Phyllis Reynolds Naylor headlines Freedom to Read Foundation fundraiser in Philadelphia

CHICAGO - Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, author of the Alice series of books, will headline the Freedom to Read Foundation's (FTRF) annual banned/challenged author event in conjunction with the 2014 American Library Association Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia. The event will take place Sunday, January 26, 2014 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. at the National Museum of American Jewish History, and is open to the general public.

Phyllis Reynolds Naylor has written more than 135 books, including the Newbery Award–winning "Shiloh" and the Alice series. Her most recent book, "Now I'll Tell You Everything," is the very last book in the Alice series and it reveals every last bit you’d want to know about Alice! Naylor lives in Gaithersburg, Md.

"Phyllis Reynolds Naylor is a legend among young adult authors," said FTRF Executive Director Barbara Jones. "Her books speak to young people in terms they relate to. Alice McKinley's story in particular has been an amazing journey, and we're thrilled Phyllis will be with us to share in the closing chapter. Of course, with such compelling storytelling often comes controversy, and the Freedom to Read Foundation is proud to be able to support Phyllis and her readers against attempts to censor many of those books."

The Alice series has frequently appeared in ALA's annual list of the top 10 most frequently challenged books.

This event is FTRF's 8th annual author event. Featured authors in past years have included John Green, Sandra Cisneros, Jamaica Kincaid, Chris Crutcher and Lauren Myracle.

There will be a wine-and-dessert reception following Ms. Naylor's talk. She will be signing copies of "Now I'll Tell You Everything," and other books, which will be available at the event for an additional donation.

For tickets and more information, please visit www.ftrf.org/event/philly2014.

This event is open to the public and is sponsored by Simon & Schuster.

Event Details

Date: Sunday, Jan. 26, 2014

Time: 6 - 8:30 p.m.

Location: National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 South Independence Mall East, Philadelphia (a short walk from the Liberty Bell)

Talk by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor scheduled for 6:45 p.m., followed by reception and book signing.

Suggested donation: $30.00 General • $20.00 FTRF members • $15.00 students/reduced income

Note: seating is limited – you must have a ticket to ensure attendance. Questions? Contact Jonathan Kelley at jokelley@ala.org or call (800) 545-2433 x4226.

This event is open to the general public.

The Freedom to Read Foundation is a First Amendment legal defense organization affiliated with the American Library Association.