Carleton a stop on Michigan Notable Author Tour

CARLETON – An award-winning Michigan author is coming to Carleton as part of the Michigan Notable Author Tour.

Katie Yamasaki, author of “Shapes, Lines and Light; My Grandfather’s American Journey,” will speak at 6:30 p.m. May 18 in the Airport High School Library, 11330 Grafton Rd. Admission is free; the public is welcome.

The program is sponsored by AHS and the Carleton Branch of the Monroe County Library System. Yamasaki’s book was named a 2023 Michigan Notable Book by the Library of Michigan. Airport was one of 50 sites across the state to take part in the seventh Notable Authors Tour.

“Airport Community Schools' students and the community soon will meet an award-winning Michigan author whose children’s book demonstrates the impact of vision, perseverance and humanity as an Asian American architect in the Midwest,” Airport Community Schools said in a written release.

“Libraries throughout the state of Michigan were encouraged to apply to host one of this year's celebrated authors,” Lisa Brakel, district librarian, said. “Airport Community Schools and the Carleton Branch Library are honored to welcome Katie Yamasaki as part of the Michigan Notable Authors Tour.”

At AHS, Yamasaki will speak about her children’s picture book, which is inspired by her architect grandfather, Minoru Yamasaki. Following the presentation, she will sign books. Other titles by Yamasaki also will be available.

In addition to the visit, a team of volunteers will travel to Airport’s elementary buildings, Eyler, Niedermeier, Ritter and Sterling, to read “Shapes, Lines and Light” to second through fourth grade students, Brakel said. Yamasaki’s books also will become available for checkout from district libraries.

“Shapes, Lines and Light” follows her grandfather’s life and work, from his childhood in Seattle’s Japanese immigrant community to establishing his architectural firm, Minoru Yamasaki Associates in Troy. It includes his childhood, college experiences, early careers and his success as an architect. The book also covers topics such Asian-American racism, Japanese culture and humanity.

Yamasaki, a Detroit native, is an author and illustrator who teaches at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, where she earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Illustration.

For more than 32 years, the Library of Michigan, a division of the Michigan Department of Education, has sponsored the annual Michigan Notable Book Awards to promote reading and raise awareness of Michigan’s literary heritage. The program annually selects titles that are reflective of Michigan's diverse ethnic, historical, literary and cultural experience.

“The Michigan Notable Books selections clearly demonstrates the diverse tapestry of subject matter that Michigan offers to inspire writers,” said Randy Riley, state librarian, said. “Everyone will find an author tour stop of interest that speaks to their lives or experiences in our great state.”

For more information about Yamasaki or her books, go to www.katieyamasaki.com.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Carleton a stop on Michigan Notable Author Tour