BONUS BOOK GIVEAWAY of "Twenty-Four Seconds from Now" at the event, while supplies last. No registration required.“Reynolds astounds in a sweetly hilarious story of two Black teens preparing to take a huge first step in their relationship. In frank stream-of-consciousness prose, Reynolds rewinds the teens’ heartfelt romance to showcase its development in reverse: 24 hours before, Neon was avoiding his homework by scrolling through videos he’d recorded of his classmates. And 24 days earlier, Neon was strolling the neighborhood with Gammy and the family dog, Denzel Jeremy Washington. As events roll backward, Neon has conversations with numerous richly wrought supporting characters, including his effervescent musician friend Dodie and his open and loving sister Nat, all of whom regale Neon with their thoughts on sex and love (with varying degrees of embarrassment and enlightenment for Neon). Sex-positive messaging encourages vulnerability in personal exploration as well as open conversations about bodily autonomy and consent. Authentically tapping into the way teens think, Reynolds delivers a mighty exaltation to Black love in this moving story of one boy’s growth and the community that fosters it.” – Publishers Weekly Starred Review
FAN is thrilled to host #1 New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds in celebration of his first YA romance, "Twenty-Four Seconds from Now … A LOVE Story." The book has received high praise in advance of publication for its “tender, sweet, wholesome” story that shows a “refreshingly different side to male sexuality.”
Reynolds will do a dramatic recitation of the first chapter of the book from memory and then have an in-depth discussion with the audience. Afterwards, he will pose for pictures with audience members.
Reynolds is a Newbery Award Honoree, a Printz Award Honoree, a two-time National Book Award finalist, a Kirkus Award winner, a Carnegie Medal winner, a two-time Walter Dean Myers Award winner, an NAACP Image Award Winner, and the recipient of multiple Coretta Scott King honors. He’s also the 2020–2022 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. His many books include "All American Boys" (cowritten with Brendan Kiely), "When I Was the Greatest," "The Boy in the Black Suit," "Stamped," "As Brave as You," "For Every One," the Track series ("Ghost," "Patina," "Sunny," and "Lu"), "Look Both Ways," "Ain’t Burned All the Bright," and "Long Way Down," which received a Newbery Honor, a Printz Honor, and a Coretta Scott King Honor.
This event is suitable for youth 12+. It will be recorded but not live streamed and will be available on FAN’s website and YouTube channel.
Sponsored by FAN, in partnership with The Avery Coonley School, Baker Demonstration School, Beacon Academy, Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School, British International School of Chicago/Lincoln Park, British International School of Chicago/South Loop, Catherine Cook School, Compass Health Center, Countryside Day School, Evanston Township High School D202, Family Service Center, Foundation 65, The Frances Xavier Warde School, Francis W. Parker School, Glencoe D35, Gorton Center, Haven Youth and Family Services, Hyde Park Day School, Illinois Student Assistance Commission, Kenilworth D38, Lake Forest Academy, Lake Forest Country Day School, Latin School of Chicago, Leo Catholic High School, Lycée Français de Chicago, North Shore Country Day, Northwestern University Office of Neighborhood and Community Relations, Northwestern University School of Education and Social Policy, Pope John XXIII School, Regina Dominican High School, Resurrection College Prep High School, Rogers Park Montessori School, Roycemore School, Sacred Heart Schools, Santa Clara University School of Law, The Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School, Stevenson High School D125, Wilmette Public Library, Wolcott College Prep, Woodlands Academy, Youth & Opportunity United.
Event Venue
Evanston Township High School (ETHS), 1600 Dodge Ave,Evanston,IL,United States
