Illinois native author Richard Peck, whose contributions to young adult literature have touched the lives of several generations, will speak at the Northbrook Public Library on Wednesday, October 19 at 4:00pm. The event will also celebrate the release of Peck’s latest novel, The Best Man, which will be released on September 20.
“Richard Peck is an author who has been writing children’s books since the 1970’s. He’s from Illinois, and his novels are often set in Illinois, so his books have a very familiar setting to anyone in this area,” said Kelly Durov, Youth Services Manager. “He is a great speaker who brings a lot of entertainment to his public speaking events. Parents and children will both get a lot out of his visit.”
Peck has written over 30 novels in the course of his career, many of which are frequently used in school curriculum. He taught at Glenbrook North before getting a publishing deal and moving to New York, which was a strong influence in his writing. Two of Peck’s most popular titles, A Long Way from Chicago and A Year Down Yonder, tell the story of two city children who visit their grandmother in rural Illinois. Peck won the prestigious Newberry Medal for A Year Down Yonder in 2001.
“His writing style is definitely very funny, very down to earth. I think he really channels a young child in his writing and handles the perspective well,” said Durov. “He always throws in a level of humor and sentimentality that adults could really enjoy, too.”
There is no registration required to attend the author event with Richard Peck. Children in grades 4 through 6 are invited to register for a book discussion on Peck’s A Long Way from Chicago on Wednesday, September 21 at 4:00pm. The Library will have copies of The Best Man available for checkout on Tuesday, September 20.
