A conversation with two Virginian writers -- a veteran and a newcomer -- on their new graphic novel

Join local authors Kwame Alexander and Cassidy Dyce at Reston Regional Library as they celebrate the release of their graphic novel The Brainstormerz: Money Talks!

Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Jerry Craft, the book follows three best friends at Roberto Clemente Elementary School as they hatch a plan to buy the most cutting-edge phone model. It's the first volume of a new middle-grade series and includes art by Eisner winner Rashad Doucet.

This event is recommended for ages 7 through 13. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

After their discussion, Alexander and Dyce will sign their book, which can be purchased on site from Bards Alley. Some of Alexander's past middle-grade novels will be available as well; to reserve a specific title, call (571) 459-2653.

Free registration is required via this link: librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/16663310

ABOUT THE BOOK

Electric James, or Lex, as his friends call him, is finally turning ten, and that means one thing: he's getting a phone! And with the hottest phone on the market—the Apollo XL—he’s sure to become the coolest kid at Roberto Clemente Elementary School. But when his parents break the news that the Apollo XL is way out of their price range, Lex is crushed.

Luckily, he has his best friends DJ and Cass. Together, they’re the Brainstormerz—and they’ve never met a problem they couldn’t solve! All they need to do now is figure out how to raise the money for the phone themselves. How hard could it be?

From the talented trio of New York Times bestselling author Kwame Alexander, Cassidy Dyce, and Eisner-winning cartoonist Rashad Doucet, comes a hilarious and electrifying story about friendship, creativity, and the power of teamwork.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Kwame Alexander is an Emmy Award–winning producer, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over forty books, including the Newbery Medal–winning novel The Crossover; the Caldecott Medal- and Newbery Honor winning picture book The Undefeated; The Door of No Return; and J vs. K, which he co-wrote with Jerry Craft.

Cassidy Dyce is an author and founder of Writing Black @ The House, a creative community dedicated to uplifting Black artists across disciplines. Her work is rooted in storytelling, collaboration, and building spaces where creativity and community thrive. She is based in Charlottesville, Virginia.

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