NYC Bookstores Host Events to Coincide with BEA

From May 21 - 26, several New York City bookstores are hosting in-store events, and they’re hoping booksellers in town for BookExpo America will stop by. Below are some of the events planned at area indies beginning this weekend; check store websites for additional events and details.

Books of Wonder, 18 West 18th St., Manhattan

Saturday, May 21, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Great Middle Reads
Seven authors of new chapter books for young readers will read from their books, answer questions, and sign copies:

• Andrea Davis Pinkney, Bird in a Box (Little, Brown)

• Derek Benz, Grey Griffins (Little, Brown)

• Julie Sternberg, Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie (Amulet)

• Jack D. Ferraiolo, Sidekicks (Amulet)

• Diane Zahler, A True Princess (HarperCollins)

• John Kloepfer, The Zombie Chasers (HarperCollins)

• Jeradine Nolen, Eliza's Freedom Road (Simon & Schuster)

Sunday, May 22, 1:00 p.m. - 3 p.m. Terrific Teen Titles
Eight authors will read from their books, answer questions, and sign copies:

• Casey Scieszka, Steven Weinberg (Illus.) To Timbuktu: Nine Countries, Two People, One True Story (Roaring Brook)

• Elizabeth Scott, Between Here and Forever (Simon Pulse)

• Amy Ignatow, Popularity Papers: Book 2 (Amulet)

• Robert Sharenow, The Berlin Boxing Club (HarperTeen)

• Megan McCafferty, Bumped (Balzer & Bray)

• Julie Chibbaro, Deadly (Anteneum)

• Melissa Kantor, The Darlings Are Forever (Hyperion)

Wednesday, May 25, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The Class of 2k11
A class of new authors for teens will celebrate their debut works:

• Julia Karr, XVI (Speak)

• Bettina Restrepo, Illegal (Katherine Tegen Books)

• Amy Holder, The Lipstick Laws (Graphia)

• Angie Smibert, Memento Nora (Marshall Cavendish)

• Carole Estby Dagg, The Year We Were Famous (Clarion Books)

• Gae Polisner, The Pull of Gravity (Farrar, Straus and Giroux)

• Christina Mandelski, The Sweetest Thing (Forever)

• Sheila O'Connor, Sparrow Road (Putnam Jevenile)

• Alissa Grosso, Popular (Llewellyn Publications)

• Amy Fellner Dominy, OyMG (Walker & Company)

• Geoff Herbach, Stupid Fast (Sourcebooks Fire)

• Carrie Harris, Bad Taste in Boys (Delacorte)

• Kiki Hamilton, The Faerie Ring (Tor Teen)

• Trinity Faegan, The Mephisto Covenant (EgmontUSA)

Greenlight Bookstore, 686 Fulton St., Brooklyn

Wednesday, May 25, 7:30 p.m. Tayari Jones Introduces Silver Sparrow
Author Tayari Jones will present and sign her new novel, Silver Sparrow (Algonquin), at the book's launch party. Refreshments will be served.

Thursday, May 26, 7:30 p.m. Angel Nafis Hosts the Greenlight Summer Open Mic Series
Featured poets include Jon Sands, Jeanann Verlee, and Taylor Mali from Writebloody Publishing. Open mic participants should arrive at 7:00 p.m. to sign up for a reading slot; readings must be no more than three minutes. Wine will be served.

Housing Works Bookstore Café, 126 Crosby St., Manhattan

Monday, May 23, 7:00 p.m. - Indie Booksellers Choice Awards Ceremony (not to be confused with ABA’s Indies Choice Book Awards, to be presented at Tuesday’s Celebration of Bookselling Author Awards Luncheon)
Indie booksellers have voted for their favorite books published by independent publishers in 2010. Author David Rees and a special guest will present the awards. Sponsored by Melville House and Shelf Awareness.

Wednesday, May 25, 7:00 p.m. Goodreads Book Club presents Jennifer Egan and punk band Care Bears on Fire
An evening of literature and music benefiting the Housing Works mission of fighting to end AIDS and homelessness. Tickets are $10.

powerHouse Arena, 37 Main St., Brooklyn

Tuesday, May 24, 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. - Knopf Author Showcase
Authors Karen Russell, Jim Shepard, Ben Marcus, and Sloane Crosley will read from their newest works and answer questions. Free. RSVP: rsvp@powerhousearena.com.

Wednesday, May 25, 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. - Rare Bird Lit BEA Party
A joint party with Angelinos Rare Bird Lit, featuring special guests and book giveaways. Free. RSVP: rarebirdlitbea.eventbrite.com.