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  • Carol Swartout Klein

Joining another Missouri book author representing peace at the National Book Fest


Creating peace, hope, unity and building community are the themes of two books from Missouri heading to Washington, D.C., for the 15th annual Library of Congress Book Festival on Sept. 5.

We've already reported on our gratitude that "Painting for Peace in Ferguson" was selected as the Missouri Center for the Book's 2015 choice to represent the state in the Pavilion of the States.

We'll be going to D.C. along with "Watch Out for Flying Kids! HowTwo Circuses, Two Countries, and Nine Kids Confront Conflict and Build Community." That Missouri book will have representatives from Circus Harmony performing and host an author talk and Q&A with writer Cynthia Levinson in the Teen Pavilion at 10 a.m. on Sept. 5.

The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Washington's Walter E. Washington Convention Center, boasting more than 100 authors, poets and illustrators for the day. More than 100,000 people are expected at this year's festival.

Both books carry a powerful message: That all children have talent and can bring positive change to their own communities and across the globe.

We know what an honor it is to represent the state of Missouri at the book festival. “Painting for Peace in Ferguson" has become a much-needed tool for adults to start conversations with children and each other about the many issues around racial tolerance raised by Ferguson, Baltimore, Charleston, and around the country.

Cynthia's book, "Watch Out for Flying Kids!" is a newly-released nonfiction book for 10- to 14-year-olds. The book follows nine teenage troupers in two circuses. The members of Circus Harmony in St. Louis are inner-city and suburban kids. The Galilee Circus in Israel is composed of Jews and Arabs. When they get together, they confront racism in the Midwest and tribalism in the Middle East, as they learn to overcome assumptions, animosity, and obstacles, that are physical, personal and political.

For Cynthia, “The kids’ accomplishments—personal, physical, and social—are phenomenal. It’s been an honor to get to know them and to share their stories.”

Get more information about "Watch out For Flying Kids!" and purchase it at Amazon.

Buy "Painting for Peace in Ferguson" in our online store here, at local bookstores or on Amazon.


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