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Know Your Power Showcase with Kim Johnson

presented by DC Public Library and Politics and Prose

Author Kim Johnson headlines the library's celebration of the young artists, writers, and musicians who submitted to the Know Your Power arts contest.

Join us for the Know Your Power Showcase, a celebration of social justice, creativity, and youth voice. DC Public Library and Politics and Prose are pleased to present Kim Johnson as the keynote speaker for the evening, the acclaimed author of young adult thrillers, This is My America and her newest book, Invisible Son. Ms. Johnson will discuss Invisible Son and her journey as a writer. Then, we will recognize the work of the teen artists who submitted writing, art, photography, and music  to the 4th annual Know Your Power civic engagement arts contest. The event will conclude with the announcement of the contest's winners. 

Audience members present for this event will receive a free copy of Invisible Son, while supplies last, courtesy of Pepco and the District of Columbia Public Library Foundation. Invisible Son tells the story of Andre, a young man determined to reclaim his identity. But returning from juvie doesn’t feel like coming home. His Portland, Oregon, neighborhood is rapidly gentrifying, and COVID-19 shuts down school before he can return. And Andre’s suspicions about his arrest for a crime he didn’t commit even taint his friendships. It’s as if his whole life has been erased.

The one thing Andre is counting on is his relationship with the Whitaker kids—especially his longtime crush, Sierra. But Sierra’s brother Eric is missing, and the facts don’t add up as their adoptive parents fight to keep up the act that their racially diverse family is picture-perfect. If Andre can find Eric, he just might uncover the truth about his own arrest. But in a world where power is held by a few and Andre is nearly invisible, searching for the truth is a dangerous game. 

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