Children’s authors lined up for speakers series
Starting in September, eight authors of books for children or young adults will speak at Carnegie Library Lecture Hall in Oakland.
Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures opens its Words & Pictures series with David Murray “Dav” Pilkey Jr., author of “Captain Underpants,” now a major animated film. Mr. Pilkey, who also is an illustrator, wrote the “Dumb Bunnies” series under the pen name Sue Denim. He also wrote “Dog Breath,” winner of the California Young Reader Medal and “The Paperboy,” a Caldecott Honor Book. He speaks at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 17.
Katherine Applegate wrote “The One and Only Ivan,” which won the Newbery Medal. She is the author of “Crenshaw,” “Home of the Brave” and the young adult series “Animorphs” and “Roscoe Riley Rules.” Her forthcoming book, “The Wishtree,” features an old oak tree and a crow who help neighbors embrace their differences. The author speaks at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 1.
Sherman Alexie, a poet and filmmaker, also writes for adults and children. His children’s books include “Thunder Boy Jr.” and “The Absolutely True Diary of a PartTime Indian.” Mr. Alexie speaks Oct. 15.
Katherine Paterson has written 16 novels for children. She won the Newbery Medal for “Bridge to Terabithia” and “Jacob Have I Loved.” Her other books, “The Master Puppeteer” and “The Great Gilly Hopkins,” received the National Book Award. The Library of Congress named her a Living Legend in 2000. Her new book, “My Brigadista Year,” follows a Cuban teenager as she volunteers for Fidel Castro’s national literacy campaign. The
author speaks Dec. 3.
Nicola Yoon wrote the young adult novel, “Everything, Everything,” which is now a major motion picture. She also is the author of “The Sun Is Also a Star,” which received the Coretta Scott King New Talent Award. The author speaks Jan. 21, 2018.
Bryan Collier is a fourtime Caldecott Honor recipient known for his distinctive illustrations that combine watercolor and collage. His work has brought historic figures such as civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr., baseball player Roberto Clemente and President Barack Obama to life. Mr. Collier will appear with author Sandra Neil Wallace, a former ESPN sportscaster and award-winning children’s book author. The duo will collaborate on a forthcoming book about Ernie Barnes, a National Football League player turned influential artist. The two writers will appear Feb. 4, 2018.
Melissa Sweet has illustrated more than 80 children’s books, including “The Right Word” and “A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams,” which were named Caldecott Honor Books. She also wrote and illustrated “Tupelo Rides the Rails,” “Carmine: A Little More Red” and “Balloons Over Broadway.” She will speak March 11, 2018.
Tickets are available at pittsburghlectures.org or 412-622-8866. Prices are $11 for a single lecture and subscriptions start at $24 per package.