Durham Library Fest to kick off with virtual session featuring acclaimed children's author

Children's book author Derrick Barnes will kick off Durham County Library's Library Fest next week during a talk about his new picture book, "I Am Every Good Thing."

Barnes will be joined by the book's illustrator, Gordon C. James, and moderator Pierce Freelon, a Durham City Council member, musician and professor who launched his own children's album last year.

"I Am Every Good Thing" came out in September and debuted at No. 5 on the New York Times bestseller list, according to Barnes' website.

The book, according to its description, features a "confident Black narrator ... [who] is proud of everything that makes him who he is. He’s got big plans, and no doubt he’ll see them through–as he’s creative, adventurous, smart, funny, and a good friend."

Barnes also is the author of "Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut," the chapter book series Ruby and the Booker Boys and "The King of Kindergarten."

"Crown" received a Newbery Honor and a Coretta Scott King Author Honor, among other accolades. He lives in Charlotte with his wife and four boys.

The virtual Library Fest session will take place from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., April 5, when many kids will be out of school on break. It's free, but you'll need to register for it.

Programs also include sessions with acclaimed authors (of books for adults) Brit Bennett, Yaa Gyasi and Tayari Jones (whose book "An American Marriage" I am reading right now, and it's fantastic.)

More information is on the Durham Library Fest's website.