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AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR VISITS HIS NATIVE RACINE
By Phyllis Sides
Journal Times
http://www.journaltimes.com/articles/2008/04 /18/local_news/doc480829b6e4f3b218933889.txt
April 18 2008
WI
David Kherdian set to be honored Sunday
VIDEO: Kherdian's appearance at Walden III High School
RACINE -- It's been about 15 years since David Kherdian and his wife
Nonny Hogrogian have visited Racine.
Kherdian, a Racine native, is the author of more than 50 books of
poetry, memoirs, novels, biographies and children's stories, some in
collaboration with Hogrogian.
His most recent book, "Forgotten Bread," is a collection of works
from 17 Armenian-American writers.
Hogrogian is an award-winning illustrator of children's books. The
couple are in Racine for a series of events honoring them, speaking
engagements and visits with friends.
Things have changed since their last visit, Kherdian said.
"The city has really changed, tremendously. You can know your hometown
only once. That's why I wrote 'My Racine.' It's really good to be
home again."
The visit included many highlights beginning with a reception for
Hogrogian on Tuesday at the Center for Children's Literature at
Carthage College. Hogrogian has been awarded the Caldecott Medal
twice for the most distinguished picture book of the year: in 1966
for "Always Room for One More" and again in 1972 for "One Fine Day,"
which she wrote and illustrated. Many of her illustrations are for
books of Armenian fairy tales.
On Wednesday, Kherdian spoke at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside
on "Dealing with Ethnicity and Genocide: Growing up in Racine as
an Armenian-American." His talk was hosted by the Center for Ethnic
Studies and the Center for International Studies.
On Thursday, he talked with students at Walden III High School, giving
them a poet's view of Racine while Hogrogian ate lunch with the youth
services staff at the library. Kherdian said he enjoys meeting and
talking with young people "because they are always interesting."
Kherdian gave the students copies of "The Dividing River, The Meeting
Shore" which takes us back to his childhood through his poetry.
The students also received free copies of Kherdian's "Chippecotton:
Root River Tales of Racine." "Chippecotton" is a verse history of
Racine, which he wrote, Kherdian said, because there were no good
histories of the city available.
Today, Kherdian will read selections from his Root River collection
of poems about Racine and from his new book, "Forgotten Bread," at
the Racine Public Library. The poetry reading will be followed by a
book-signing and informal reception.
On Sunday, with their visit winding down, Kherdian will be one of
the people honored by the Racine Public Library Foundation. The
foundation has selected the first recipients of the Emily Lee Award,
Distinguished Librarian Award and the Friend of the Library Award.
The award winners are Kherdian, librarian Nancy Elsmo and the Friends
of the Library. Kherdian is receiving the Emily Lee Award. The
Emily Lee Award is given to people with Racine connections who have
distinguished themselves in the world of literature. It is named
after the wife of the first president of the Library Board.
The Award recognizes Kherdian's distinguished career as a poet,
novelist, children's author and biographer.
"Receiving the Emily Lee Award, it's just incredible," Kherdian
said. "When you reach your own peers, then you know you've succeeded
if they like it. It's the hometown thing. My best work is about this
place. I've got a lot of awards, but this one is really special."
If you Go
What: A book-signing and reception with David Kherdian
When: Today, 4-6 p.m.
Where: The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St.
Admission: Free and the event is open to the public.
FYI: Kherdian will read excerpts from his new book, "Forgotten Bread,"
and will be
available to sign books and meet with the public. Books will be
available for purchase at the event.
The public also is invited to the Racine Public Library Foundation
awards luncheon from 1-3 p.m. Sunday at the Racine Marriott, 7111
Washington Ave.
Tickets for the luncheon are $35 and may be purchased at the
library. For more information, contact the library at (262) 636-9170.
By Phyllis Sides
Journal Times
http://www.journaltimes.com/articles/2008/04 /18/local_news/doc480829b6e4f3b218933889.txt
April 18 2008
WI
David Kherdian set to be honored Sunday
VIDEO: Kherdian's appearance at Walden III High School
RACINE -- It's been about 15 years since David Kherdian and his wife
Nonny Hogrogian have visited Racine.
Kherdian, a Racine native, is the author of more than 50 books of
poetry, memoirs, novels, biographies and children's stories, some in
collaboration with Hogrogian.
His most recent book, "Forgotten Bread," is a collection of works
from 17 Armenian-American writers.
Hogrogian is an award-winning illustrator of children's books. The
couple are in Racine for a series of events honoring them, speaking
engagements and visits with friends.
Things have changed since their last visit, Kherdian said.
"The city has really changed, tremendously. You can know your hometown
only once. That's why I wrote 'My Racine.' It's really good to be
home again."
The visit included many highlights beginning with a reception for
Hogrogian on Tuesday at the Center for Children's Literature at
Carthage College. Hogrogian has been awarded the Caldecott Medal
twice for the most distinguished picture book of the year: in 1966
for "Always Room for One More" and again in 1972 for "One Fine Day,"
which she wrote and illustrated. Many of her illustrations are for
books of Armenian fairy tales.
On Wednesday, Kherdian spoke at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside
on "Dealing with Ethnicity and Genocide: Growing up in Racine as
an Armenian-American." His talk was hosted by the Center for Ethnic
Studies and the Center for International Studies.
On Thursday, he talked with students at Walden III High School, giving
them a poet's view of Racine while Hogrogian ate lunch with the youth
services staff at the library. Kherdian said he enjoys meeting and
talking with young people "because they are always interesting."
Kherdian gave the students copies of "The Dividing River, The Meeting
Shore" which takes us back to his childhood through his poetry.
The students also received free copies of Kherdian's "Chippecotton:
Root River Tales of Racine." "Chippecotton" is a verse history of
Racine, which he wrote, Kherdian said, because there were no good
histories of the city available.
Today, Kherdian will read selections from his Root River collection
of poems about Racine and from his new book, "Forgotten Bread," at
the Racine Public Library. The poetry reading will be followed by a
book-signing and informal reception.
On Sunday, with their visit winding down, Kherdian will be one of
the people honored by the Racine Public Library Foundation. The
foundation has selected the first recipients of the Emily Lee Award,
Distinguished Librarian Award and the Friend of the Library Award.
The award winners are Kherdian, librarian Nancy Elsmo and the Friends
of the Library. Kherdian is receiving the Emily Lee Award. The
Emily Lee Award is given to people with Racine connections who have
distinguished themselves in the world of literature. It is named
after the wife of the first president of the Library Board.
The Award recognizes Kherdian's distinguished career as a poet,
novelist, children's author and biographer.
"Receiving the Emily Lee Award, it's just incredible," Kherdian
said. "When you reach your own peers, then you know you've succeeded
if they like it. It's the hometown thing. My best work is about this
place. I've got a lot of awards, but this one is really special."
If you Go
What: A book-signing and reception with David Kherdian
When: Today, 4-6 p.m.
Where: The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St.
Admission: Free and the event is open to the public.
FYI: Kherdian will read excerpts from his new book, "Forgotten Bread,"
and will be
available to sign books and meet with the public. Books will be
available for purchase at the event.
The public also is invited to the Racine Public Library Foundation
awards luncheon from 1-3 p.m. Sunday at the Racine Marriott, 7111
Washington Ave.
Tickets for the luncheon are $35 and may be purchased at the
library. For more information, contact the library at (262) 636-9170.