Richard Michelson
By Tom Keener
Poet and children’s book author Richard Michelson appears at the Allen Public Library, 2 pm, Saturday, February 11, 300 N. Allen Dr. A winner of numerous awards, including the Teachers' Choice Award, his most recent book, Lipman Pike: America’s First Home Run King, employs fictional conversations interwoven with factual details as he reconstructs an obscure era and manages to resurrect Pike’s story for contemporary readers.
In his youth, Michelson was not a reader, but late in high school, he began reading Kafka and Dostoevsky and became enthralled with literature. Soon, he became an acclaimed poet. Battles and Lullabies, Michelson’s latest book of poetry for adults, was selected as one of the 12 best books of 2006 by ForeWord Magazine. After opening a fine art gallery, the importance of the children’s illustrator was championed, which led to a career as a children’s author.
His books reflect a rhythm and meter that is characteristic of fine poetry. “Trained as a poet, I write in rhythm and meter for my first draft. Rhythm is vital because it forces me to focus on each word. Rhythm is important because I am in love with language.” His books also explore how people from differing backgrounds can overcome adversity to achieve their objectives. “Social justice and racial issues are important to me and I admire people who are willing to step out of their comfort zone to create change.” In Lipman Pike, a forgotten Jewish ball player faces bigotry but ultimately wins the respect of fellow athlete and fans by becoming a home run king and one of the fastest runners in his time.
Sponsored by Storyopolis Entertainment and Bach to Books, this program is free.
Call 214-509-4911
|
