History Book Fest to introduce Children’s Literature Panel Sept. 28

The Third Annual History Book Festival will introduce a new event – a children’s literature panel featuring three authors of picture books about lesser-known but accomplished women from history.

Moderated by retired Harvard Graduate School of Education faculty member Ilona Holland, the panel discussion will begin at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, at Bethel United Methodist Fellowship Hall, 129 West 4th St. in Lewes.

Books featured in the discussion are:

• “Secret Engineer: How Emily Roebling Built the Brooklyn Bridge” by Rachel Dougherty, which tells the story of how Emily, the wife of John Roebling, took the reins of this iconic engineering project when her husband became homebound after falling gravely ill

• “Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins” by Michelle Meadows, about the first African-American prima ballerina at the Metropolitan Opera House, who overcame many obstacles in the era of segregation

• “Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles” by Patricia Valdez, set in early 20th century London, where young Joan Procter, a gifted zoologist, became the first female curator of reptiles for the London Zoo.

Holland will lead the three authors in a discussion about their historical subjects, and their work as children’s authors and illustrators. Following the panel discussion, the authors will answer questions from the audience and will sign books available for purchase on site from Browseabout Books.

History Book Festival representatives also will accompany Meadows and Dougherty to present their books to elementary school students Friday, Sept. 27, and Sunday, Sept. 29 at 9 a.m., Valdez will present a free story time for children at Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach.

“A key part of our mission is to build historical literacy for all ages, making history engaging and enlightening for all,” said Jen Mason, festival co-chair and co-founder. “The festival is delighted to continue its practice of bringing History Book Festival authors into Sussex County schools, and to provide opportunities for children and adults to learn about these inspiring women from history. And thanks to the support of Delaware Humanities, we are able to provide these books for libraries throughout the state.”

A presentation by Brian Jay Jones, author of “Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination,” will precede the panel discussion Sept. 28. This definitive biography, written by the former president of the Biographers International Organization and biographer of other popular figures such as Jim Henson and George Lucas, explores the life and work of Geisel. This advertising executive turned political cartoonist introduced generations to the wonders of reading while teaching young people how to be empathetic. The presentation will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Bethel United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.

Valdez, Meadows, Dougherty, and Jones are among nearly two dozen best-selling or new and promising authors participating in this year’s History Book Festival. Pulitzer Prize winner Rick Atkinson will deliver the keynote address to a sold-out audience Sept. 27, and acclaimed novelist Alice Hoffman will present the closing address Sept. 29. All events except for the keynote and closing speakers are free.

The full roster of 2019 festival authors, summaries of each book, and a list of the presentation schedule and venues are available at www.historybookfestival.org. All presentations are introduced by emcees who will share insights and facilitate audience questions. Authors are available to sign books after each presentation.

Books featured in the festival are available for purchase at Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach and Biblion in Lewes. Books also are available for purchase at festival events, or may be borrowed from Delaware libraries.

The History Book Festival is the first and only book festival in the United States devoted exclusively to history. For additional information or to purchase tickets for the closing address, go to www.historybookfestival.org.