Featured Authors and Illustrators
KARLA HARRY VISITING AUTHOR: KYLE LUKOFF
Kyle Lukoff is a children’s book author, school librarian, and former bookseller. Before becoming a full-time writer, Kyle worked at five bookstores, in four libraries, for three schools, as two genders, through one intersection: people, and books. Kyle is most known for his Stonewall award-winning When Aidan Became a Brother, which is a heartwarming book that resonates with transgender children, reassures any child concerned about becoming an older sibling, and celebrates the many transitions a family can experience. Kyle’s Awake, Asleep is a rhythmic, meditative read-aloud about the extraordinary beauty found in babies' and toddlers' everyday moments.
This is Kyle Lukoff's second visit to Gordon's campus. Read about his 2022 visit with Lower School students.
Book signing on December 6th and 7th
Daytime presentations and workshops on December 6th and 7th
See the Schedule of Events page for more information
VERONICA AGARWAL & LEE DURFEY-LAVOIE
Veronica Agarwal is a cartoonist and illustrator from NYC. She graduated from SVA in May 2016 with a BFA in cartooning. She loves plants, summertime, dogs and her 3 cats! Her work focuses on mental health, coming of age stories, and friendship. Most recently, she published Just Roll With It with her partner, Lee Durfey-Lavoie. Just Roll With It is a middle grade graphic novel about a girl who uses her 20 sided tie to help her make decisions.
Lee Durfey-Lavoie is a proud college dropout who was able to find a career in writing. He loves writing queer stories, stories about workers’ rights, and about all different types of fantasy. His hobbies include role-playing games and spending time with his cats. Just Roll With It is his debut graphic novel.
Book signing on December 5th
Daytime presentations and workshops on December 7th
Evening presentation on December 5th at 6:30pm - more information and RSVP
See the Schedule of Events page for more information
LEAH FREEMAN-HASKIN
Leah Freeman-Haskin is a creative strategist, author, and marketing generalist with over fifteen years of professional experience. Her background in marketing and content development has established her as an expert in brand specific copywriting and creative content creation, covering lifestyle, travel, and wellness categories. She is the founder of BLK Oceans, a website dedicated to promoting black-owned businesses. As a creative strategist, Leah has created dynamic experiences at some of the most renowned events in the country, including Tribeca and Sundance film festivals. Leah is a yoga and health enthusiast, always looking for her next travel adventure. Her debut children’s book, a GSMPBA nominee The Last Two Crayons looks at the beautiful world of brown, with a heartwarming and empowering ending that celebrates diversity, creativity, and family.
Book signing on December 7th
Daytime presentations and workshops on December 7th
See the Schedule of Events page for more information
JR & VANESSA FORD
JR and Vanessa Ford are nationally-known advocates for LGBTQIA+ rights, specifically rights for transgender youth. Their advocacy and work have been featured in the New York Times, Newsweek, The Boston Globe, The Washington Post, and in “Gender Revolution: A Journey with Katie Couric”. They were both founding members of the Human Rights Campaign’s Parents for Transgender Equality. They live with their two children, one of whom is trans, in the Boston, MA area. Their joyful and impactful Calvin is a GSMPBA nominee picture book about a transgender boy who prepares for the first day of school and introduces himself to his family and friends for the first time.
Postponed to spring 2024
KAH YANGNI
Kah Yangni is an illustrator living in Philadelphia, PA. They make hyper vibrant art about justice, queerness, joy, and healing – using cut up paper, drawings, and Photoshop to show a world where we are free. Kah’s art can be found on billboards and murals, in kids books and magazines, and on bedroom walls around the world. Their art has been shared by people like Indya Moore of the television show Pose, and they’ve been covered by NBC News and Them. Their poster work is in the permanent collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Free Library of Philadelphia. They’ve been awarded residencies with The On Being Project, Women’s Studio Workshop, and the Wedding Cake House. Kah’s first picture book, The Making of Butterflies by Zora Neale Hurston and Ibram X. Kendi, was released in March 2023.
Kah Yangni will be returning to Gordon in the spring of 2024 as this year's Britt Nelson Visiting Artist.
Book signing on December 6th
Daytime presentations and workshops on December 6th
See the Schedule of Events page for more information
