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Thursday, March 28

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Events Thu Jun 05 2014

826CHI Presents Even a Lion Can Get Lost in the Jungle @ Printers Row LitFest

Thumbnail image for Even a Lion.pngIf you definitely don't want to meet any undercover super-duper top secret spies, then you definitely shouldn't not not partake in the imaginative and thoughtful story-somersaults that emerge from tutoring center 826CHI.

Since its founding in 2005, 826CHI has worked tirelessly to provide Chicago area students with free programming geared towards developing their writing skills. Currently nestled in Milwaukee Avenue's The Boring Store (though they are soon to relocate), the text spanning their front window reflects the non-profit's playful style:

"The Boring Store is absolutely, positively, unmistakably, beyond a shadow of a doubt, certifiably, fahrenheitally, categorically, conspicuously, trans-fat-freely, quite obviously, prehensilely, indubitably, most certainly NOT A SECRET AGENT STORE."

In short, it is an organization that really, truly makes learning super cool.

Embedded within this sense of play is a commitment to the community. Frequent readings and publication of students' work strengthens a sense of personal voice; encourages students to tell their stories, tell them loudly, tell them thoughtfully. This weekend, Printers Row LitFest will host the debut of 826CHI's latest Young Authors Book Project, Even a Lion Can Get Lost in the Jungle. Composed by 7th and 8th graders at the Harvard School of Excellence, this compelling collection of narrative journalism depicts positive forces within the Englewood community and surrounding neighborhoods. "This vivid collection of short narrative pieces captures the neighborhood and lives of the young writers who participated in the project," Audrey Petty, editor of Voice of Witness's High Rise Stories: Voices from Chicago Public Housing, said of the collection. "The authors tackle the questions at the heart of community, and they explore them in remarkable depth."

Though 826CHI will have a tent open and eager for visitors all weekend, this Saturday, June 7 at 10:30am Even a Lion's authors will read excerpts of their work in the LitFest's Mash Stage. Come out to support these young authors, their neighborhoods and their identities.

 
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Book Club is the literary section of Gapers Block, covering Chicago's authors, poets and literary events. More...

Editor: Andrew Huff, ah@gapersblock.com
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