Event and Book

Presented by NWS and the Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center 

Supported by the Dilys Garcia Tosteson and Lola Jackson ‘Community Building’ Author Conversations

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is the two-time Newbery Honor winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author of several acclaimed middle grade novels, including The War That Saved My Life and Jefferson’s Sons. On this special evening—a partnership of the National Writers Series and the Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center—we want to focus on Kimberly’s middle school, mega-award winning novel, Fighting Words.

The story revolves around Suki, who has always had the back of her little sister, Della–when her mom’s boyfriend took them in after she’d gone to prison and when that same same boyfriend did something so awful to Della they had to run fast.  But who has been protecting Suki? Who has been speaking up for her?

When Suki tries to kill herself after years of hiding a long-held secret, Della wonders if it’s her time to start speaking the truth.

In this powerful novel that explodes the stigma around child sexual abuse and leavens an intense tale with compassion and humor, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley tells a story about two sisters, linked by love and trauma, who must find their own voices before they can find their way back to each other.

She will talk with guest host Beth Milligan about her stunning novel Fighting Words. 

The event begins at 7 p.m. and includes a Q and A and author signing. The doors open at 6 pm with live music, a cash bar and delicious cookies!

EVENT DETAILS

NWS has virtual and in-person ticket options for all of its events. You can see Kimberly Brubaker Bradley in-person at the City Opera House, 106 E. Front Street, Traverse City, Michigan, or buy livestream tickets and watch from anywhere in the world. For in-person ticket holders, the City Opera House doors open at 6 p.m. with live music. The event begins at 7 p.m. and includes a Q&A. Kimberly Brubaker Bradley will personalize books after the event. For virtual ticket holders, the livestream opens at 6:50 p.m. and the event starts at 7 p.m.

TIER TWO:
Tickets: $17

TIER ONE:
Tickets: $27

STUDENT TICKETS: FREE

VIRTUAL TICKETS (ticket fees not included):
Virtual Ticket: $15

Why do I have to buy a book with my tickets?
NWS will often include a book with every ticket (or two tickets). We sometimes bundle a book with a ticket to lure a high-profile author to our fine small town. This is now a common practice with authors on book tours—their publishers require the bundle, not only to introduce the author to his or her readers, but also to sell books. Please note, all books are 20 percent off.

What if I already purchased the book?
If you already have the book, the book with your ticket makes a great gift for friends and family. Or, you can donate your book by contacting our office manager at [email protected]. If you can’ afford to buy the book with a ticket, please use the code BookChampion (one word) when buying a virtual or in-person ticket.

Is this event kid friendly?
Most of our events are not appropriate for small children.

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is the two-time Newbery Honor winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author of several acclaimed middle grade novels, including Fighting Words, The War That Saved My Life and Jefferson’s Sons. She and her husband have two grown children and live with their dog, several ponies, a highly opinionated mare, and a surplus of cats on a fifty-two acre farm in Bris­tol, Tennessee. 

Beth Milligan is a journalist and head writer for the Traverse City Ticker. She recently served as marketing chair on the board of directors for LGBTQ+ advocacy group Up North Pride and has worked in marketing and PR roles for numerous community organizations including the Traverse City Film Festival, Traverse Connect, Traverse City Winter Comedy Arts Festival, National Writers Series, and Porterhouse Productions. She currently serves on the marketing and outreach committee for the Leelanau Conservancy and on the advisory board for Northwestern Michigan College’s Extended Education Services. Beth lives on a small hobby farm called Stone Hill Farm on Old Mission Peninsula with her partner, Joe Beyer, with whom she produces community concerts and other programming as part of the farm’s nonprofit mission.