I remember the excitement of the first Texas Book Festival twenty years ago, as well as my more personal enthusiasm two years later when I had the honor of shepherding Mississippi author (with deep Texas ties) Willie Morris around the annual event.

Mississippi Book Festival logo

This week, it’s Mississippi’s turn for its inaugural book festival, and I’m delighted to be attending as one of the featured authors. I hope some of you will be able to attend my panel this coming Saturday at 11:30 a.m.:

Children’s Illustrated Books – Room 113

Presented by First Commercial Bank and the Friends of University Libraries / University of Southern Mississippi

  • Ellen Ruffin, Curator de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection, University of Southern Mississippi, Moderator
  • Sarah Campbell, Wolfsnail, Growing Patterns, Mysterious Patterns
  • Sarah Frances Hardy, Dress Me!
  • Susan Eaddy, Poppy’s Best Paper
  • Hester Bass, The Secret World of Walter Anderson, Seeds of Freedom
  • Lori Nichols, Maple & Willow Apart
  • Chris Barton, The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch

In the meantime, I hope you’ll have a look at the Black History Channel’s review of my book and consideration of the Reconstruction era. In a nutshell, reviewer Rita Lorraine says that The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch‘s “text and illustrations … depict the whirlwind of change, hope, and the infinite possibilities that defined this rocky time in American history.”

I truly appreciate that, Rita. Thank you for sharing my book with your readers.

bookcover-johnroylynch