Several literary gatherings are set in the Twin Cities area during the first week of March, featuring authors, musicians, and award announcements. Events include readings by notable writers and a recognition for a local educator's children's book. These activities highlight local and national literary figures.
The literary scene in the Twin Cities kicks off March with a series of events aimed at book lovers and families. On March 1 at 1 p.m., Minnesota writer Kate DiCamillo collaborates with musician Jimmi Langemo at Judson Memorial Baptist Church in Minneapolis. The duo will share stories and music to support the Joyce Uptown Foodshelf, with tickets available through redballoonbookshop.com.
On Saturday at 2 p.m., Colorado writer Nina McConigley will discuss her debut novel, "How to Commit a Postcolonial Murder," with Minnesota author V.V. Ganeshananthan. The free event takes place at the Plymouth library in partnership with Valley Bookseller of Stillwater.
Midweek, on Wednesday at 7 p.m., Scott Meslow presents his book "A Place Both Wonderful and Strange: The Extraordinary Untold History of Twin Peaks" at Magers & Quinn bookstore in Minneapolis.
Imani Perry, winner of the National Book Award for "South to America" and author of "Black in Blues: How a Color Tells the Story of My People," joins the Friends of Hennepin County Library’s Pen Pals series. She will speak on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and Friday at 11 a.m. at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, with in-person tickets priced at $49 to $59 and virtual access at $35. Reservations can be made by calling 612-542-8112.
In other news, St. Paul author and educator Christopher Danielson has received the national Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute Mathical Book Prize for his picture book "How Did You Count?" aimed at grades K-2. The book features photographs by Minneapolis photographer Asha Belk. The prize committee noted: “Young readers … are invited to share their thought process — and sometimes whimsical ways — for tallying things up — as they explore colorful photos featuring mathematical groups of everyday objects.” Danielson, a former teacher at Normandale Community College and St. Paul public schools, serves as director of strategic projects at CPM Educational Program and founded Math On-a-Stick, an event at the Minnesota State Fair. The award collaborates with the National Council of Teachers of English, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and Children’s Book Council, and includes a companion teachers’ guide.
Additionally, Barbara Kingsolver's novel "Partita" is slated for release in October, following a pianist's journey of solace and self-discovery after her brother's death.