Online Author Talk (Youth): Weird and Wonderful You with Zaila Avant-garde
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Tuesday, June 16th 2026 at 4:00 PM | This is a live virtual author talk that will be recorded and accessible for future use.
Register for this author talk and check out other online author talks here: https://libraryc.org/westlinnlibrary
Join us for an uplifting virtual conversation with bestselling author and Scripps National Spelling Bee champ Zaila Avant-garde as we discuss her new picture book, Weird and Wonderful You, in which she encourages young readers to embrace what makes them different.
We are the weird. The wonderfully weird, that is. When others blend in, we stand out.
Young readers will find joyful encouragement in this empowering celebration of individuality and self-acceptance. Through a motivating message and a series of inspiring quotes and affirmations, this book encourages readers to embrace their unique quirks and see them as strengths. It’s a colorful manifesto for anyone who has ever felt out of place or different, urging them to stand out, be proud, and stay true to themselves.
This book is a perfect gift for anyone who needs a reminder that being weird is wonderful, from one of America’s most exciting and unique young voices.
Register today for a joyful reminder on staying true to ourselves.
About the Author:
Zaila Avant-garde is a multi-talented powerhouse and a New York Times bestselling author, with success springing from all her endeavors. She was named SportsKid of the Year 2021 by Sports Illustrated Kids. She won the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee, making her the first African-American to win in almost 100 years of the competition. Avant-garde holds two Guinness World Records for her basketball prowess.
Her success has been celebrated by the likes of Barack and Michelle Obama, LeBron James, and Dr. Jill Biden. Since winning the Bee, Zaila has appeared in a cameo role in Netflix’s “HUSTLE”, as well as NBA on TNT, and Peacock’s “Kid’s Tonight Show”. You can also see her displaying her basketball skills in brand campaigns for Carnival Cruise Lines, BYJU, Xbox, and Gymshark.
The views expressed by presenters are their own and their appearance in a program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by West Linn Public Library.
