From October 5th through 7th , the City of Bangor hosted the highest concentration of authors and illustrators to be found anywhere in the state. Over 30 authors contributed their time to the event, which featured a poetry stroll, storytelling, panels, lectures, and book signings. The event was a moveable feast, cropping up in The Briar Patch Bookstore, Lippincott's, and Book Marc’s, and utilizing the attractive premises of the Maine Discovery Museum, the Bloom Bakery, the historic Penobscot Theatre, and several other venues.
One of the highlights of the event for me was the storytelling session by famed and beloved author and illustrator Ashley Bryan, winner of many awards including the Coretta Scott King Award.
Perhaps my favorite hour was spent listening to the poignant and eloquent talk by Allen J. Sockabasin, a cultural leader of the Passamaquoddy tribe, and an author-singer songwriter who has devoted his life to his people. Allen described growing up as an Indian, the prejudices, tribulations, and joys of his life. Then, he picked up his book Thanks to The Animals and read. Author Ed Rice read in English, Allen responded and spoke his own Passamaquoddy language, which he fears is being lost. Allen's voice, as he read to us, sounded like river water running over rocks.
Listen to Allen's voice on the Tilbury House Publishers site and utilize the teacher's guides (scroll to bottom of page). They're great.The Briar Patch
27 Central St.
Bangor, ME 04401
(207)941-0255
Lippincott Books
36 Central St
Bangor, ME 04401
(207) 942-4398
Book Marc’s
78 Harlow St
Bangor, ME 04401
(207) 942-3206
Maine Discovery Museum
74 Main St
Bangor, ME 04401
(207) 262-7200
Penobscott Theatre
131 Main St
Bangor, ME 04401
(207) 942-3333
Allen Sockabasin
Peter Dana Pt.
Princeton, ME 04668
(207) 796-2227
1 comment:
Dear Sharon, your blog is beautiful and a pleasure to read! I wanted to thank you for mentioning the book, Thanks to the Animals, which I had not heard of before. I know my boys and I will enjoy it!
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