Chapter 16
A Community of Tennessee Writers, Readers & Passersby

Taking Real Action

Andrew Maraniss on his new series of biographies for young readers

In his books Strong Inside, Singled Out, and Inaugural Ballers, Andrew Maraniss explored the intersection of sports, identity, and social justice. Now he’s bringing those themes to Beyond the Game: Athletes Change the World, a new series of biographies for young readers. Maraniss will appear at Parnassus Books in Nashville on March 5.

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The Safest Place in the World

Alan Gratz’s new novel for young readers explores the events of December 7, 1941

“I was afraid. Of pretty much everything. There were a hundred ways to die at Pearl Harbor,” admits 13-year-old Frank, the main character and narrator of Heroes: A Novel of Pearl Harbor, the latest in Alan Gratz’s series of action-packed historical novels for young readers. Gratz will appear at Union Ave. Books in Knoxville on February 25. 

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Marching and Running for Freedom

Alice Faye Duncan celebrates two courageous Black women in new picture-book biographies

Alice Faye Duncan brings young readers two new picture-book biographies: Coretta’s Journey, a biography of Coretta Scott King, and Traveling Shoes, which tells the story of U.S. Olympian and long jump champion Willye White. Duncan will discuss the books at Novel in Memphis on November 11.  

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Happiness and Hope Are Worth Choosing

A true story of adventure and inspiration for middle-grade readers

Adapted for middle-grade readers from Hayley Arceneaux’s 2022 memoir of the same name, Wild Ride tells the story of her recovery from childhood cancer and her unexpected opportunity, at age 29, to join the first all-civilian mission to space.

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A Vessel for the Story

Alice Faye Duncan’s books chronicle Black perseverance, past and present

FROM THE CHAPTER 16 ARCHIVE: Two nonfiction books for children by Memphis writer Alice Faye Duncan illuminate “what it means to be free.” 

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A Knock-Down-the-Front-Door Kind of Guy

Alan Gratz enters the Marvel Universe with Captain America: The Ghost Army

Captain America’s legacy creates high expectations. Writers who tell the story of the iconic superhero must respect over 80 years of comic book history, and Alan Gratz, known for his award-winning novels for young readers, rises to the challenge with Captain America: The Ghost Army.

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