about finding the courage to speak our truth and change the world."

Joining her will be Emily Danforth, whose debut novel, The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2012), is currently a finalist for the William C. Morris YA debut award. The coming-of-age story centers on Cameron, a young girl growing up in Montana, whose parents die in a car crash as she struggles with growing up gay. She's sent to live with her grandmother and her conservative aunt, who upon discovering that Cameron has fallen in love with her best girlfriend, send her away to a de-gaying camp. The novel received starred reviews from Kirkus, Booklist, Publisher's Weekly, and School Library Journal, and was praised by an NPR reviewer who called it "a skillfully and beautifully written story that does what the best books do: It shows us ourselves in the lives of others." 

Both authors will read, sign books, and answer questions.

Date: Saturday, April 13
Time:  11:30 a.m.
Venue: Spokane Public Library, Downtown Branch
Ticket Price: Free

Rebecca Stead

Rebecca Stead is a former attorney who lives in Manhattan with her husband and two children.  She has published three books for children and teens, First Light (2007), When You Reach Me  (Winner of the John Newberry Medal 2010), and Liar & Spy (2012).  According to Stead, “The wonderful thing about writing fiction is that you can be inspired by the real world without being limited by its facts.” Stead’s most recent novel Liar & Spy (2012) is built around the unusual friendship that forms between seventh grader Georges and Safer, a home-schooled boy with an overactive imagination and rather unconventional parents.  Georges moves into the apartment building where Safer lives after Georges’ parents undergo financial hardships that force them to downsize from their comfortable home to life in an apartment.

Stead will read, answer questions, and sign books.

Date: Sunday, April 14
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Venue: Bing Crosby Theater
Ticket Price: Free to all kids, youth, and students; adult general admission $15 through TicketsWest

Workshops

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Slam Poetry Workshop (Teens)

The monthly Spokane Poetry Slam is one of the fastest-growing events in the city. Never heard of a poetry slam? Want to learn more but not sure who to ask? Come to this free workshop taught by local poets Mark Anderson and Isaac Grambo to learn the techniques and history of spoken word poetry. You’ll find out more about local events where you can meet other writers and show off your chops, and you may even leave ready to perform your own poem at the next Spokane Poetry Slam! There is no cost for this workshop. To pre-register and reserve your spot, email getlit@ewu.edu.

Date: Saturday, April 13
Time:  3:30-5:30 p.m.
Venue: Red Lion Hotel at the Park
Room: Willow 1
Ticket Price: Free 

Kids’ Workshop: (Ages 8+)

Kids will love this interactive workshop geared toward sparking conversation and writing. No registration necessary, but participants should bring plenty of paper and a pen or pencil, and be ready to have fun!

Date: Saturday, April 13
Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Venue: Red Lion Hotel at the Park
Room: Willow 2
Ticket Price: Free