Apr-2021
Author & Illustrator Talk: Twenty-One Steps
Author & Illustrator Talk
Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
7 p.m.
Free Community Program
Online via Zoom
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“I am an Unknown. I am one of many. From Bunker Hill to Heartbreak Ridge, we gave all we had for our country and freedom. The Tomb Guards give all they have for us.”
Join us for an inspiring discussion of Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. This new book, written by Jeff Gottesfeld and illustrated by Matt Tavares, shares how the Unknown soldiers became entombed at Arlington National Cemetery and how their fellow soldiers have come to keep vigil over them. This sobering and powerful tale is compellingly told and luminously illustrated. While written as a picture book for children aged 7 – 10, the messages are for all ages.
Hear directly from the author and illustrator and learn more about the story behind this book, the role of the Tomb Guards, and the 100th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 2021.
Jeff Gottesfeld is the author of The Tree in the Courtyard, illustrated by Peter McCarty, and No Steps Behind, illustrated by Sheilla Witanto. He has previously written for adult, teen, middle grade, and picture book audiences. Jeff Gottesfeld lives in Los Angeles.
Matt Tavares is the author-illustrator of Crossing Niagra, Henry Aaron’s Dream, There Goes Ted Williams, Becoming Babe Ruth, and Growing Up Pedro as well as Zachary’s Ball, Oliver’s Game, and Mudball. He is the illustrator of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, Over the River and Through the Wood, Lady Liberty by Doreen Rappaport, The Gingerbread Pirates by Kristin Kladstrup, and Jubilee! by Alicia Potter. Most recently he wrote and illustrated two modern Christmas tales, Red and Lulu and the New York Times bestseller Dasher. He lives in Ogunquit, Maine.
Special Recognition
During the program, we will also recognize Sergeant Major Kenneth Oswald, instructor of military science in the Marine Corps JROTC program at Lynn English High School, Lynn, Massachusetts. Sergeant Major Oswald is retiring after many years of dedicated and selfless service.
This program is offered in honor of Memorial Day and in support of the Wenham Museum’s Patton Family Archives. It will be moderated by Major Paul J. Cancelliere, USA, Retired.
This program is funded in part by Mass Humanities, which receives support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and is an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Special Thanks to Our Event Partner
Candlewick Press