The Arne Nixon Center Advocates, support group for the Arne Nixon Center for the Study of Children’s Literature at California State University, Fresno, will hear a talk by award-winning author Margarita Engle on Friday, Sept. 25, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno, 2672 E. Alluvial Ave.

Following a reception at 6 p.m., the program will begin at 6:45 p.m. The author’s presentation, “Finding the Poetry in History,” will include family pictures.

Engle, who lives in Clovis, is the Cuban-American author of three novels, written in free verse, for young people. “The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano” won the Pura Belpré and the Americas awards. “The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom” is a 2009 Newbery Honor book. “Tropical Secrets: Holocaust Refugees in Cuba” published in April 2009, is winning rave reviews.

The program will include a presentation of Jane Addams Award-winning books to the Arne Nixon Center by community activist Ellie Bluestein. The Jane Addams Children’s Book Award is a national award, given annually by the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and the Jane Addams Peace Association to the children’s book that most effectively promotes the cause of peace, social justice, world community, and the equality of the sexes and all races, as well as meeting conventional standards for excellence. “The Surrender Tree” won for 2009.

The author’s books will be available for sale and autographing.

There is no admission charge for this event. Children aged 10 and older are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Reservations are required by sending e-mail to mrianto@csufresno.edu or by calling 559.278-8116.

Related link:

Arne Nixon Center at Fresno State