Meet Alison McGhee

The Friends of the Fergus Falls Public Library invite you to a virtual author visit and conversation with Minnesota author Alison McGhee, who will be featured during the Friends’ annual meeting on April 25th at 10:00 a.m. Join us for this special opportunity to engage with the author and learn about her writing firsthand.

​Alison McGhee is a prolific author who writes for children, teens, and adults.  McGhee’s adult fiction book, “Shadow Baby,” was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and was selected as a Today Show Book Club pick.  The book’s feisty 11-year-old heroine is searching for answers about the disappearance of her father and grandfather.  A homework assignment leads her to a friendship with an elderly man, Georg Kominsky.  The two form a lovely friendship as they discover together what matters most in life.  This is a beautiful novel that demonstrates McGhee’s writing talent. Her other works of adult fiction include “Rainlight” and “Was It Beautiful,” both of which are exquisitely crafted and feature memorable characters.  The library’s adult book group will be discussing McGhee’s “Never Coming Back” on April 13th and 14th.

​Alison McGhee also writes for teens and young adults, a genre that at one time was almost unheard of, but over the past couple of decades has grown in size, scope, and popularity. A few of  McGhee’s works for this demographic include “All Rivers Flow to the Sea,” and “What I Leave Behind,” the story of Will, who is trying to come to terms with the loss of his father.  Will also grapples with learning about a friend who was assaulted.  This coming-of-age story tackles difficult issues and the impact of trauma.  

​Books geared towards readers in 5th through 8th grade include: “Snap,” “Dear Sister,” and the charming “Firefly Hollow,” a sweet story about dreams, fears, and friendships. “Telephone of the Tree” is one of McGhee’s newest books and explores the difficulties of the loss of a young friend.  McGhee is not afraid to tackle difficult topics and does so with gentleness and compassion.  For many young readers, these books can be helpful in making sense of complex feelings and fears.

​Alison McGhee just happens to be good friends with another Minnesota author, Kate DiCamillo. The two have collaborated on the three-volume series titled “Bink and Gollie.”  Bink and Gollie have hilarious adventures including a visit to the state fair.  The books also delve into friendship dilemmas, including jealousy and the need for personal space. A great series for children in 3rd through 5th grade. “Julia Gillian” is another delightful three-volume series by McGhee.

​If you spend any time at all reading to young children, you have very likely read one of McGhee’s picture books. “Mrs. Watson Wants Your Teeth,” “The Case of the Missing Doughnut,” “Count Down to Kindergarten,” and “The Tattoo Story” are just  a few of McGhee’s picture books.  These books are very popular with young children and adults.  Two  of my personal favorites are “Someday” and “Little Boy.” After reading them, I felt compelled to own my own copies.  

​Alison McGhee’s books are available for checkout at the library. We encourage you to read one, or more, of her books and join us at the Friends of the Library’s annual meeting on April 25th to meet the author, ask questions, and participate in an engaging discussion during her virtual visit.

Gail Hedstrom is the Library Director at the Fergus Falls Public Library.