Authors! with Erin Entrada Kelly

Two-time Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly joins the Authors! Series to discuss her latest middle-grade dystopian novel, The Second Life of Snap. Set in a near-future world shaped by climate change, technological inequality, and questions about what it means to be human, the novel blends adventure, heart, and hope through the unlikely friendship between a young girl and a robot. Drawing on her experiences as a journalist, educator, and celebrated children's author, Kelly creates stories that explore resilience, community, and belonging while remaining deeply accessible to young readers. The evening features a 45-minute presentation followed by an audience Q&A session. Each ticket includes a first-edition hardcover copy of this hauntingly beautiful new work.

Who wants a robot? Not twelve-year-old Zuzu, who lives with her father, Beany, in a poor Texas community some time in the future. Unlike people in nearby wealthy Bountiful, Zuzu and her friends in Barren live in worn-out trailers and barely have enough to eat, much less technology to make life easier. When Beany brings home Snap, an outdated “guardian robot,” Zuzu foresees a dull summer of Snap tutoring her instead of having adventures with her best friends, also known as the Valleycats. But surprisingly, Snap transforms from a piece of machinery into someone who wants to be a Valleycat, too. And when the Valleycats face dangers from a violent dust storm, the hazardous dump where they salvage, and even from the oppressive powers that rule Barren, Snap turns out to be exactly the friend they need.

Erin Entrada Kelly is a two-time Newbery Medalist, Sibert Honoree, Boston Globe-Horn Book Honoree, and National Book Award Finalist whose work has been translated into more than a dozen languages. She is a New York Times-bestselling author and teaches in the Master's Program in Writing for Young Readers at the University of San Francisco. She has a bachelor's degree in liberal arts from McNeese State University, an MFA in fiction from Rosemont College, and an honorary doctorate of fine arts from Moore College of Art and Design. She lives in Delaware.​

Do tickets include a copy of the book? Yes, (1) ticket includes (1) copy of the featured book.

Can tickets be purchased by phone? No, tickets can be purchased online through Eventbrite only.

What are my parking options at the event? The Library has a free underground parking garage. The garage entrance is located on Adams St.

What time do the doors open? General admission seating begins at 5:30 p.m.

Are there assigned seats? No. Seating is general admission. The purchase of a ticket guarantees seating.

Is accessible seating available? Accessible seating is available. For arrangements, please call (419) 214-4332 at least one week prior to the event.

Will an American Sign Language Interpreter be provided for the event? We are happy to provide an ASL Interpreter for the event - if you require this service, please contact us at 419.214.4332 at least two weeks before the event so arrangements can be made.

What can/can't I bring to the event? Please do not bring outside food/beverages. There is no video recording or flash photography allowed.

Will the author hold a book signing after the talk? Yes, the author will be available for a limited signing opportunity after the presentation.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? Yes, tickets will be scanned at the door. Tickets can be scanned from your phone via your Eventbrite email receipt. Please have your device with the Eventbrite email open for scanning at entry. Screenshots cannot be scanned.

Can I get my book if I don’t attend the event? Books may only be obtained at the event. If you are unable to attend, you may give your ticket to someone else to pick it up at the event. Forward them your Eventbrite email receipt so they may collect the book.

What is the refund policy? Tickets will be refunded only if the event is canceled.

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions? Call the Library at 419.214.4332