Beth Vrabel, a children's author from Connecticut, will be making an appearance at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Missouri River Regional Library for a book signing and a question and answer session. Earlier that day, she will also be performing at the Miller Performing Arts Center for elementary students in the Jefferson City School District.
Vrabel, a Mark Twain nominee, will be coming to the library to thank students and their families throughout Jefferson City for supporting her book. In order to become a Mark Twain nominee, an author must write books geared toward middle school-aged students, and the book must go through a rigorous selection process that involves librarians and students across the state.
Angie Bayne, the children's library manager at MRRL, is excited about Vrabel's appearance. Students across the Jefferson City School District will be shuttled to the Miller Performing Arts Center at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to see Vrabel perform on stage. Then later at 7 p.m., the entire community will have the opportunity to meet Vrabel for a question and answer session and book signing at the library.
"I'm glad that we are able to target our focus on the middle school students because they are at the age where they are excited about reading different authors and getting to know their authors," said Bayne.
Vrabel was recognized as a Mark Twain nominee for her book "Pack of Dorks." The book is about a young girl who went from being cool to being a dork practically overnight. Eventually, she forms her own pack of dorks and finds a way to embrace who she is despite what peers think about her.
Vrabel is also the author of "A Blind Guide to Stinkville," a book about an Albino kid who moved to a new town and combated the challenges of being different in a new community.
Vrabel said both books incorporate the recurring themes of self-empowerment and kindness.
"I want students to understand that there is always the opportunity to connect to the characters in my books because everyone has a story."
Next week, she will also make appearances in Moberly and Warrensburg.
"This is a very dream fulfilling experience," Vrabel said. "It's one thing to have support from my family and friends, but it is a whole 'nother level when an out-of-state organization recognizes your work."