Jarrett Krosoczka
The public is invited to see Jarrett Krosoczka on Thursday, September 26, 4:30 – 6 p.m. at the East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay Street.
You never really know what kind of impact a visit from an author can have on a child. In August, we brought in Eric Litwin, originator of the Pete the Cat series. The kids (and adults) were enthused. They were up and dancing, completely rapt by his presentation. They got their books signed and snapped some selfies with Eric and Pete. It was fun. They checked out all his books, bought a few, and have certainly read them over and over by now. Maybe one of them went home that day and decided to become an author.
This month, we are bringing in another hugely popular author/illustrator. Jarrett Krosoczka writes and illustrates the wildly funny, New York Times bestselling Lunch Lady series. He has also created select volumes of Star Wars (TM): Jedi Academy. And his most recent book, a memoir in graphic novel form, Hey Kiddo! was nominated for a National Book Award. It is about his rough childhood with a drug-addicted mom, an absentee dad and his loving but crusty grandparents who raised him.
Much to my delight, in the middle of the book, he referenced a visit from an author that had a major influence on him. In fact, his life as an author/illustrator may have been a direct result of that one visit. Even more exciting to me was the author who visited him.
Jack Gantos is a good friend of ours at the library. Author of the Rotten Ralph and Joey Pigza series, he’s been to Knoxville several times for the Children’s Festival of Reading and other events we’ve co-hosted. It warms my heart to know that a visit from Jack may have influenced Jarrett and was one of the major reasons he was able to transcend his difficult childhood. Authors and books can be powerful.
When Jarrett comes here on September 26, maybe one or two young people in the audience will be changed forever. Maybe they will have the courage to move beyond their own tough childhoods with creativity and productivity. I hope so.
Everyone is invited to join us at the East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay Street, at 4:30 for a talk and drawing workshop. There will be books available for sale from The Bottom Bookstore.
Mary Pom Claiborne is assistant director for marketing, communications and development for Knox County Public Library.