RJ Julia Booksellers welcomes Louisa Iacurci from the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame to tell us about the amazing life of Old Saybrook author, Ann Petry.

Ann Lane Petry was a Connecticut writer whose novel The Street was one of the first to address the experiences of black women in terms of race, class and gender. Her ground-breaking novel, published in 1946, was also the first book by an African-American woman to sell over 1 million copies. (Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame© )

Ann Petry (1908–1997), novelist, short story writer, and writer of books for young people, was one of America’s most distinguished authors. She is the author of The Street, The Narrows, Country Place, and Miss Muriel and Other Stories, as well as the middle grade biography Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad, which was named an ALA Notable Book and a New York Times Outstanding Book.

Louisa Iacurci has a Masters In Education from American University in Washington, D.C. Louisa’s 30 years of teaching experience ranges from Kindergarten through adults. This experience includes both public and private school systems. Louisa has a passion for teaching and volunteers for the Literacy Volunteers of Valley Shore, teaching English as a second language to adults. She enjoys bringing amazing women’s stories to life and encouraging all learners to be intrinsically motivated to love learning everyday! Louisa resides in Madison, CT and loves CT history!

10% of sales from the evening will be donated to the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame!