Author of book on inner-city kids to speak at Volney Rogers

YOUNGSTOWN

Shelley Pearsall, an award-winning author of children’s books and historical fiction, will be the main guest at a two-hour Literacy Night program, set for 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Volney Rogers Middle School, 134 N. Hazlewood Ave., on the city’s West Side.

The public is invited to hear Pearsall, of Silver Lake, Ohio, speak on the importance of developing an early appreciation for reading and will conduct sessions to discuss her book “All of the Above.”

The book tells the story of four inner-city students’ quest to set a math record by building the world’s largest tetrahedron, which is a triangular pyramid.

Pearsall, a former teacher and museum historian, received the prestigious Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction in 2003 for her first novel, “Trouble Don’t Last.”

Also to appear is Chris Yambar, a local cartoonist and artist who will set up a station to discuss illustrations and other aspects of his work.

The free event also will feature a small dinner and a book giveaway, as well as face-painting and other activities for children. Autographed copies of Pearsall’s books are to be raffled.

For more information, call the school at (330) 744-7996.