It is the most important meal of the day. On November 17, 826 Boston ("a nonprofit writing, tutoring, and publishing organization where students in grades K-12 and beyond can share their stories, amplify their voices, and develop as leaders in school and in life") hosted its Books for Breakfast benefit event at More Than Words Bookstore ("We work with the most vulnerable young adults in Greater Boston...At More Than Words they earn a paying job, learning job skills while receiving focused support to ensure they persist in school and map plans for their future work, education and life"). When we had a billion books to give away, the Horn Book was more than happy (ha) when the MtW youth came to our office to take them away for the store.  

The event began with a poem by Oriana Dunker, a very poised 826 Boston Youth Literary Advisory Board Member ("after this, I have to get to school"). 826 Boston's Interim Executive Director John Williams (not that John Williams) provided opening remarks, then a very impressive program alumna, Agnes Ugoji (below), spoke.

The featured speaker was Isaac Fitzgerald, who talked a bit about his memoir Dirtbag, Massachusetts, and read aloud his picture book How to Be a Pirate. (Turns out he's neighbors with Jon Scieszka; I woo-hoo'd.) Thanks to the Boston Globe for inviting me to sit at their table and to Future Chefs for the delicious catering. Here at the Horn Book we have Books for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner — it can be extra-nice when someone else cooks. ;)