Current Press Release

TOMS RIVER – Award-winning author Greg Neri, whose Ghetto Cowboy is now a film starring Idris Elba, will discuss his literature and life during the Ocean County Library’s “Dive Into YA: It’s Not Just for Teens” virtual series at 6 PM Thursday, October 7. 

The series aims to show how real issues, vivid writing, diverse characters and imaginative concepts are broadening the appeal of writers in the Young Adult genre. 

The Florida-based writer won a Coretta Scott King honor for Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty, based on the facts behind a young Chicagoan’s death at the hands of his own gang. 

Neri’s travels to Antarctica through National Science Foundation grants are the basis for several graphic novels, beginning with The Time Traveling Dino Detectives of Antarctica. His films include Picasso On The Beach and A Weekend With Barbara Und Ingrid. 

Neri has authored 10 novels, along with short stories, articles and poems, and his work has been published in 25 countries. His free-verse novella Chess Rumble earned a Lee Bennett Hopkins Promising Poet Award. 

The series is presented in partnership with Booktowne, Manasquan, NJ. Attendees will receive a 10% discount for Booktowne that can be used through their website. 

Registration for this free program is required at www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events. Registrants will receive a link by email to join the program. 

Keep up with Library events and programs at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, or visit the Library on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Spotify, and Snapchat.

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