Visit with our showcase of local authors from the Racine ar ea. Check the line-up for your favorites\, and make sure to stop in to the ir presentations and panels. Throughout the day\, authors will visit with community members\, sign autographs and sell their products. \;
\n< p> \;\nRoom: Adult Services - 2nd Floor\, incl
uding the Lake-Facing Windows and the Community Room
Age rang
e: All Ages
No Registration
\;
\nAuthor Lineup
\nAlan R Karls
\nAlan R Karls is a four th generation Racine native with a master&rsquo\;s degree in communication from UW-Milwaukee. He has given history presentations at the Racine Herit age Museum and Racine Public Library and has written several novels and sc reenplays.
\n
Title(s):&
nbsp\;
\"Racine's Horlick
Athletic Field: Drums Along the Foundries&rdquo\;
&ldquo\;A Teller's
Tale&rdquo\;
Where to purch ase books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00JALII7C?ccs_id=8ec39de6 -719b-4936-af11-065323844a6a
\n&n bsp\;
\nAmanda Stewart
\nAmanda Stewart is a bilingual elementary school educat or and someone who loves learning and all of her learners. She hopes that you can see the treasure in her debut bilingual book and the treasure in y ourself!
\n
Title(s):&nb
sp\;
\"Treasures&rdquo\; /
&ldquo\;Los tesoros\"
Discover different types of seashells through
the author&rsquo\;s playful prose and rhythmic rhymes. See how each child
is unique and how they learn through the imaginative illustrations that ea
ch of them\, just like their shells\, is a treasure\, too!
Website: https://linktr .ee/StoriesWithStewart
\nWhere to purchase books: https://www. OrangeHatPublishing.com/product/treasures/
\n\;
\nAndrew Drasen
\n< p style=\"padding-left: 40px\;\">Andrew Drasen is the author of &ldquo\;A Vision of Hope\,&rdquo\; a memoir and self-help series focused on recovery \, resilience and rebuilding a purposeful life after adversity. His work i s grounded in lived experience and written to encourage reflection\, accou ntability and personal growth.\n
Title(s): \;
\"A Vision of Hope: A Story of Redemption and Purpose&rdquo\;
&ldquo
\;A Vision of Hope: Reflections&rdquo\; \;
&ldquo\;A Vision of Ho
pe: The Workbook&rdquo\;
A chronicle of one man&rsquo\;s journey thro
ugh addiction\, incarceration\, and recovery\, offering an honest look at
the work required to rebuild a meaningful life. The companion Reflections
and Workbook provide guided exercises and prompts designed to support self
-examination\, growth\, and lasting change.
Website: https://AVisionOfHopeBook.com<
/a>
Where to purchase books : https://AVisionOfHopeBook.com/addi ction-recovery-books/
\n\;\n
Ayesha Montgomery \;
\nAyesha Montgomery is a poet and author and the sole contributor to the blog https://300TriedByWater.com. Since 2018\, sh e has published numerous books.
\n
Title(s): \;
\"Love Is My Shelter&rdquo\;
Details the wonder in finding solace a
nd optimism in the little things. The reader is taken on a poetic ride thr
ough the perils of overcoming trials and tribulations\, mourning\, family
dysfunction\, heartbreak\, love and happiness.
&ldquo\;Perseverance of the Human Spirit&rdquo\;
A celebr
ation of life woven into poetry. It uses poetic imagery to express sentime
nts of love\, hope\, encouragement and happiness.
&ldquo\;Past Chains&rdquo\;
A chapbook that poetically
expresses beauty\, cruelty\, silliness and love of friends and family in
a world full of converging complexities. It is my hope that all those who
read this book will be inspired\, uplifted and set free from their past ch
ains.
&ldquo\;Bright Side of the Pa
le Moon&rdquo\;
A poet is lost in a multifarious season full of calam
ity\, love\, faith\, racism and triumph as the truth unfolds before closed
eyes. &ldquo\;Bright Side of the Pale Moon&rdquo\; expounds on the needs
of a disrupted soul and gives us all a place to belong. \;
&ldquo\;Misty Dreams Poetry Zine&rdquo\;
A ride of artistic expression. This zine addresses financial strain\, the
beauty of love\, family strife and aspiring to new heights in an ever-chan
ging world.
&ldquo\;The Will 2 Live
&\; Love&rdquo\;
A zine about the importance of caring for each o
ther. Join me as I deep drive into the complicated waters of relationships
\, determination and faith.
Website: https://300TriedByWater.com
\nWhere to purchase books: https://www.amazon.com/author/eshamontgomery
\n\;
\nCelia Amantea Schulz
\nCelia Amantea Schulz lives in Mount Pleasant\, WI. She is a retired nurse who spends her time enjoying the arts and contributing as an experimental writer &mdash\; maybe a poet &mdash\; and an avid photographer.
\n
Title(s): \;
\"I Met You In Racine&rdquo\; or &ldquo\;Te conoci en Racine&rdquo\;<
br />Unique author-captured images take you on a months-of-the-year tour v
isiting 25 memorable landmarks and locations around Racine\, Wisconsin. Te
xt is translated in Spanish for basic readers. \;
&ldquo\;My Hea
rts Still Speaks\; Reunion not Reunion poems and images&rdquo\;
Secon
d in a series of 20 short poems and images that explore love and loss rela
ted to a reunion\, heartfully expressed in narrative poetry and loosely ac
companied by 22 images of the author's photography.
Website: https://facebook.com/wildwo od/
\nWhere to purchase b ooks: \;
\n\;
\nChristy Hoff
\nChristy Hoff released her first book of poetry\, &ldq uo\;Breath Mark\,&rdquo\; in 2025. Hoff recently completed the ArtRoot Wri ter-in-Residence program (ending Dec. 31\, 2025)\, leads a local writer&rs quo\;s workshop\, and has published her work in numerous anthologies.
\ n
Title(s): \;
\"Breath Mark\"
In essence\,
the subtext of &ldquo\;Breath Mark&rdquo\; is community. A single breath i
s a life-sustaining event that brings continuity.
Website: https://HoffChristy.com/
\n< p style=\"padding-left: 40px\;\">Where to purchase books: http s://BookShop.org/\n\;
\nColette Murphy Broadway
\nColette became fascinated with the round houses in Racin e\, which led to her curiosity to learn more about these homes designed by Anton Kratochvil. Her research culminated in this first edition of &ldquo \;The Round Houses of Anton Kratochvil.&rdquo\;
\n
Title(s): \;
\"Round Houses of Anton Kratochvil\"
This book has
information about all of the round houses designed by Anton Kratochvil loc
ated in Racine and the surrounding area.
Where to purchase books: https://nm-publishing .com/shop/
\n\;
\nDasha Kelly
D asha Kelly is an award-winning author\, poet and performance artist. She i s Poet Laureate Emerita for the City of Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin.< /p>\n
Title(s): \;
\"Baker's Dozen&rdquo\;
&ldquo\;Almost Cri
mson&rdquo\;
&ldquo\;A Line Meant&rdquo\;
Website: https://DashaKelly.com
\nWhere to purchase books: https://Dash aKH.com/
\n\;
\nDeborah\, a former resident of Racine\, Wisconsin\, is the author of an Amazon best-selling book\, a pastor&rsquo\;s wife of 25 years and a vet eran home educator. With a heart for service\, she has volunteered as a le ader and server in both ministry and home education\, finding joy in witne ssing God&rsquo\;s transformative work in the lives of others. \;
\ n
Title(s): \;
\"Unveiled Identity: From Insignif
icance to Embracing Your Royal Identity in Christ\"
A faith-based gui
de helping readers overcome feelings of insignificance by discovering thei
r identity in Christ through Scripture study\, personal reflection\, music
al accompaniment and walking through the author's personal journey of find
ing her own significance.
W ebsite: https://AuthorDeborahRodriguez.com/
\nWhere to purchase books: < a href=\"https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FY867Z97\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"no opener\">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FY867Z97
\n\;
\nDebra Hall
\n< p style=\"padding-left: 40px\;\">Debra Hall is a Racine poet\, and &ldquo\ ;What the Current Cannot Swallow&rdquo\; is her debut chapbook. She has ha d poetry published in &ldquo\;Bramble Literary Magazine\,&rdquo\; the Wisc onsin Fellowship of Poets&rsquo\; calendars\, and &ldquo\;A Wreath of Gold en Laurels.&rdquo\;\n
T
itle(s): \;
\"What the
Current Cannot Swallow\"
Hall traces her journey from crisis through
grief to hard-won transcendence\, finding that even in the current's pull
toward despair\, moments of grace remain.
Website: http://PoetDebra.com
Where to purchase books: https://www.amazon.com/What-Current-Ca nnot-Swallow-Debra/dp/1997737051
\n\;
\nDr. Debra Mrock
\nDr. Debra is a global speaker\, three-times autho r and podcast host who empowers women to reclaim their authentic voice and lead with confidence\, clarity and purpose. She&rsquo\;s the creator of t he &ldquo\;Lead Without Permission&rdquo\; and &ldquo\;Elite Performance S peaking Program&rdquo\; and the host of &ldquo\;She Roars Boldly.&rdquo\;< /p>\n
Title(s): \;
\"She Roars Boldly: The Courag
e to Begin Again\, Speak Your Truth\, and Live Unapologetically Free\, Bra
ve\, Bold and Built to Roar&rdquo\;
This book is an empowering call t
o women who are ready to reclaim their voices\, rewrite their stories\, an
d rise after heartbreak\, silence or self-doubt. Through raw reflection\,
hard-won wisdom\, and soul-stirring encouragement\, the book guides reader
s on a journey of healing\, self-discovery and personal liberation. \
;
&ldquo\;From Ordinary to Extraordinary: Mastering the Art of Dramat
ic Speaking&rdquo\;
Debra has over 25 years of experience in speaking
and teaching drama. She is a global speaker\, author\, co-author and work
shop leader.
Website: https://RoarsBoldly.com
\n\;
\n
F. T. Sosa\n
For the past two decades\, F. T. Sos a has balanced two worlds &mdash\; music and fitness &mdash\; each giving him a unique stage to showcase his passion for the resilience of the human spirit. His writing explores realistic themes of hope pressed against har dship\, focusing on how light can break through the most dire circumstance s. \;
\n
Title(s):&n
bsp\;
\"Finding Daniel\"Some lives fracture in an instant. Others spend a lifetime trying to m end.
\nWhere to purchase book s: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/finding-daniel-frederick-sosa/11487673 08?ean=9798279606054
\n\;
\nJeanne Arnold \;
\nAt 94\, my t-shirt says\, &ldquo\;Sweet old lady? More l ike a battle-tested Warrior Queen fighting for equality.&rdquo\; Yet I&rsq uo\;m an optimistic crone who blends humor with truth to create and publis h my audacious memoirs by Jan Anthony\, my pen name. \;
\n
Book Title(s):
&ldquo\;The Whistling Girls &\; Crowing Hen
s&rdquo\; series
My writing is a collage of experiences that readers
will enjoy &mdash\; a good-natured acceptance among lesbians\, LGBTIQA+ an
d straight people. Historic barriers and dogma have separated us too long.
\;
&ldquo\;Not To Be Denied&rd
quo\;
1900-1974: Captures humorous and scary family life and individu
als&rsquo\; choices that shape them. Two unhappily married women in their
early 40&rsquo\;s with teenage children must decide when Jan asks\, &ldquo
\;What could it hurt if we just let it happen?&rdquo\; \;
&ldquo\;Gullibles&rsquo\; Travels&rdquo\;
1950\, 1975-84: Now trying the &ldquo\;bi-sexual&rdquo\; life\, Bea divorc
es and tries not to be a lesbian while Jan strives to keep everyone happy.
The Sexual Revolution is tested.
&
ldquo\;Secret Transgressions&rdquo\;
1976-84: Jan&rsquo\;s PR job exp
ands with Bea as her assistant. Bea submits to a sexual harassment inciden
t with their boss\, and she&rsquo\;s fired.
&ldquo\;Being Mother Courage&rdquo\;
1976-89: Jan and Bea&rs
quo\;s store and press draw them into the advancing women&rsquo\;s movemen
t\, including feminist spirituality. Bea pioneers and educates desktop pub
lishing at an international women&rsquo\;s conference in Barcelona\, Spain
.
&ldquo\;Grit &\; Gratification
&rdquo\;
1979-82: Mother Courage Press creates a significant book for
abused children. When Jan and Bea&rsquo\;s retail store closes\, they&rsq
uo\;re free to travel.
&ldquo\;Movi
ng On &\; Up&rdquo\;
1983-85: Jan heals her stress when the therap
ist uses Jan&rsquo\;s therapy idea. Jan&rsquo\;s boss eliminates her PR de
partment.
&ldquo\;Closer To Fine&rd
quo\;
1984-97: Jan&rsquo\;s job is exciting. She and Bea fly to New Z
ealand and later to Australia to publish two women&rsquo\;s adventures of
crossing the Pacific together on a sailboat.
&ldquo\;Intimate Passages&rdquo\;
1984-2013: Bea challenges
their intimate lives\, but Jan persists. Bea experiences England&rsquo\;s
crop circles.
Website:&nbs p\;
\nWhere to purchase b ooks: \;
\n
Jessie Froese
Jessie Froese is a local Racine bo rn-and-raised creative. She recently became an author and illustrator of h er first two books.
\n
T
itle(s): \;
\"Penelope
Skunk and the Dat That Stunk&rdquo\;
A skunk who is having a very ne
gative day is encouraged to think positive by being thankful for what she
does have.
&ldquo\;Christmas in the 1930s&rdquo\;
A tribute to m
y husband&rsquo\;s grandfather who wrote this Christmas poem about his Chr
istmas experiences in 1930s Saskatchewan\, Canada. \;
Where to purchase books: \;
\n
John E. M
agerus
A former uni versity professor and administrator\, John Magerus volunteered for eight y ears as an archivist at the DeKoven Center in Racine\, Wisconsin. This arc hival work led to the research and writing of the biography of James DeKov en\, a nineteenth-century Episcopal priest and educator in Wisconsin.
\ n
Title(s): \;
&ldquo\;James DeKoven: Biography o
f a Famous Yet Forgotten Man&rdquo\;
This biography presents the life
of James DeKoven\, from his birth in Connecticut to his education in New
York City\, and eventually his move in 1854 to the frontier of the young s
tate of Wisconsin. Previously unavailable sources\, including letters and
memoirs &mdash\; and most importantly\, his personal journal &mdash\; have
been studied in detail to gain insight into his ideas concerning educatio
n\, religion and leadership.
Where to purchase books: https://WIPFAndStock.com/9798385229086/james-dekoven/ \;
\n\;
\nKari Morey
\nKari Morey taught Englis h in Racine Unified School District for 15 years\, and she currently serve s as the academy coordinator within the district. She lives with her husba nd and three daughters in Mount Pleasant.
\n
Title(s): \;
\"In Their Skin\"
Thirsty voices\, thirty first impressio
ns\, and thirty untold stories written in thirty different styles. Within
the walls of a high school junior English class in Racine\, WI\, the diffe
rent voices inside intertwine\, collide and shake you to the core\, all wh
ile the students try to complete an assignment in a ninety-minute block of
time.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AEPQyaQo3
\nWhere to purchase books: https://a.co /d/gujlKbx
\n\;
\nKeenan Jones
Keenan Jones is an author and middle school teacher who resides in the Twi n Cities of Minnesota but grew up in Gary\, Indiana and the south suburbs of Chicago. He writes children&rsquo\;s stories that celebrate Black cultu re\, community and the power of literacy.
\n
Title(s):
&ldquo\;Saturday Morning at the 'Shop&rdquo\;
The barbershop is
a sound booth\, an art gallery\, a playground\, a classroom and so much mo
re. It&rsquo\;s a place for artistry and comradery and\, most importantly\
, community.
Website: https://KeenanJWrites.com/
\nWhere to purchase books: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books /Saturday-Morning-at-the-Shop/Keenan-Jones/9781665940801
\n\;
\n< span style=\"text-decoration: underline\;\">Lori Kindt
\nLori is a very creative\, 71-y ear-old mother and grandmother who published her first books in 2022. When she's not writing\, Lori enjoys fiber arts\, caring for her crazy 14-year -old cat\, local wildlife\, and gardening.
\n
Title(s): \;
&ldquo\;Modern Martyr ~ Justice from the other side&rdquo\;When Naomi and her beloved dog are killed in a devastating car acciden
t\, she soon learns that death isn't the end. With her dog at her side\, N
aomi fights to stop the dark forces from destroying her town and everyone
she loves along with it. \;
&ldquo\;Lonely Tears ...silent fears&
rdquo\;
A small\, old-fashioned poetry book\, with short poems that s
peak about life. \;
Web site: \;
\n\n\n\nWhere to purchase books: https:/ /LoriKindtsbooks.netlify.app/
\n& nbsp\;
\nMandie Brice
\nMandie Brice has used her experience as an educator\, m ulti-passionate entrepreneur\, and yoga instructor to share ways to help p eople make their lives a little better. She lives with her family in Milwa ukee and loves to travel. \;
\nTitle(s): \;
\n&ldquo\;Happiness Habits: Tiny Tweaks and Hormone Hacks to Boost Bliss&
rdquo\;
This book provides science-backed strategies anyone can use t
o feel a little happier without doing a complete life overhaul\, spending
a ton of money\, or committing hours and hours to making changes. \;\n
Website: \;
\nWhere to purchase books: http://www.HappinessHabits.life \;
\n\;
\nMatthew Kopf
\nMatthew Kopf is the author of &l dquo\;Sarah&rsquo\;s Still Life&rdquo\; (2021) and the upcoming &ldquo\;Th e Giants of Hildebrandt Meyer.&rdquo\; His fiction is character-driven\, o ften lingering on the struggles of chasing one&rsquo\;s dreams\, the ache of loneliness and the longing for connection. \;
\n
Title(s): \;
&ldquo\;Sarah's Still Life&rdquo\;
A coming of
age novel about a tea shop clerk struggling against her difficult family
and circumstances in hopes of beginning a career as a food scientist.
&ldquo\;The Giants of Hildebrandt Meyer&rdquo\; (Fall 2026)
Bored\,
middle-aged\, tax analyst Hildebrandt Meyer is thrust into a reckoning aft
er a near-fatal collision shatters his assumptions about his life. He aban
dons his profession and dares himself to chase the dream he once surrender
ed. \;
Website : https://www.MatthewKopf.com
\nWhere to purchase books: https://www.amazon.com /dp/163676892X
\n\;
\nMelinda Hadley
\nMelinda Hadley is the author of &ldquo\;God&rsquo\;s By My Side Ever y Moment.&rdquo\; She shares real-life testimony of God&rsquo\;s faithfuln ess through every season.
\n&ldq
uo\;God's By My Side Every Moment&rdquo\;
A devotional built from rea
l-life testimonies of loss\, healing\, obedience and God&rsquo\;s unfailin
g presence. Through personal encounters and reflections\, Melinda Hadley i
nvites readers to recognize God walking with them through every season of
life.
Melvin D. Hargrove
Melvin D. Hargrove is the pastor and founder of Zoe Outreach Ministries in Mt. Pleasant\, Wisconsin and a veteran of 1 9+ years. He received a bachelor&rsquo\;s of science in sociology from UW- Parkside in Kenosha\, Wisconsin.
\nTitle(s): \;
\n&ldquo\;Man Of God: Black Manhood in Concert with Biblical Manhood&rdqu
o\;
Speaks to the truth of manhood being theologically and biblically
defined first by Elohim\, the Creator God. It also addresses the understa
nding of manhood being a deliberate and intentional process of maturation
and growth\, physically\, emotionally\, psychologically and spiritually.\n
Website: https://www.MelvinHargroveMinistries.com/
\nWhere to purchase books: h ttps://www.MelvinHargroveMinistries.com/
\n\;
\nNick Comande
\nNick is a lifelong resident of Racine. He se rved in the Racine Fire Department for over 32 years. \;
\n
Title(s): \;
&ldquo\;My Comet Tales&rdquo\;
Nick Co
mande discovered the notes he kept when tracking Halley&rsquo\;s Comet dur
ing its 1986 visit and decided to share his observations and excitement fr
om the six months he followed the comet during the different stages of its
journey.
&ldquo\;Climbing For Caus
es: A Persoanl Story&rdquo\;
Based on his day-by-day journals written
on the highest peaks of five of the seven continents of the world\, Nick
Comande &mdash\; with no formal training whatsoever &mdash\; traveled from
Africa to Antarctica\, facing harsh weather conditions\, delays\, a plane
crash and illness as he tried to raise money for various charities. \
;
Website: h ttp://www.ClimbingForCauses.org
\nWhere to purchase books: https://www.AuthorHouse.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/8613 11-my-comet-tales
\n\;
\nR. Adrian Kolosso
\nR. Adrian Kolosso takes inspiration from the strange and uniqu e. &ldquo\;The Halfdan Saga&rdquo\; is his first published novel\, with ma ny more on the way and to be published within the year.
\n
Title(s): \;
&ldquo\;The Halfdan Saga&rdquo\;
Halfdan\,
a Norseman and mercenary\, has to grapple with the consequences of a deal
gone wrong that resulted in the death of a friend.
&ldquo\;Battle of Edge Keep&rdquo\;
Going against his
morals\, Halfdan goes back on his word and flees across Norway\, making f
riends and allies along the way as he battles ancient beasts and cursed be
ings.
&ldquo\;Princess of Stones&rdquo\;
The castle is at siege
and seemingly at a stalemate\, only for it to end when someone let's the e
nemy in. It's up to an ill-equipped guard to find and save his beloved pri
ncess
Where to purchase boo ks: \;
\n
Robert R Lentz
I g rew up in Caledonia\, Wisconsin. I am a retired construction worker and fa rmer.
\n
Title(s):
&ldquo\;Loving Amber. A father'
s story.&rdquo\;
A story about life with our severely handicapped dau
ghter and its challenges.
W here to purchase books: https://a.co/d/iayule6
\n\;
\nRory Graves
\nWith more than 14 years of experie nce in Racine&rsquo\;s archives and museums\, Rory Graves has deep roots i n local history. Haunted Racine draws on historical research and regional folklore to explore the people\, places\, and stories that linger in the c ity&rsquo\;s collective memory.
\n
Title(s): \;
&ldquo\;Haunted Racine&rdquo\;
Like so many cities bordering Lake M
ichigan\, Racine has a long and storied history. Some of that history is s
tranger than fiction.
Websi te: https://UnconventionalHistorian.com/
\nWhere to purchase books: https://www.ArcadiaPublishing.co m/products/haunted-racine-9781467150781
\n\;
\nStephanie Vorwald
\nStephanie Vorwald is a mom of three boys \, a dental hygienist by day\, and an author by passion. When she&rsquo\;s not writing\, she loves traveling\, fishing\, and making memories with he r family.
\n
Title(s):
&ldquo\;Witches and Immorta
ls&rdquo\;
&ldquo\;Secrets and Thyme&rdquo\;
&ldquo\;Eric &\;
Izzy&rdquo\;
&ldquo\;Bonds and Bones&rdquo\;
When Freya&rsquo\;s world collides with witches and chaos magic\, she&rsquo\;s forced to navigate love\, loss\, betrayal\, and gener ations of hidden secrets. In a universe where villains are made and not bo rn\, she learns that true power lies not in magic\, but in love\, sacrific e\, and the courage to choose who to trust and who to become.
\n
Where to purchase books:
htt
ps://a.co/d/1zcQylT
\;
\nTracy A Daniels \;
\nTracy Daniels is a licensed practicing counselor. She h as worked extensively in the substance abuse and domestic violence fields.
\n
Title(s): \;
&ldquo\;In the Midst of it al
l&rdquo\;
This autobiography details the author&rsquo\;s decisions wh
ile growing up in the inner city of Racine\, Wisconsin.