Junot Diaz’s new work, his first picture book, has a heartwarming truth: “Just because you don’t remember a place, doesn’t mean it’s not in you.”

Junot Díaz, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, whose books include The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao and This Is How You Lose Her, announced yesterday his new book tour to present his first children’s book Islandborn. Diaz will begin his tour at the Brooklyn Public Library on March 13.

In the picture book Islandborn, Díaz tells the story of a young girl’s imaginary journey back to her birthplace, “The Island.” When a teacher asks the students to draw a picture of where their families immigrated from, all the kids are excited – except Lola, the book’s protagonist. She can’t remember The Island which she left when she was just a baby. But with the help of her family and friends and their memories, Lola’s imagination takes her on an extraordinary journey back to her place of origin.

As she draws closer to the heart of her family’s story, Lola comes to understand the truth of her grandmother’s words: “Just because you don’t remember a place, doesn’t mean it’s not in you.”

Beautifully illustrated by the award-winning Leo Espinosa, and lyrically written by Diaz, Islandborn celebrates creativity, diversity and our imagination’s ability to connect us—to our families, to our past and to ourselves.

The event, presented in collaboration with Greenlight Bookstore, will begin with kids activities at 5:30, followed by Diaz reading from his book and concludes with a book signing.

 

Junot Diaz Reads “Islandborn”

When: Tuesday, March 13, 5:30 pm

Where: Brooklyn Public Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11238

How much: $20 for single tickets (incl. one book), or $12.50 for family tickets (one book per 2 seats). English and Spanish editions are available.