2020 cost all of us so much–whether that be jobs, graduations, our peace, or our communities. And DC became an eye in the storm of it all. However, as our young authors contended with these truths, they also wrote us all into a bright, fortified, and youth-led future, alchemizing our loss into hope. What better way to celebrate these young, diverse DC voices than with an energetic DC-centric party? On Tuesday, April 4, from 7-9pm, Shout Mouse Press will take over metrobarDC, an outdoor venue built around an old metrocar, to celebrate, not only this book’s release, but the community’s resilience. The event, hosted by ed emcee Dr. Tony Keith Jr. will feature live readings from WICU authors, music by DC’s own DJ Stylus, and food from a local food truck.

About the Book:

In this collaborative novel, ten diverse young writers from Washington, DC recreate the historic year 2020 from their perspectives, through fictional stories inspired by their own lived experiences. Told chronologically from the onset of the pandemic to the insurrection of January 6th, their stories of change and resilience are accompanied by maps, social media, original artwork, and real-life headlines to create an immersive experience of an unprecedented coming of age.

You’ll meet Faiza, a Muslim high school student, who struggles to celebrate Ramadan during the worst of the COVID-19 shutdowns. You’ll protest with Roman, the only Black student in his class, whose relationships are challenged in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. You’ll face the fraught 2020 election with Dennis, a young Nigerian immigrant, as he questions a democracy that seems to count him out.

By examining the shards of this shattered year, these authors explore “what it cost us” through stories that both acknowledge loss and celebrate what got us through. Ages 12+.