Smith Poetry Center Hosts Reunion Weekend Poetry Reading by Jane Yolen

Nationally acclaimed local author and Smith College alumna Jane Yolen will read from her poetry during the college's alumnae reunion weekend. The reading will take place at 3:45 p.m. Saturday, May 20, in Seelye Hall 106.

Called alternatively the "Hans Christian Andersen of America" (Newsweek) and "the Aesop of the 20th Century" (NY Times), Yolen is best known for her dazzlingly creative, award-winning tales for children of all ages. Her books have won everything from the Caldecott Medal to the Nebula Awards, and have been translated into 18 languages, made into television shows, audio books, theatrical presentations and a full-length TV movie, "The Devil's Arithmetic," starring Kirsten Dunst.

Yolen's adult poetry has appeared in anthologies ("Colors of a New Day," "Alternate Kennedys" and "The Armless Maiden") and journals ("Parabola," "Marvels & Tales" and "Peregrine") and has served as lyrics for rock groups, folk groups and classic composers. "Among Angels," a collection of poems written with Nancy Willard, came out from Harcourt Brace in 1995.

Yolen's reading is free and open to the public. Bookselling and signing will follow. For additional information, call Cindy Furtek at (413) 585-4891 or Ellen Doré Watson at (413)585-3368.

May 10, 2000