True stories about the bravery it takes to make a stand - and the difference that we can make through our bravery.

In 1897, Wong Kim Ark, a Chinese-American man born and raised in San Francisco, was detained by customs officials after sailing home to California from a visit to his family in China. His battle to stand up for his rights as an American citizen would go all the way to the Supreme Court - and the result would influence American society for centuries to come. 

The second story of this panel, Seeking Freedom: The Untold Story of Fortress Monroe and the Ending of Slavery in America, tells the history of George Scott, a formerly enslaved man who escaped from slavery in the days leading up to Virginia's secession. George, along with several others who escaped with him, were instrumental in allowing the Federal army to retain control of important Fort Monroe. Their bravery led the commander of the fort, General Benjamin Butler, to refuse to return people who escaped slavery back to the Confederates, paving the way for the creation of the Union's first Black military units, as well as the Emancipation Proclamation. 

This event's third book, Nellie vs. Elizabeth, tell the thrilling story of the time that  groundbreaking journalists Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland raced each other around the world - shattering stereotypes along the way. 

Mardi Gras Almost Didn't Come This Year tells a story of the resilience of a family who survived Hurricane Katrina, and the joy that can be found even in the most dismal of times.

Don't miss this chance to meet JULIA KUO, the illustrator of I Am an American: The Wong Kim Ark Story, SELENE CASTROVILLA, the author of Seeking Freedom: The Untold Story of Fortress Monroe and the Ending of Slavery in America, KATE HANNIGAN, the author of Nellie vs. Elizabeth: Two Daredevil Journalists' Breakneck Race Around the World, and KATHY PRICE, the author of Mardi Gras Almost Didn't Come This Year.

Saturday February 26th at 1:00pm via Crowdcast.

For all Books of Wonder events, we expect all participants to maintain a family friendly atmosphere, inclusive of respect and fairness. Anyone who violates this standard of behavior, including engaging in any form of harassment, inappropriate language, or disruptive conduct, will, at our discretion, be immediately removed.