The Peoria Public Library’s North Branch will host Peoria native James Klise talking about his newest book “I’ll Take Everything You Have” on Sunday, April 23.
“I’ll Take Everything You Have” is a young adult queer coming-of-age crime story set in 1930s Chicago.
Klise will read briefly from the book, then join local author-librarian Joel Shoemaker on stage for a conversation about writing, research, book challenges, and more.
An audience Q&A will follow, and books will be available for sale and signing.
The event is free and open to the public. Registration is requested, but not required.
Klise, who now lives in Chicago, is being brought to the library as part of Central Illinois Reads’ Freedom to Read partnership. Freedom to Read encourages people to read, leave their comfort zone and push back against book bans that have been on the rise across the country.
Klise views the issue of censorship as an author whose works have been banned and also as a school librarian who understands the challenges many of his colleagues now face with the surge of book bans nationwide.
Central Illinois Reads partners include Peoria Public Library, Chillicothe Public Library, Dunlap Public Library District, Fondulac Library District, Illinois Prairie District Public Library, Morton Public Library, Pekin Public Library, Bradley University, Methodist College and Neighborhood House.
Know a useful resource?
Share it with your community!
We aggregate links that connect to resources across Illinois. If you know of a site that should be included or want your website listed, please submit it!
