Reading/Signing: Pete Hautman June 25, 2005

Pete Hautman, the 2004 National Book Award winner for Young People?s Literature, will present a reading and book signing at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 25, at River City Books, located at 306 Division Street in downtown Northfield. The event is free and open to the public.

Hautman received a Minnesota Book Award for ?Godless,? which tells the story of a 15-year-old who starts a religion that worships the town water tower. The book, which also was a 2004 National Book Award Finalist, explores religion and adolescent development as the protagonist reflects upon the religion in which he is the only member.

Hautman began his writing career in 1993 with the comic mystery novel titled ?Drawing Dead? and for a time continued to write a series of crime novels. In 1996, he wrote his first book for young adults, titled ?Mr.Was.? Hautman also has written ?Sweetblood,? ?Rag Man,? ?Mrs. Million? and ?The Mortal Nuts,? among others. His novels have been selected for New York Times and American Library Association (ALA) Notable Books of the Year. He has been nominated for the Mystery Writers of America?s Edgar Allan Poe Award and has received the Best Young Adult Book of the Year Award from the Michigan Library Association and the Wisconsin Library Association Award in both the adult and young adult categories.

In a June 2005 interview with Linda M. Castellitto of bookpage.com, Hautman said "I think of YA [young adult] as coming-of-age stories about kids taking on adult responsibilities for the first time, in terms of friendship, sex, violence, any number of things. It's about discovering your personal power, and how you can affect the world."

Hautmann attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and the University of Minnesota and has residences in Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

River City Books is a general interest bookstore in downtown Northfield. Home to a large selection of Carleton and St. Olaf clothing and gifts, it also carries a wide variety of quality literature, such as McSweeney?s Publishing titles. Throughout the year, they sponsor numerous events for the Northfield community, bringing in celebrated authors for book signings and discussions. This summer, the bookstore also will sponsor a Harry Potter Bash to celebrate the release of the popular series? sixth book.

For more information or disability accommodations, call River City Books in Northfield at (507) 646-7754.