October 16, 2009
Harding Graduate Reading Program presents “Voices from Down Yonder”
SEARCY, Ark. — Harding University’s Graduate Reading Program will
present “Voices from Down Yonder” Reader’s Theater Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. in
the Benson Auditorium on campus. The event will feature a collection
of authors whose works, geared toward children and young adult
readers, display the life and traditions of the South.
Authors will select pieces of their works and read them aloud to the
audience. Teachers are encouraged to bring students of all ages to
enjoy some of their favorite authors.
Among the authors featured is Kerry Madden, whose first young adult
novel, Offsides, was on the New York Public Library’s 10 recommended
books of 1997 for mature teens. Since then, she has created the
popular Maggie Valley series, including Gentle’s Holler, Louisiana’s
Song and Jessie’s Mountain.
Also featured is author Kathi Appelt. Her works include John Newbery
Honor Book The Underneath, and young adult books Kissing Tennessee and
My Father’s Summers.
Current Arkansas resident A. LaFaye has written multiple young reader
books, including the Scott O’Dell Award-winning Worth, The Year of the
Sawdust Man, and Strawberry Hill.
Children’s author Barbara O’Connor’s books include Parent’s Choice
Silver Award-winning Greetings From Nowhere and Dolly Gray
Award-winning Me and Rupert Goody.
Kimberly Willis Holt grew up traveling the world with her military family but
has always called Louisiana, a place where seven generations of her
family have resided, home. Her Southern influence is evident in the
award-winning When Zachary Beaver Came to Town, My Louisiana Sky and
Keeper of the Night.
The registration fee is $15, with $5 going toward book purchase. One
adult chaperone is required for every four students. Tickets will not
be sold at the door, and attendees must register at least one week in
advance. Confirmation of registration will be sent by e-mail with
additional information about the Reader’s Theater. For more
information call 501-279-5107.
