News Release

UW-Fond du Lac and Fond du Lac Public Library host author of ‘Wingshooters’ on Oct. 22

In 1974, 9-year-old Michelle LeBeau arrives in fictional Deerhorn, Wisc., to live with her father’s parents. She’s the daughter of a white American father and a Japanese mother. The townspeople – especially her classmates – are not accepting. But grandfather Charlie LeBeau dotes on the youngster, whom he calls “Mikey.” He shares with her his love of the Wisconsin countryside, and she idolizes the former minor league ballplayer and expert hunter.

It’s through Mikey’s innocent eyes that the readers of “Wingshooters” watch as the community and her grandparents react when an African American couple takes residence.

Reminiscent of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Nina Revoyr’s novel explores racism, bullying, conflicting loyalties and the strength of family ties. Revoyr blends these serious themes with a genuine sweetness between Mikey and Charlie and the healing power of the natural world. The themes and setting of “Wingshooters” were integral to its selection as the Fond du Lac Reads book for October 2012.

Fond du Lac Reads is an annual program that encourages the community to read the same book at the same time. Programs built around the themes of the book demonstrate the value of reading and foster community by providing a forum for public discussion and interaction.

“Wingshooters” is Revoyr’s fourth novel. Published in March 2011, it was one of Booklist’s Books of the Year for 2011, was chosen as an O: Oprah Magazine's “Book to Watch For” and has won an Indie Booksellers Choice Award and the Midwest Booksellers Choice Award. Publishers Weekly described it as “remarkable ... an accomplished story of family and the dangers of complacency in the face of questionable justice.”

Revoyr, who was raised in Japan, Wisconsin and California, will visit Fond du Lac for a special event, “An Evening with Nina Revoyr” at 7 p.m. Monday, October 22, at UW-Fond du Lac. Co-hosted by the library and UW-Fond du Lac, Revoyr will speak, read from her book and answer questions in the Large Group Instruction Room. Refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public. No reservations required.

The discussion with Revoyr will be moderated by UW-Fond du Lac’s Dr. John Short, dean and CEO, professor of Political Science, and Dr. Paisley Harris, associate professor of History and Women’s Studies. Copies of “Wingshooters” will be available for sale and signing.

“We are delighted to promote this great book and to work with UW to bring Nina here in person,” said library Director Jon Mark Bolthouse. “We think the book will be meaningful to readers across generational, racial and ethnic lines. It has terrific potential to inspire conversations that help us better understand where we have come from and where we need to go.”

The Fond du Lac Public Library supports a high quality of life in Fond du Lac through reading, lifelong learning and community involvement. There are three library locations: main library at 32 Sheboygan St., Journeys at St. Agnes at 430 E. Division St. and FDLPL Express at highways 23 and 151. For more information, visit www.fdlpl.org.

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