Attention all young foodies and fans of reality TV! Mark your calendars for an exciting event featuring Patricia Park, the author of the captivating new YA novel "What's Eating Jackie Oh?". On Wednesday, May 1st, 2024 at 7:00 pm, Patricia will be in conversation with the talented author Anna Lapera at Conn Ave in Washington, DC. "What's Eating Jackie Oh?" follows the story of Korean American high school sophomore Jackie, who is thrilled when she's recruited for the teen cooking competition, Burn Off! However, Jackie soon finds herself navigating the complexities of racial assumptions, parental pressures, and the challenges of immigrant family life, all while competing in the high-stakes world of reality TV. Patricia Park's novel beautifully blends the excitement of the culinary competition with the nuanced exploration of important social and cultural themes. Patricia Park is an accomplished writer and educator, serving as an assistant professor of creative writing at American University. She is also a Fulbright Scholar in Creative Arts and a Jerome Hill Artist Fellow. In addition to "What's Eating Jackie Oh?", Patricia has authored the acclaimed adult novel "Re Jane" and the YA novel "Imposter Syndrome and Other Confessions of Alejandra Kim". Her work has been praised for its depth, authenticity, and engaging storytelling. Joining Patricia in conversation is the talented author Anna Lapera, whose own middle-grade novel "Mani Semilla Finds Her Quetzal Voice" has been named one of the "Most Anticipated Middle Grade Reads of 2024" by the School Library Journal. Anna is a Pushcart prize nominee, a Tin House and Macondo Writers Workshop alum, and a member of the Latinx literary collective, Las Musas. Her writing explores themes of empowerment and self-discovery, making her the perfect partner to discuss Patricia's thought-provoking YA novel. This event promises to be a captivating exploration of the intersections of identity, family, and the high-stakes world of reality TV. Whether you're a passionate young reader, a fan of diverse and nuanced storytelling, or simply someone who loves a good culinary competition, this event is not to be missed. Join us on May 1st at Conn Ave in Washington, DC for an engaging and insightful conversation with Patricia Park and Anna Lapera. Don't miss this opportunity to dive into the world of "What's Eating Jackie Oh?" and discover the power of authentic, diverse narratives.