Berks Libraries will host a visit from author Amy Sarig King

Award-winning and best-selling author Amy Sarig King (AS King) is working with Berks Libraries to launch her new mid-level book, “Attack of the Black Rectangles.”

King will read an excerpt from his hard-hitting and timely new middle-grade novel that tackles censorship and intolerance, host a Q&A session, and sign books for patrons during an author visit event at the Reiffton School in the Exeter Township School District at 7 p.m. on September 7. .

King is the 2022 recipient of the American Library Association’s Margaret A. Edwards Award for her significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature, helping adolescents to become self-aware and addressing questions about their role and their importance in society, relationships and the world.

She is also a local, having grown up in Berks County. Her 2010 YA novel, “Please Ignore Vera Dietz”, prominently features the pagoda.

The event came to light after several mysterious posts appeared on Berks Libraries’ social media pages earlier in the month, which cryptically warned patrons, “Someone doesn’t want you to know,” leaving readers guess what the program might be.

The cryptic message referenced King’s new book, in which the story’s protagonist, Mac, discovers that his school copy of Jane Yolen’s “The Devil’s Arithmetic” has intentionally obscured words. When Mac realizes what the words are, he is outraged. Someone in his school is trying to stop the kids from reading the whole story. But who?

“This book is so timely,” said Marissa Guidara, youth services district consultant for the Reading Library District. “This event will be a great way to start a conversation with our community here at Berks about book censorship happening across our country.”

Libraries will also host a variety of programs throughout the fall using King’s book.

Refreshments will be served and books will be sold at the event by Aaron’s Books of Lititz.

More information can be found at www.berkslibraries.org/rectangles. The program is open to all, free and sponsored by the Reading District Libraries Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

Reiffton School is located at 4355 Dunham Drive, Reading 19606.

Lola R. McClure