Bookworks and the Albuquerque Public Library Foundation Present 'A Word With Writers', 5/26

Bookworks and the Albuquerque Public Library Foundation are collaborating on their fourth installment of their fundraiser literary series, A Word With Writers, May 26, hosting Sherman Alexie on tour for his new children's picture book, Thunder Boy Jr. (Little, Brown & Co.).

With illustrations from Caldecott Award-winning illustrator, Yuyi Morales, Thunder Boy Jr. is the story of a young boy who must find his own identity despite being named after his father. Morales' vivid images bring to life Alexie's endearing prose for a perfect Father's Day gift for literary fans.

A National Book Award-winning author, poet, and filmmaker, Alexie is one of the most well-known and beloved literary writers of his generation. His works of fiction, including The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Reservation Blues, and The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven, have received numerous awards and citations. Like Thunder Boy Jr., Sherman was named for his father.

Since migrating to the U.S. from Mexico in 1994, illustrator Yuyi Morales has created many celebrated children's books, including Nino Wrestles the World and Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez. Morales is the winner of several awards, including a Pura Belpre Medal and a Caldecott Honor for Viva Frida. Morales divides her time between Mexico and California.

Library foundation president, Julia Clark, says "We look forward to working with Bookworks on our fourth installment of A Word With Writers. We hope this event appeals to families who love Alexie. This new children's book is an endearing tribute to traditional naming and father-son relationships."

"Sherman Alexie is one of our all-time favorite authors. Ever. It's always a pleasure to host him in Albuquerque, and we've sure this event will be like his others-well attended and a night of laughs for everyone involved," says Bookworks Events Director, Amanda Sutton.

Alexie's event is co-sponsored by WordCraft Circle of Native Writers. WordCraft director Lee Francis will introduce Mr. Alexie.

Doors open at 6pm, with the event beginning at 7pm Thursday, May 26. Tickets are available at bkwrks.com, at the store at 4022 Rio Grande Blvd NW, or via phone at 505-344-8139. General admission seating is $25, which includes a $5 donation to the library foundation and a signed hardcover of Thunder Boy Jr. Each regular admission ticket has the option of adding a "date" ticket for $5. Priority seating and signing line placement is $50 per ticket and includes front row seating and signing line preference, a signed hardcover of Thunder Boy Jr., and a $20 donation to the library foundation.

Mr. Alexie will sign books for fans after his talk. Bookworks will have his other titles on hand at their bookselling table in the lobby of the KiMo.