This year the Big Read Lakeshore is highlighting five books from one local author—Gary D. Schmidt. Because we are featuring a local author, we are able to have a lot of author events (as well as other events) this year!
Featured at Hope College
Van Wylen Book Discussion | 12:00-1:00pm, November 16 | Van Wylen Library, Hope College
Join us in discussing Okay for Now! Bring a book, your questions, and be ready for some interesting and fun conversations!
Author Keynote Address | 7:00-9:00pm, November 16 | Graves Hall, Hope College
Join the Big Read team and author Gary D. Schmidt to hear about his novel, The Wednesday Wars. Hear all about his inspiration for the story and his writing process.
Featured in Libraries
Author Event: Orbiting Jupiter Discussion | 6:00-7:00pm, November 17 | Gary Byker Memorial Library of Hudsonville
Hear how Gary D. Schmidt came to write Orbiting Jupiter. Find out what made him want to write this story, and what challenges he faced while writing it. There will be a Q&A at the end.
Book Discussion: The Wednesday Wars and Orbiting Jupiter | 6:30pm, November 19 | Saugatuck-Douglas Library
Come to the library with your book(s), your questions, and your opinions! Enjoy a meaningful conversation about these two wonderful books.
Writers Workshop with Gary D. Schmidt | 1:00-2:00pm, November 21 | Herrick District Library North Branch
Writers of all ages are invited to a workshop with the author of The Wednesday Wars! Everyone should bring their current writing project and any questions for Gary about the writing process.
Author Discussion: The Wednesday Wars | 6:00-7:00pm, November 23 | Allendale Library
Discussion of the featured Big Read Lakeshore book, The Wednesday Wars, with Gary D. Schmidt.
The 2026 Big Read Lakeshore is sure to be a season of fun, community, and good stories. Whether you’ve read all of Gary D. Schmidt’s books before or you’re picking up The Wednesday Wars for the first time, these events offer something for everyone. We can’t wait to see you at these events as we come together to celebrate the power of literature to entertain, inspire, and unite. Check out our website for more information on these and many other events!
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