Spokane, WA | June 3, 2025 – Spokane County Library District (SCLD) announces an exciting summer of storytelling, creativity, and inspiration with the K–12 Summer Series of free, online talks. These events offer a unique opportunity for students, educators, and book lovers to hear directly from four acclaimed authors about their writing journeys, creative processes, and beloved books.

The bestselling author Katherine Applegate chats about her heartwarming book in verse, Odder (for kids in grades 3–5). This book is inspired by the true story of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers. This poignant and humorous tale, told in free verse, examines bravery and healing through the eyes of one of nature’s most beloved and charming animals.

Kids are encouraged to grab their drawing supplies and get ready to draw along with award-winning author and illustrator Raúl The Third as he discusses his book ¡Vamos! Let’s Go Read! (for kids in pre-kindergarten to grade 2) at two online events—a talk in Spanish and a talk in English. Meet Little Lobo and friends as they explore their library's Libro Love Book Festival! From cookbook demonstrations and comics workshops to mask making and language classes, the library has something for everyone, and Little Lobo can’t wait to show everyone.

Explore the intricate world of Legend (for teens in grades 9–12) with bestselling author Marie Lu as she encourages readers to look beyond the surface and reveal hidden secrets. Hear her insights into crafting thrilling, unforgettable stories. In this dystopian novel, two unlikely characters, June and Day, cross paths in search of the Truth. Can they set aside their differences and preconceptions for the greater good? This captivating novel challenges its readers to think critically about their own world and reminds us to never judge a book by its cover.

Award-winning author Rex Ogle talks about his book Free Lunch (for tweens in grades 6–8), which chronicles his struggles to navigate sixth grade. Unsparing and realistic, it is a story of hardship threaded with hope and moments of grace. Rex’s voice is compelling and authentic, and Free Lunch is a true, timely, and essential work that illuminates the lived experience of poverty in America. Free Lunch is a winner of the YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award.

When you register for an SCLD Online Authors Series talk, you can submit questions to the author for their event. Each talk’s recording is also available 24 hours after the live event.

Find out more and sign up for these author talks at scld.org/k-12-summer-series.
 
Spokane County Library District provides resources, experiences, and places that empower people to learn, explore, and succeed. The District operates 10 libraries that include Airway Heights, Argonne, Cheney, Deer Park, Fairfield, Medical Lake, Moran Prairie, North Spokane, Otis Orchards, and Spokane Valley as well as the mobile library LINC. District library cards are free to Spokane County residents.

For more information about our libraries and programs, please visit scld.org or call 509.893.8200.