Bring the family and join us for a heartfelt Leaders Are Readers event that celebrates the power of books, community, and courage. This free event takes place on Saturday, May 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rondo Community Library and features an author read-aloud, book giveaways, and hands-on activities for young readers.

This month, we are thrilled to welcome award-winning author Mélina Mangal, who will present a live reading of her new book, Jayden's Secret Ingredient. Journey with Jayden, a young gardener who loves spending time outdoors with his friend Mr. Curtis, as he faces the challenge of trying something new. When Mr. Curtis hosts a neighborhood gathering to share their harvest, Jayden must decide if he has the courage to sample the produce they’ve nurtured together. This touching story is a celebration of friendship, bravery, and the joys of gardening.

Event Highlights:
Author Reading: Mélina Mangal will bring Jayden's Secret Ingredient to life through a captivating live read-aloud.
Interactive Activity: Families can join in a special seed-starting activity inspired by the book’s garden theme.
Meet the Author: Mélina will be available for book signings and pictures after the reading.
Free Book Giveaway: Each young reader will receive a free book to continue their literary journey.

About Mélina Mangal:
Mélina Mangal is an acclaimed children’s author and a school library media teacher with a passion for connecting readers to nature and stories. Her prequel to Jayden’s Secret Ingredient, Jayden’s Impossible Garden, won the first Strive/Free Spirit African American Voices in Children’s Literature contest. It also received recognition as a Blueberry Honor book for inspiring a love of nature and action for the planet, was named one of the Best Children’s Books of the Year by the Bank Street Center, and was nominated for the Minnesota Star of the North Reading Award.

When she’s not writing or teaching, Mélina enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, exploring the wonders of the natural world.

About Planting People Growing Justice:
Planting People Growing Justice is a Black woman-owned children’s book publisher and social enterprise committed to transforming lives through literature. Their mission goes beyond publishing books; they aim to promote diversity in children’s literature and foster youth leadership development. Each book they produce is a step toward empowering children to embrace reading as a joyful, transformative tool for learning and growth.