FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 8, 2005

CONTACT:Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119, lisa.lacher@drake.edu

DRAKE HOSTS FOURTH ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF NEW BOOKS

On Saturday, Feb. 19, the Fourth Annual Celebration of New Books for Children and Youth will be held at Drake University's Cowles Library, 28th Street and University Avenue. The event is sponsored by the Drake University School of Education, the Des Moines Public Schools, the Des Moines Public Library, Heartland Area Education Agency and Iowa Stories 2000.

The celebration is the annual highlight of the collaborative effort, which strives to provide teachers, parents and librarians with an up-to-date review of recent and upcoming quality publications for young people. This year's event, which will begin at 8 a.m. and run until 3 p.m., will include a preview to more than 300 children and young adult's books published in 2004 and 2005, as well as presentations and book signings by three authors.

To kick off the day, author Marsha Wilson Chall, a 1975 Drake graduate, will present. Chall has published a children's chapter book and five picture books, including "Up North at the Cabin" and "Sugarbush Spring." She also teaches Writing Children's Literature at Metropolitan State University and speaks at writing workshops on how to write for children.

Musician, storyteller and author Ralph Moisa Jr. will make the second presentation. Moisa is the author of "Great Eagle and Small One" and "Little Fish." He has a strong interest in American Indian culture and is known for using his voice to "mend the sacred hoop" and build bridges among cultures.

For the final presentation, special guest First Lady of Iowa Christie Vilsack will introduce award-winning author Pat Mora. Mora is an author of poetry, non-fiction and children's books who often speaks about the writing process, multicultural education, family literacy and leadership. She is the author of "Tomas and the Library Lady" and "Love to Mama." The New York Times has praised her poems as "proudly bilingual."

The cost for the event, which includes a continental breakfast and materials, is $15. Books may also be purchased throughout the day. Public librarians may receive four hours of CEU credit.

To register for the celebration, visit www.aea11.k12.ia.us/drakebookweek/.
For more information, contact Cheryl Cox at 515-271-2183 or cheryl.cox@drake.edu.

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