The Friends of the Concord Free Public Library present
JEnnifer De Leon
Jennifer De Leon is the award-winning author of the YA novels, Borderless, which was featured on the TODAY show, and Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From. She is also the author of White Space: Essays on Culture, Race, & Writing and the editor of Wise Latinas: Writers on Higher Education. Jennifer served as Writer-in-Residence at the Boston Public Library and as a City of Boston Artist-in-Residence. She also received the We Need Diverse Books grant. Jennifer co-created the community storytelling program in Northborough / Southborough, Story Bridge, led by local authors and parents. She lives outside the Boston area with her husband and two sons. Learn more and be inspired at jenniferdeleonauthor.com or on Instagram @jdeleonwriter.
Jennifer De Leon speaks on NPR’s Here & Now with Deepa Fernandes about complicating the image of migrant life in America through writing: CLICK HERE to Listen on WBUR
CONCORD FESTIVAL OF AUTHORS 2023
Keynote Speaker
Jennifer De Leon
“The Power of Storytelling”
Friday, October 20
7:00 PM
CFPL Goodwin Forum
“THE POWER OF STORYTELLING”
Join us for the CFA 2023 kick-off event with Keynote Speaker, Jennifer De Leon—editor, author, and professor of Creative Writing. In this honest and interactive talk, Jennifer will share some of the ways in which “story” can provide crucial insight into the complex intersection of race, class, and educational issues, dispelling myths and showcasing the diversity of our shared community’s experiences. She will reference excerpts from her books—the anthology, Wise Latinas: Writers on Higher Education, the Young Adult novels, Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From and Borderless, and the essay collection, White Space: Essays on Culture, Race, & Writing—and engage with audience questions and reflections. Celebrate the Power of Storytelling in community at the Concord Free Public Library’s Goodwin Forum as we kick off the 2023 Concord Festival of Authors!
“De Leon’s story offers a real-world truth: immigrants face some of the greatest injustices and uncertain futures, but they carry with them their past, their loves, and a powerful glimmer of hope.”
WORKS
The 2023 Keynote Speaker will be introduced by
inaugural CFPL Writer-in-Residence, George Jreije
George Jreije is the Lebanese-American author of the Shad Hadid children's fantasy series as well as the upcoming graphic novel, Tarik’s Bazaar Adventure, and more with HarperCollins. He has also written short stories published in collaboration with UNICEF. George currently serves as the inaugural writer-in-residence for the historic Concord Free Public Library. He is also a Creative Writing instructor with Gotham Writers Workshop in New York City. George has been a guest of honor as well as a featured speaker for WriteHive, WorldCon, SCBWI, and the Highlights Foundation. When not writing, George enjoys visiting schools to spread his love of books and scouring the world for delicious food. Learn more at www.georgejreije.com
