Read Brave: Author Talk and Community Writing Workshop

The 2017 Read Brave book is Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older. Shadowshaper tells the story of Brooklyn teen Sierra, who inherits shadowshaping—a thrilling, creative magic—and becomes a target as a result. Older addresses issues of body image, cultural appropriation, feminism, and gentrification. Meet Daniel Jose Older and learn about the writing process at this community writing workshop. Open to the public!

About Read Brave

Read Brave is Saint Paul Public Library’s annual, citywide program encouraging youth and adults to read and come together around a young adult novel. The program encourages intergenerational dialog about thought-provoking, contemporary issues facing teens and culminates with a visit by the author.

Each year, hundreds of copies of the Read Brave book are distributed to the community, primarily to teens in the Saint Paul Public School system. When teens own the book, they take ownership of the reading, get the thrill of a personalized autograph, and are able to share the book with friends and family.