Swamp Fox Bookstore in Marion hosts its first author talk of the year at 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at the Marion Public Library. Award-winning author Elana K. Arnold will talk about the third book in her popular Just Harriet series, Harriet Tells the Truth, just released on January 30. Just Harriet won a 2023-2024 Iowa Children’s Choice Award, and the author was a National Book Award finalist.
“We are excited to host Elana’s talk at the Marion Public Library, where families and young adults can learn more about her work,” says Amanda Zhorne, co-owner of Swamp Fox Bookstore, which is moving to 1375 7th Ave, Suite A, in Marion, where it will reopen on February 7. “The questions kids ask are so amazing! We want to make sure they have that time to engage with her.”
Arnold’s books will be available at the event, with 10 percent of on-site sales going to the Marion Public Library. In the last half of 2023, Swamp Fox Bookstore donated $165 to the library, an amount they hope to increase in 2024.
HarperCollins is sponsoring Arnold’s talk and her visits to local schools. The author will visit Echo Hill Elementary, Bowman Woods Elementary, Wilkins Elementary, Boulder Peak Intermediate, and Francis Marion Intermediate schools.
“We are grateful that HarperCollins and Elana are interested in connecting with students in our community. We hope it leads to more educational outreach for Swamp Fox Bookstore,” Zhorne said, noting that the bookstore has ordered books for the Marion, Cedar Rapids, and Linn-Mar school districts.
Swamp Fox Bookstore has scheduled two additional author talks at the Marion Public Library featuring Iowa-based romance author Denise Williams on February 12 and New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf on March 26.
“We’re so excited about the author talks this spring because they are so different—kids and young adults, romances and thrillers! They fit perfectly with our mission to find the perfect books for every reader,” says Swamp Fox Bookstore co-owner Terri LeBlanc.
Find details about author talks, store hours, and more at SwampFoxBookstore.com.