Fans of middle-grade fiction are in for a treat as New York Times best-selling author Sherri Winston is set to speak at the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library this August. According to a recent announcement, Winston, who penned the popular children's novel "President of the Whole Fifth Grade," will discuss her writing journey and the first book in the Brianna Justice series. The book has been selected as a Sunshine State Young Readers Award, and the discussion event is earmarked for Aug. 6.
Before Winston dived into the realm of children's literature, she had a prolific career as a newspaper writer and columnist at the South Florida's Sun-Sentinel. Her transition to middle-grade fiction has not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized with honors that include the Walter Dean Myers Award for "Shark Teeth" and a nomination for the National Book Award for "Lotus Bloom and the Afro Revolution." Sherri's versatility as an author is further highlighted by her three-time nomination for a Pulitzer Prize, as reported by the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative's newsroom.
The library event is free and invites people of all ages to join the discussion. In a move to encourage reading among the youth, the first 50 children to arrive will be gifted with a free book, on the condition that they are present. Winston's presentation is scheduled for the evening slot, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the library's location on 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa, FL.
Beyond the discussion, the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative offers a host of activities ranging from toddler story time to adult book debates. Whether it's magic shows or watercolor classes, local residents are sure to find something that piques their interest. Information about these events and more can be found on the HCPL Events webpage, where searches can be filtered by library location, age group, and event type.
