April Author Events in Philly: Toni Morrison, Lisa Scottoline, and More

This April, there are several author events in Philadelphia. Here are the four we’re most excited for:

Toni Morrison

You probably read her books in high school — or saw your teen reading her books — and with titles such as The Bluest Eye and Home under her belt, Toni Morrison is an unstoppable literary force. This Pulitzer Prize winner comes to Swarthmore this month to read from her works and lead a discussion. Morrison, who also won the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and who serves as the Robert F. Goheen Chair in the Council of Humanities at Princeton University, is one author visit you don’t want to miss. Wednesday, April 7th, 7-9 p.m., Swarthmore College’s Lang Performing Arts Center, 500 College Ave, Swarthmore.

Lisa Scottoline

Philly’s own lawyer-come-bestselling-novelist (and co-author of the Inquirer’s “Chick Wit” column, which she writes with daughter Francesca Serritella) has another novel out: Keep Quiet. It’s the “emotionally gripping and complex” tale of a father’s decision to protect his son and all of the consequences that follow. Check out her reading and talk this month to learn more about her 22nd novel. Tuesday, April 8th, noon, free, Barnes & Noble, 1805 Walnut Street.

Bob Mankoff

Is there any higher honor in illustrations for periodicals than drawing cartoons for The New Yorker? Probably not. The New Yorker’s cartoon editor Bob Mankoff chooses fewer than 20 cartoons that make it into print each week. In this position, he holds all the power, and as a result, he’s is a prominent commentator on topics such as business, politics and life in America. He’s in town this month to promote his new illustrated memoir, which “traces his love of the craft from his childhood all the way to the hallowed halls of the revered weekly magazine,” according to the Free Library website. Tuesday, April 8th, 7:30 p.m., $15, Central Branch of the Free Library, 1901 Vine Street.

Kathleen Wainwright

You’ve got to have a little something special to teach in Philly’s public schools, and Kathleen Wainwright’s got it. Not only is she a public school teacher, but Wainwright is also the author of the children’s book, Summer in the City. This Temple University and West Chester University alumna authors The Diary of a Not So Wimpy Teacher, a blog where she shares personal teaching experiences and educational resources. As if that weren’t a lot already, she also teaches literacy courses to aspiring teachers at Temple University, and developmental reading courses to incoming freshman at Delaware County Community College. Whew! She’ll surely have a lot to talk about at the Cobbs Creek Library this month. Monday, April 14th, 4:30 p.m., free, Cobbs Creek Library, 5800 Cobbs Creek Parkway.

Looking for more events? We’re keeping a good list of must-dos now through June on our Philadelphia Event Listings page.