Rainbow Rowell and Read Brave - Day 1

Today was a busy day, with three events with YA author Rainbow Rowell. You may remember we sold books at her events last time she was in town, and we were thrilled to work with her and Saint Paul Public Library again as part of their Read Brave program (last year's Read Brave events were with A.S. King).
  

Last fall, Rainbow was scheduled to present at the Anoka-Hennepin schools and libraries (and Addendum was working with the librarians there). Then she was disinvited - and during Banned Books Week, no less!
 

After Anoka-Hennepin backed out, SPPL reached out to Rainbow, inviting her to be a part of their Read Brave program for her book Eleanor & Park (which recently won a Printz Honor).  For Read Brave, as a community we all read the same book - one that is written bravely, and deals with important topics (such as bullying, abuse, and love, in this case). Then, together, we discuss the book.  
 

Read Brave happens in February, but SPPL had Rainbow come in the fall as well, closer to when she had been originally scheduled.  You can read about our fall events here and here.  
 

Today was the first day of Rainbow's Read Brave events.  
 

We started in the morning at the Rondo library with a conversation about Eleanor & Park with SPPL librarians. 

After the talk, Rainbow signed books. 
 

 

Our next stop was Avalon School.  Three other schools in addition to Avalon (City Academy, AGAPE, and LEAP) had all read Eleanor & Park and met at Avalon to hear Rainbow Rowell talk and to ask her questions.  
 

Marika Staloch, of SPPL, introducing Rainbow Rowell at Avalon.

The students were an incredibly receptive audience, and loved talking with Rainbow.  
 

There was a long signing line at the end of the event!  
 

After a quick break, we were off to the Como Park Conservatory for Rainbow's evening event. 
 

Here she spoke to a large crowd about Eleanor & Park, as well as her other books, and answered any questions her fans had.  
 

After her talk, Rainbow signed books, talked with guests, and posed for photos.
 

A huge thank you to SPPL for including us as part of their Read Brave program again this year, to Rainbow for her energy and enthusiasm throughout the day (not to mention all her fabulous books!) and to Rainbow's sister Jade for all her help and support.