The Power of Words: Changing Our World, One Story at a Time
Join us for an inspiring program dedicated to amplifying authentic voices and celebrating the richness of diversity in literature, featuring acclaimed authors Ashley Hope Pérez, author of Out of Darkness, and Jacinda Townsend, author of Mother Country, in conversation with Yael Ksander as they explore the transformative power of storytelling.
Out of Darkness received the American Library Association’s Michael L. Printz Award for Literacy and Mother Country received the Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence.
Ashley Hope Pérez, an author of young adult fiction with a passion for representation, brings her background as an educator and her deep connections with her students to her writing. Her critically acclaimed works, including Out of Darkness and The Knife and the Butterfly, offers an honest look into the lives of young people in the margins of society. Pérez’s stories steer clear of stereotypes and generalizations, presenting complex characters and nuanced narratives that reflect real-life experiences.
Jacinda Townsend, an author of adult fiction, brings a rich tapestry of lived experiences from her upbringing in Kentucky and travels throughout the world. Her novel Mother Country offers a compelling exploration into motherhood and survival, inspired by real-life encounters with modern-day slavery and human trafficking in Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, and Mali. Her award-winning Saint Monkey, a vibrant coming-of-age story set in 1950s Eastern Kentucky and the Harlem Jazz scene provides a powerful exploration of personal and cultural histories. Look for other related community partner programs leading up to the Power of Words at mcpl.info/POW.
Many thanks to our financial sponsors for making this literary event possible including the Paula B. Anderson Endowment for the Power of Words. Learn more at mcpl.info/pow.
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7:00pm - 9:00pm