Graphic Novelist Gene Luen Yang to Speak at Fayetteville Public Library

Acclaimed author and graphic novelist Gene Luen Yang will speak at the Fayetteville Public Library on Oct. 3 about his artistic journey and how comic books can help readers find a new world of understanding. 

The event, in partnership with the U of A College of Education and Health Professions, will be held in the library's event center on the first floor. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m., and the talk will begin at 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and registration is available on the library's website. 

Yang is the author and artist behind American Born Chinese, which was adapted into a Disney+ television series, as well as Boxers & Saints and the Avatar: The Last Airbender comics. He and illustrator LeUyen Pham recently collaborated on Lunar New Year Love Story, a heartwarming romantic comedy about fate, family and falling in love. 

Yang, who began drawing comics in the fifth grade, is currently writing Secret Coders, a middle-grade graphic novel series illustrated by Mike Holmes that uses storytelling to teach children about computer programming. Yang is also known for his advocacy for comics in education.

"Gene Luen Yang is a favorite of mine and countless other readers of all ages," said Hung Pham, director of the Center for Children and Youth in the College of Education and Health Professions. "His work spans the personal, historical and fantastical in smart, engaging ways. Having seen him talk before, I'm excited to bring him to Northwest Arkansas."

The talk will be followed by a book signing, with books available for purchase from local bookseller Dad Suggests Books. 

The event was made possible with support from the U of A College of Education and Health Professions' Department of Curriculum and Instruction, the U of A Literacy Symposium, the U of A Multicultural Center, the U of A School of Art's Department of Art Education, the Arkansas Arts Council and the Fayetteville Public Library.