'Strays' Book Release Party with Local Author Gia Gordon at Bobzbay Books!

Schedule

Sat Jun 06 2026 at 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Bobzbay Books | Bloomington, IL

Advertisement
We're excited to welcome local author Gia Gordon back to the book shop for a book release party celebrating her latest novel 'Strays', a heartfelt chapter book about dogs, friendship, family, and finding the courage to stand up for what's right that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find a place to call home - out 6/2/26!
Bring your family and friends (furry and otherwise!) to Bobzbay Books on Saturday, June 6th from 10am-12pm to celebrate the launch of 'Strays'! Join us at this FREE and family-friendly event for...
- Book signing* and meet & greet with author Gia Gordon!
- Adoption event with adoptable dogs from the Humane Society of Central Illinois!
- Pop-up info table with Bloomington Public Library!
- A specialty drink from Coffee Hound (walk just a couple doors down to try it!)
- Games, activities, and giveaways!
AND a special appearance from Andy The Armadillo from Texas Roadhouse!
PLUS! 10% of all 'Strays' book sales will be donated to Humane Society of Central Illinois Pre-order your copy of 'Strays' here: https://bobzbay.square.site/product/strays/OMCV2WSNHM4SOHPKEJWL4F3R?
(*Books will be available for purchase during the event but quantities are limited so pre-orders are highly encouraged!)
----------
About 'Strays': "A girl learns the true meaning of home after forming a life-changing relationship with a stray dog in this irresistibly endearing middle-grade novel, reminiscent of beloved and bestselling stories like Wish, Pax, and Because of Winn-Dixie.
Campbell Cole has a big heart for all living things, especially strays. It might be because her father, the director of the local animal control, is as aloof as they come, so Campbell knows what it's like to feel alone.
When she spots an adorable dog being dumped on the street, the last thing Campbell can do is tell her dad. He might take the pup straight to the shelter, where new rescues have just three days to be adopted. The only person she can trust with the truth is her best friend, Luz.
The more time Campbell spends trying to catch the dog, the more he starts to trust her, which is both great and terrible because Campbell knows she can't keep him. But perhaps she doesn't have to. With the help of Luz's father, an army vet grappling with PTSD, she just may find a solution that benefits not only the dog, but everyone else, too."
----------
About the Author: Gia Gordon is a disabled author, youth activist, and former educator. Her 2024 YA debut, 'The Redemption of Daya Keane', and her 2024 MG debut, 'My So-Called Family', have each earned starred reviews and numerous accolades. Common themes in Gia's work include chosen and found family, hidden identities, and living one's truth. As a dedicated children's literacy advocate, Gia is co-founder of Never Counted Out, a nonprofit that sends books to programs and classrooms where access to reading material isn't readily available. When she’s not writing, Gia can be found thrifting or turning no-longer-wanted household goods into beautifully reimagined designs, featured on IG at Salvage Art.
To learn more about Gia Gordon, please visit: https://www.giagordonwrites.com/
----------
To see what else is going on at Bobzbay Books, please visit: https://bobzbay.square.site/events
Are you an author interested in hosting a book signing, book launch party, or pre-order campaign at Bobzbay Books? Please visit: https://bobzbay.square.site/author-inquiries
Advertisement

Where is it happening?

Bobzbay Books, 419 N Main St, Bloomington, IL 61701-3915, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Icon
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Bobzbay Books

Host or Publisher Bobzbay Books

Ask AI if this event suits you:

Discover More Events in Bloomington

TBD at Bloomington Bison - ECHL Kelly Cup Finals (Home Game 1)
Sat, 06 Jun at 08:30 am TBD at Bloomington Bison - ECHL Kelly Cup Finals (Home Game 1)

Grossinger Motors Arena

TRIPS-ADVENTURES
Illinois Game Con 2026
Sat, 06 Jun at 09:00 am Illinois Game Con 2026

1106 Interstate Center Dr, Bloomington, IL, United States, Illinois 61705

TOURNAMENTS CONTESTS
Autorama at the Arena
Sat, 06 Jun at 09:00 am Autorama at the Arena

101 S Madison St, Bloomington, IL, United States, Illinois 61701

KIDS MUSIC
Downtown Bloomington Farmer's Market Sign + Sing Story Time
Sat, 06 Jun at 09:00 am Downtown Bloomington Farmer's Market Sign + Sing Story Time

Downtown Bloomington Farmers' Market

MEETUPS HEALTH-WELLNESS
Jim & Tommy at the Arena Car Show!
Sat, 06 Jun at 11:00 am Jim & Tommy at the Arena Car Show!

Grossinger Motors Arena

CAR-SHOWS
Teen Genre Book Club
Sat, 06 Jun at 11:00 am Teen Genre Book Club

205 E Olive St, Bloomington, IL, United States, Illinois 61701

MEETUPS SCIENCE-FAIR
Wayman AME Church Annual Love Your Neighbor Block Party
Sat, 06 Jun at 12:00 pm Wayman AME Church Annual Love Your Neighbor Block Party

803 W. Olive St, Bloomington, IL, United States, Illinois 61701

Mario Kart Battle Tournament
Sat, 06 Jun at 02:00 pm Mario Kart Battle Tournament

205 E Olive St, Bloomington, IL, United States, Illinois 61701

SPORTS
MCCC Ribbon Cutting: The Local Hideout Bar and Grill
Tue, 02 Jun at 11:30 am MCCC Ribbon Cutting: The Local Hideout Bar and Grill

2401 E Oakland Ave, Bloomington, IL 61701-5830, United States

College Night at Altitude Trampoline Park
Thu, 21 May College Night at Altitude Trampoline Park

1702 General Electric Road, Bloomington, IL 61704

SPORTS
Compass College Group
Tue, 02 Jun at 06:00 pm Compass College Group

Compass Church

Free weekly Tuesday night social dance
Tue, 19 May Free weekly Tuesday night social dance

1049 JC Pkwy, Bloomington, IL 61705-5023, United States

FREE Lunchtime Concerts
Wed, 27 May FREE Lunchtime Concerts

Withers Park

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
NeighborWorks Week Celebration
Wed, 03 Jun at 04:30 pm NeighborWorks Week Celebration

1301 W Washington, Bloomington, IL, United States, Illinois 61701

The Big Run 2026 (Bloomington, IL)
Wed, 03 Jun at 06:00 pm The Big Run 2026 (Bloomington, IL)

2405 General Electric Rd, Bloomington, IL 61704-8596, United States

SPORTS
Wednesday Night Trivia at Keg Grove Brewing!
Wed, 27 May Wednesday Night Trivia at Keg Grove Brewing!

Keg Grove Brewing Company - Bloomington

CONTESTS
Wednesday Night Trivia at Windjammer!
Wed, 27 May Wednesday Night Trivia at Windjammer!

Windjammer Bloomington

CONTESTS
Wednesday Night Music Bingo at Cheeks!
Wed, 27 May Wednesday Night Music Bingo at Cheeks!

Cheeks Bar & Grill

ART
Live Music on the Patio- Jim & Tommy
Thu, 04 Jun at 05:30 pm Live Music on the Patio- Jim & Tommy

9 Brickyard Dr, Bloomington, IL 61701

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Family Night at Altitude Trampoline Park
Thu, 21 May Family Night at Altitude Trampoline Park

1702 General Electric Road, Bloomington, IL 61704

SPORTS HOLIDAY

What's Happening Next in Bloomington?

Discover Bloomington Events