Comics have rules. Middle school has rules. Everyone has rules.
Flint, the main character in the novel “Squint,” likes to keep a list of rules. He uses them to help him navigate the treacherous territory of middle school, and to guide him as he furiously tries to finish a comic book before the deadline of a contest and before his eyesight deteriorates to the point he can no longer see.
Along comes a new friend, McKell, who is facing her own challenges. Her brother, Danny, is terminally ill from cancer and uses his popular YouTube channel to challenge people and bring them together.
“Squint” is the 2021 young adult selection for Iola Reads. It is available at the Iola Public Library and other places around the community. Pick up a copy and pass it on, or keep the book for a $2 donation.
Authors Chad Morris and Shelly Brown will visit Iola on Nov. 4. They will speak to Iola Middle School students at 10 a.m. at the Iola High School gym; Lincoln Elementary students will hear their presentation at 1:30 p.m.
A community presentation by the authors will be offered at 7 p.m. at the Creitz Recital Hall at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center. Refreshments will be provided.
THIS year’s event will include much more than an opportunity to read the book and a visit from the authors.
The Iola Public Library is also offering a comic strip contest, judged by local artist Stephen Gilpin.
Entries will be accepted until Nov. 1. An awards reception will be presented before the author visit, from 6 to 6:45 p.m. on Nov. 4 at the Iola Public Library.
The comic strip contest is offered as a fun way to tie into the book whose main character draws a comic strip.
The book also inspires another activity at local schools. Students will take part in Danny’s Challenge.
In the book, Danny is dying of cancer but issues challenges to encourage participants to think of others and work to make themselves a better person.
In Iola schools, students will be asked to fill out a Bingo card filled with various challenges. It includes such things as:
• Take a hike with a friend
• Sit with someone who is lonely
