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Hold Fast set at Harold Washington Library Center A missing father. A lost home. A rare book. And a mystery to be solved within the limited access room of the Harold Washington Library Center. March 1st marked the debut of Hold Fast. Many donors were treated to a sneak preview and autographed copies by Blue Balliet herself during Schoolstic's launch event at Harold Washington Library Center. There are several tantalizing ingredients in Balliett's newest novel for young readers: A missing father. A lost home. A rare book. And a mystery to be solved within the limited access room of the Harold Washington Library. It is a story of courage, faith, hope and love told in the context of a mystery. The books' heroine, 11 year-old Early Pearl, and her family are plunged into homelessness after her father's questionable disappearance and their apartment destroyed by masked robbers searching for the her father's treasured Langston Hughes' book, The First Book of Rhythms. Facing the challenges of living in a shelter, Early is determined to solve her father's disappearance, clear his name and piece her family back together. Through her endearing child characters, Balliett sheds light into the realities of homelessness and the plight of the children of the working poor. With the Harold Washington Library Center as a backdrop, Hold Fast is filled with the treasures of literacy and the power of the written word to provide hope and change lives. In Balliett's own words, "Hold Fast rings all of the bells for public libraries and the role of public libraries for people without a lot of resources. Libraries deserve great kudos for everything they do for people during tough times." We want to thank Blue Balliett for weaving the Chicago Public Library system into her novel and highlighting the library's role as a cornerstone of any community--helping to build community and offering a safe place for kids. A place where reading and discovery are always free--all you need is curiosity. |
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