ALL AGES Special Event: Author Gary Schmidt

FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY! This special event is part of the Big Read Lakeshore, a community-wide celebration of reading taking place throughout West Michigan this fall. This year’s Big Read features Grand Rapids author Gary Schmidt and his Newbery Honor book for youth, The Wednesday Wars.

Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and family pressures, main character Holling must suffer through Wednesday afternoons alone with his seemingly hostile teacher, Mrs. Baker, who eventually has him read and perform Shakespeare. As the year progresses, Holling experiences unexpected challenges and deepens his bond with Mrs. Baker.

To enhance the community experience of the Big Read, we are offering FREE copies of The Wednesday Wars to people of all ages interested in reading it. You do not have to be a kid to take a book! These are available now at the cafe counter in the library while supplies last.

We are honored to welcome Gary Schmidt to Plainwell on Monday, October 19 at 6:30 pm. After reading the book, please join us for this conversation with the author in which members of the audience will engage in a discussion about  themes found in The Wednesday Wars and his other works, stories which explore the experience of being an adolescent.