Join the Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties and Cellar Door Bookstore as we welcome middle grade debut author Tamika Burgess to talk about her new book Sincerely Sicily. Tamika will be in conversation with fellow author, Isabel Quintero. Tamika and Isabel will be at the Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties in Downtown Riverside on Friday, April 14th at 7 pm!
About Sincerely Sicily: "Sicily’s plans for sixth grade, hanging with her Tether Squad, going to Ravenwood Middle School, and writing a play for her best friend Evelyn to star in are dashed when she gets notice that Shirley Chisolm Middle School has opened in time for the new year. Only Sicily’s abuela can console her but being new means introducing yourself to a whole new group and for a curious, confident Sicily, that may just mean exploring her own Afro-Panamanian background more carefully. Prepare to meet music that insists your body move, a history of strong and courageous people, and the incredible power of masterfully done braids. A wonderful addition to the diverse stories opening up our world!" - Linda
About the authors:
Tamika Burgess is a storyteller with over a decade of novel, TV/film, and personal essay writing experience. Born to parents who migrated from Panamá, Tamika has always taken a particular interest in writing themes that explore her Black Latina identity. Because of her passion for spreading the knowledge of Black Panamanian culture, Tamika has been featured on various websites, podcasts, and panels. When she is not writing, Tamika is somewhere cozy online shopping and listening to a podcast. Tamika resides in sunny Southern California. Sincerely Sicily is her first novel, a middle grade story about a Black Panamanian girl who strives to change the world through her writing.
Isabel Quintero is an award-winning writer from the Inland Empire of Southern California. She is also the daughter of Mexican immigrants. In addition to Gabi, A Girl in Pieces, she has also written a chapter book series for young readers, Ugly Cat and Pablo (Scholastic, Inc.), a non-fiction YA graphic biography, Photographic: The Life of Graciela Iturbide (Getty Publications, 2018), which received the Boston Globe Horn Book Award, and most recently, a picture book, My Papi Has a Motorcycle (Kokila, 2019). Isabel also writes poetry and essays. Her work can be found in The Normal School, Huizache, The Acentos Review, As/Us Journal, The James Franco Review, and other publications.
Sign up for the event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tamika-burgess-in-conversation-with-isabel-quintero-tickets-592540343117
