celebrate TWO new anthologies written by Oakland youth on sat., may 20!

Saturday, May 20 | 1PM - 4PM
@ Chapter 510
546 9th Street, Oakland

We are releasing two new titles written by 13 middle-school Oaklanders: Empowered Origins, a Fantasy Anthology by queer youth of color in Oakland, and Fire at Your Fingertips, a poetry anthology. Writers took part in multi-year writing workshops led by author and Chapter 510 Teaching Artist Duane Horton, and have written deep, important, and beautiful stories and poems.

The celebration will feature student readings and provide and opportunity for you to buy and have your books signed by all the authors! Bring all your SHINE for these talented writers! Plus, you can get copies of all our recent picture books and novels that were released at the Winter Book Fair (in case you missed it!).

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
11am: The Dept. of Make / Believe opens (books for sale!)
1:30: Empowered Origin’s Fiction Anthology Reading & Book Signing
3pm: Fire at Your Fingertips Poetry Anthology Reading & Book Signing
4pm: Event wraps, but the store will be open until 5pm!

ABOUT FIRE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
Fire At Your Fingertips gathers the poetry of eight of Oakland’s eighth-grade youth. Here, student poets tend their own inner flames, wielding words and the art form of poetry to reveal new depths of the human experience. The fire at your fingertips is here, in your hands, with this blazing collection of youth poetry.

What is more important than young folks discovering the ember in their palms; what courage to transport us through images that are capable of both combustion and hope. Search no further for inspiration than this endearing anthology of resilience!
-Daniel B. Summerhill, Poet, professor,and  author of Divine, Divine, Divine & Mausoleum of Flowers

ABOUT EMPOWERED ORIGINS
Fantasy finds new origins in this striking anthology, written by queer identified youth of color in Oakland under the guidance of teaching artist Duane Horton. These stories are filled with new worlds, alien beings, powerful superheroes, time travel and important moments of courage and spirit that will leave the reader cheering for these characters. An otherworldly and empowered experience awaits in this fantastical collection of stories.

"Full of surprises, fascinating concepts, and remarkably human challenges amid extraordinary circumstances."
-Eric Anthony Glover, screenplay writer, Tom Swift, The Forgotten Four, & Pandemic Playhouse