Author Talk with Phyllis Michael Wong

Jackson District Library is honored to be one of 50 locations selected to join the 2023 Michigan Notable Books Author Tour!

Please join us in welcoming author Phyllis Michael Wong to the Carnegie Library on Saturday, June 24 at 2 PM for a discussion and Q&A on her novel We Kept Our Towns Going: The Gossard Girls of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

This fascinating look at a piece of little-known Michigan history tells the stories of the “Gossard Girls,” women who sewed corsets and undergarments at factories in Ishpeming and Gwinn in the Upper Peninsula, from early twentieth century to the 1970s, sustaining both their families and the local economy.

The first 50 attendees will receive a free copy of We Kept Our Towns Going.


About Michigan Notable Books: The Michigan Notable Books program is designed to promote reading, Michigan authors and stories by annually selecting 20 titles that best reflect the diverse ethnic, historical, literary and cultural experiences in the state.

Author Visit with Linda Kimball

Join us on March 15 at 4 PM at the Henrietta Branch to meet Linda Kimball, author of Southern Ties, as she shares excerpts of her book and answers questions on her writing process.

 

 

Author Visit with Roger Yoder

Roger Yoder, a Michigan author with roots in Jackson County, has just published “My Detroit Tigers: Michigan’s Favorite Sports Team.”

He will be available to talk sports and sign books at the following dates and times:
Hanover Branch: April 25, 5-7 PM
Concord Branch: April 27, 4-6 PM

 

 

Author Visit with Roger Yoder

Roger Yoder, a Michigan author with roots in Jackson County, has just published “My Detroit Tigers: Michigan’s Favorite Sports Team.”

He will be available to talk sports and sign books at the following dates and times:
Hanover Branch: April 25, 5-7 PM
Concord Branch: April 27, 4-6 PM

 

 

Virtual Author Visit With Tim Brady

Join us for a presentation and Q&A with author Tim Brady on his new WWII-inspired novel Three Ordinary Girls in honor of V/E Day.

This program will take place on Zoom. To join, click here.

 

Tim Brady is an award-winning author, whose books, His Father’s Son: The Life of General Ted Roosevelt, Jr., Twelve Desperate Miles, A Death in San Pietro, and now Three Ordinary Girls: The Remarkable Story of Three Dutch Teenagers Who Became Spies, Saboteurs, Nazi Assassins—And World War II Heroes have received critical acclaim. He has contributed to PBS history documentaries and has written for a wide array of magazines. He lives in St. Paul, Minnesota and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin (B.A. 1979) and the Iowa Writers’ Workshop (M.F.A.1983).

Authorator Workshop with Ralph Masiello

Join author/illustrator Ralph Masiello aka “The Icky Bug Man” as he demonstrates how to draw a Unimerpent as well as different illustration techniques for all ages! Supply kits will be available at all JDL branches starting August 9.

This program will take place live on Zoom and a recording will be available until August 31.

 

About Ralph Masiello:

Ralph Masiello – affectionately known as “The Icky Bug Man” – has illustrated several children’s books including The Icky Bug Alphabet Book, The Yuck Reptile Alphabet Book, and The Flag We Love. His oil paintings are remarkably rich and realistic and bring ot live the subjects of his books – be they bugs, flags, dinosaurs, or well-hidden messages and secret drawings.

In 2004, Ralph’s first book as both author and illustrator was released – Ralph Masiello’s Bug Drawing Book. With his signature humor and simple instructions, anyone can learn to draw.

Local Author Discussion with Patrice Johnson

Join us for an evening conversation with local Jackson author Patrice Johnson, winner of the 2018 National Indie Excellence Award for her debut non-fiction work, The Fall and Rise of Tyler Johnson. This narrative weaves a powerful account of Johnson as a fugitive of the U.S. government for suspected environmental terrorism.

This program will take place live on Zoom. To join, click here.

Author Discussion with Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha

Join us for a live discussion with Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, author of What the Eyes Don’t See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City.

This event will be livestreamed on Zoom as well as JDL’s Facebook page. Registration is not required, however it will allow you to submit questions for Dr. Mona beforehand. To register, click here.

 

This program is part of the Great Michigan Read. The 2019–20 Great Michigan Read is presented by Michigan Humanities and supported by national, statewide, and local partners, including the National Endowment for the Humanities and The Meijer Foundation.

Teen Read Week Author Visit Livestream

Join us as author Malaka Gharib discusses her novel I Was Their American Dream. This event will be livestreamed at the Carnegie Library, Meijer Branch, Grass Lake Branch and Concord Branch.

About the Book: I Was Their American Dream is a triumphant tale of self-discovery, a celebration of a family’s rich heritage, and a love letter to American immigrant freedom. It is at once a journal of growing up and a reminder of the thousands of immigrants who come to America in search of a better life for themselves and their children. Check out a copy at the Jackson District Library today!

About the Author: Malaka Gharib is an artist, journalist, and writer based in Washington D.C. She reports on topics such as the humanitarian aid sector, gender equality, and innovation in the developing world.