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Celebrate Black History Month with Children’s Author Allen Wells: Reading & Fun Activity!

Join celebrated children’s author Allen Wells for a lively reading of his books, including "Yvonne Clark and Her Engineering Spark" and "Danté Plays His Blues". After the reading, kids will enjoy a fun, hands-on activity inspired by the stories—designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Celebrate Black voices, music, and imagination in this engaging experience for children ages 4–8.

Yvonne Clark and Her Engineering Spark
 
Based on a true story, this inspiring picture book is about a curious, tinkering girl who grew up to become one of the first Black female engineers for NASA – for fans of Ada Twist, Scientist and Counting on Katherine.

When she grew up, Yvonne’s problem-solving power took her to NASA, where fellow engineers had a serious problem with the Saturn V rocket’s F-1 engine: It had hot spots―high temperatures in the engine.

In an electric tribute, Allen R. Wells artfully tells the life story of his favorite engineering professor who also happened to be one of our nation’s most influential African American engineers. DeAndra Hodge’s bright illustrations explode with energy, matching the vibrance of Yvonne as a creative child and following her rise to NASA and beyond.

Danté Plays His Blues
 
When Danté and his mother lose their housing, they move in with Uncle Ron and Uncle Joe. It’s tough at first, as Danté misses his friends and his neighborhood, so Uncle Ron teaches him to play the saxophone. Together they practice every day, DO-RE-MI-FA-RROOWWRR! Learning how to play is hard, especially when you have the blues. Can Danté turn his blues into his muse? 

The author will be available for a book signing and sales following the program. Please note: electronic payments only; no cash will be accepted.

Allen R. Wells is an accomplished author, engineer, and advocate for inclusion and representation in children’s literature. Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Allen discovered his passion for storytelling at a young age, inspired by his second-grade teacher who introduced him to journaling. This early spark fueled a lifelong journey to create impactful stories that empower young readers.