Four local authors will talk about their new books and writing for young readers during these chaotic times. How do we tell stories that both entertain and inspire? How do we use our platforms to create change? These questions and more will be discussed by these award-winning and best-selling authors. Event is appropriate for middle-school age and above. 

Amy Reed, The Nowhere Girls: Enraged by unpunished sexual assaults and the unchallenged rape culture at their high school, three new friends resolve to take action and start an underground movement that changes the lives of everyone involved. www.amyreedfiction.com

Joanne O'Sullivan, Between Two Skies: Hurricane Katrina sets a teenage girl adrift in this critically-acclaimed debut novel that asks compelling questions about class and politics, exile and belonging, and the pain of being cast out of your home. www.joanneosullivan.com

Alexandra Duncan, Blight: When an agribusiness facility producing genetically engineered food releases a deadly toxin into the environment, seventeen-year-old Tempest Torres races to deliver the cure before time runs out. www.alexandra-duncan.com

Alan Gratz, Refugee: This action-packed novel about three young refugees tackles topics both timely and timeless: courage, survival, and the quest for home. Ban This Book: Fourth graders battling censorship and their school. What more could you ask for? www.alangratz.com