LitWorks is going to be looking a little different in 2021, because it is going virtual this year! The annual teen book fest is put on between Eisenhower Public Library and Ridgewood High School. In years past, it was a 1-day event. However, this year we will be having four individual virtual author visits in January, February, March and April. Teens will be able to interact with YA authors during these LitWorks virtual discussions. The YA authors participating this year include, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Chris Crutcher, Mayra Cuevas and Kiku Hughes. Find links to participate at www.eisenhowerlibrary.org/litworks.
As in the past, we are encouraging participation from both RHS Students and our 7th/8th grade students from the Middle Schools in the Norridge and Harwood Heights communities. We recognize that this pandemic has changed many aspects of our teens lives, but we also recognize the value of books and reading, especially during times of stress.
LitWorks Author Series & Author Info
- Jarrett J. Krosoczka
- Friday, January 29, 1:45 p.m.
- Meet Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author of “Hey, Kiddo,” a graphic memoir of his father’s disappearance, his mother’s addiction, his life with his grandparents, and how art saved his life. “Hey, Kiddo” is a powerful book that also happens to be a National Book Award Finalist, the 2019 Harvey Awards Book of the Year, and one of Chicago Public Library’s Best Books of 2018.
- Chris Crutcher
- Friday, March 5, 1:45 p.m.
- Chris Crutcher’s books are strikingly authentic and unflinchingly honest. His autobiography “King of the Mild Frontier” is the story of his life growing up in Idaho. “Losers Bracket” is the story of Annie, her foster family, and her search for her missing nephew. Chris has received a number of awards, starting with his high school designation as “Most Likely to Plagiarize.” His favorites are his Intellectual Freedom awards, one from the National Council for Teachers of English and the other from the National Coalition Against Censorship.
- Mayra Cuevas
- Friday, April 9, 1:45 p.m.
- Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Mayra Cuevas is a professional journalist and fiction writer who adores love stories with happy endings. Her book “Salty, Bitter, Sweet” was selected as one of the “YA Books We Can’t Wait to Read in 2020” by BuzzFeed. It’s a slow-burn romance in a cutthroat kitchen for 17-year old Isabella Fields who is trying to realize her dream of becoming a top chef.
- Kiku Hughes
- Friday, May 7, 1:45 p.m.
- Kiku is a cartoonist known for her science fiction and fantasy stories in various anthologies, including Avatar: The Last Airbender – Team Avatar Tales. Her new book, “Displacement,” her first full-length project as a writer and artist, tells the story of a teenager pulled back in time to experience the Japanese American incarceration camps alongside her grandmother.
Pre-registration is not required, but will be encouraged for any teen who would like a free book. One of the best aspects of LitWorks is the excitement teens get from receiving books by their favorite LitWorks author. Even though the event is virtual, we’ll be offering a free book to any teen who pre-registers for the author sessions. Teens will be able to pick up their free book from Eisenhower Public Library via curbside pick-up. More information will be available as we get closer to the author events and can be found at www.eisenhowerlibrary.org/litworks.
In addition to Litworks, “The One Book One Community” project is a way to promote a community dialogue, (both inside RHS and the greater Norridge/Harwood Heights area) and to promote understanding through the shared experience of reading and discussing the same book.
The book selected for this year is the graphic novel, “Hey, Kiddo” by Jarrett J. Krosoczka. Jarrett J. Krosoczka is the New York Times-bestselling author/illustrator behind more than forty books for young readers, including his wildly popular “Lunch Lady” graphic novels. Most recently he has found new acclaim with his graphic novel “Hey, Kiddo”, a memoir of growing up in a family grappling with addiction and finding the art that helps you survive. Krosoczka is also a participant in this year's LitWorks Teen Book Fest. During his virtual session, he will present his story and answer your questions in an online chat open to the entire community.
Critics claim, “Hey, Kiddo” is a “must-have, this book will empower readers, especially those who feel alone in difficult situations.” Jarrett J. Krosoczka community session will be held on Friday, January 29 at 6:00 p.m. Community members may pick-up a copy of his graphic Novel, “Hey, Kiddo” from the Eisenhower Public Library. Community members can join the conversation on Zoom at eisenhowerlibrary.org/jarrett