World of Wonder is a lyrical, rhyming picture book about a young child who learns to navigate the world with a sense of wonder, by activist and award-winning documentarian Valarie Kaur. Even when confronted with injustice in the world or unkindness at the park, Wonder Baby learns that wonder is the root of empathy and love. Wonder Baby chooses to love everything alive.

An evening of contemporary Ukrainian poetry featuring readings by one of Ukraine’s most acclaimed poets, Marianna Kiyanovska, recipient of the Shevchenko Prize, Ukraine’s highest honor for works of literature and culture, as well as the Zbigniew Herbert International Literary Award and the Peterson Literary Award. The readings, in the original Ukrainian with English translation, will be followed by a conversation with Alex Averbuch addressing Ukraine’s present and past, its horrors and inspirations, as well as its multiculturalism and multiethnicity.

Join Omar Mohamed for an interactive discussion of his award-winning graphic novel, When Stars are Scattered. The graphic novel memoir details Omar's journey with his brother from a Somali Refugee Camp in Kenya to the United States. He will discuss the book, the art of storytelling, and the refugee experience. This event is most suitable for teens and tweens.

This event is sponsored by The Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies in the University of Michigan International Institute.

In the gripping first novel in the Daughters of the Empty Throne trilogy, author Margaret Killjoy spins a tale of earth magic, power struggle, and self-invention in an own-voices story of trans witchcraft. Lorel has always dreamed of becoming a witch—learning magic, fighting monsters, and exploring the world beyond the small town where she and her mother run the stables. Even though a strange plague is killing the trees in the Kingdom of Cekon and witches are being blamed for it, Lorel wants nothing more than to join them.

Children's authors will talk about their latest books and will be available for book signings.

This event is part of Varta Storytelling Festival. For more events, see aadl.org/varta.

Children's authors Suma Subramaniam, Salma Hussain, and Gauri Dalvi Pandya, in conversation with Urmila Bilgi, discuss the question of "how to bring real emotions to your writing."

This event is part of Varta Storytelling Festival. For more events, see aadl.org/varta.

Join us for a day celebrating books at the A2 Community Bookfest! Formerly the Kerrytown Bookfest, the A2 Community Bookfest is thrilled to return to downtown Ann Arbor for 2024!

Booksellers, publishers, authors, and more will be on the vendor floor from 10am-5pm and various activities for all ages, such as keynote author talks, hands-on crafts for kids and adults, storytimes, and discussion groups, will take place throughout the day. Additionally, the Fifth Avenue Press annual author reception will celebrate books published by the Library in the prior year.

The Ann Arbor District Library is pleased to announce the release of nine new literary works from our Fifth Avenue Press imprint! Our local authors have something to offer for a variety of readers. Listen to a brief reading of each title, meet the authors, buy their books, and get them signed!

These books will be on sale all all day at the Fifth Avenue Press table during A2 Community Bookfest.

One picture book for all ages:

Philip and Erin Stead are the celebrated husband and wife author-illustrator duo of the Caldecott Medal-winning book, A Sick Day for Amos McGee, in addition to Bear Has a Story to Tell, Lenny & Lucy, and many more. The Ann Arbor locals' work has been described as "witty", "breathtaking", and "full of whimsy, heart, and delight". Learn more about their process in this special talk! Books will be for sale and the Steads will do a signing.

Beth Nguyen is a talented novelist and nonfiction writer of four books, most recently the memoir Owner of a Lonely Heart. Beth's books have appeared in community and university programs nationwide and in numerous publications including The New Yorker, The Paris Review, The New York Times, and Time Magazine.

This event is part of the A2 Community Bookfest. For all Bookfest events, go to aadl.org/bookfest.