08
Sep
Okay, so listen up, because Little Shop is bringing us something special, and you absolutely do not want to miss it. We’re talking about a whole evening dedicated to celebrating the incredible Elizabeth Acevedo and her brand-new Young Adult book, “Anger is Only a Shadow.” Seriously, Little Shop is beyond excited, and honored, to have her right here in Decatur to spill all the tea about her latest masterpiece.
When you get there, expect a really special vibe. Elizabeth will be joined by the amazing Angie Thomas, who’s going to be the guest moderator for the night. They’ll be chatting about “Anger is Only a Shadow” and then opening it up for questions from the audience, so get your brilliant thoughts ready. It’s going to be one of those nights where you feel inspired and connected, hearing directly from two brilliant minds.
This event is perfect for so many different kinds of nights. If you’re a Young Adult fiction lover, or just someone who appreciates powerful storytelling, this is for you. It’s a fantastic solo hang, letting you get lost in the literary magic. It would also make a really thoughtful girls’ night out, sharing a unique cultural experience with your crew. And if you’re looking for a low-key, intellectually stimulating date night, this is a winner.
Let’s talk about the book itself, because it sounds like a journey. “Anger is Only a Shadow” follows Lil, who is anything but small. She’s got this rebellious spirit, she’s fiercely loyal, and she’s trying to figure out what kind of person she wants to be, or even if she wants to be a “good” person at all. More than anything, Lil just wants to be free. But when her quest for freedom lands her another stint in D.C. juvenile detention, she’s lucky to just be on probation. The judgment, the guilt, and that ankle monitor are heavy, making her feel completely pinned down.
The only person who might truly understand her is her older brother, Aldwin. But he’s a hundred miles away at college, and lately, he’s been more distant than ever. Something’s been off with him for a couple of months, and Lil is the only one who seems to grasp how important it is to reach him. As her court hearing creeps closer, and the missed calls and strange texts from her brother pile up, Lil faces a huge question: will she stick to the rules until her sentencing, or risk her future freedom to help her brother?
The powerhouse author, Elizabeth Acevedo, is a New York Times-bestselling author whose work, like “The Poet X,” has won huge awards including the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, the Michael L. Printz Award, and the Carnegie Medal. Her other books, “With the Fire on High” and “Clap When You Land,” have also received critical acclaim. She holds a BA in Performing Arts from The George Washington University and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Maryland, and she’s even a National Poetry Slam Champion. Joining her is Angie Thomas, another incredible author, known for the award-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling Nic Blake and the Remarkables series, “The Hate U Give,” and “On the Come Up,” among others. Angie is a former teen rapper with a BFA in creative writing, and she splits her time between her home state of Mississippi and our very own Atlanta.
Alright, here are the practical details you need to know to make this happen. This special evening is happening on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The venue is the DeKalb County Public Library Decatur Branch, located at 215 Sycamore Street, right here in Decatur. When it comes to tickets, you have a couple of options. Admission is $0, which is a free ticket that gets one person into the event. If you want to dive deeper, there’s an Admission + Book ticket for $19.99. This ticket also admits one person and includes a copy of “Anger is Only a Shadow,” which you can pick up at the event and get signed. Just a heads up, if you want to get in the signing line, you *must* purchase your copy of “Anger is Only a Gift” from Little Shop, and that includes purchases made through Eventbrite, their website, or in person.
