June 16, 2023 – As a kid, Alex London didn’t like to read. But once he found the right book, it was the beginning of a career in storytelling.
“I remember that feeling of finding that first book that I felt like was written just for me and realizing, oh, it’s not that I don’t like to read, it’s just that I hadn’t found the right book yet,” London said. “I always say I write books for kids who think they don’t like to read.”
London, 43, is now an award-winning author of 32 books for children, teens and adults, with over two million copies sold. His most popular works are young adult fantasy novels, often including LGBTQ+ characters. Although he’s always busy with his next project, London regularly travels the country to meet his fans, facilitate writing workshops and give presentations about his work. The Decatur Public Library was his most recent stop, where about 20 readers of all ages gathered to hear about London’s life and writing process.
Katie Eytchison, an adult services librarian for DPL, said representing diversity in the library’s programming is important to her. She wanted to invite a queer author to speak at the library this month, and after finding London online, said he felt like the perfect fit.
“I always want people to be able to see themselves reflected in the library,” Eytchison said. “I love that he’s writing queer characters in middle grade and YA, which is great because kiddos need that representation.”
In preparation for London’s visit, Eytchison hosted a small book club for area youth to read some of his most popular works. The day began with a character-building workshop for aspiring young writers, followed by a VIP meet-and-greet with the book club’s members and a public presentation later in the evening. Although delays at the airport made London’s journey to Decatur difficult, Eytchison said arriving a few hours late didn’t affect the impact of his time at the library.
“He has rolled with every punch, and he has been passionate about getting here and being with the kids,” Eytchison said. “I think that speaks volumes about the kind of person he is.”
Chloe Elder, an incoming seventh grader at Meridian Middle School and an aspiring writer herself, said London’s books, especially his Skybound series, give her inspiration.
One of London’s books, Gold Wings Rising, on sale at his Decatur Public Library talk Thursday.
“I love his books,” Elder said. “It had everything I like. There was a really good romantic story in it, and it also had a quest about the Ghost Eagle, which was a really big, scary villain-bird.”
Like other fantasy novels, London’s young adult books are packed full of mythical creatures and imaginary places. His characters set him apart from other authors of the same genre, however—many of them are LGBTQ+. London said although that aspect of his characters’ identities doesn’t define the kind of stories he tells, having queer representation in his books is crucial.
“No matter who you are, you don’t just have a right, but a need, to see yourself in all kinds of stories … and to see people who are nothing like you,” London said. “Through those stories, hopefully, we can all learn to see each other as a little more human.”
When looking back on the stories he’s written, the people he’s met and the places he’s visited over his 15-year career as a published author, London is grateful that so many feel seen and understood through his work. Even though bans on books containing LGBTQ+ content are popping up nationwide, he doesn’t plan to stop writing anytime soon.
“All of us who work as educators, who work with children, who work as children’s authors are trying to expand that definition of who belongs,” London said. “No matter who you are in your community, you belong. There is a place for you in this world.”
And with Illinois becoming the first state to ban such restrictions on literature just this week, London added that his stop in Decatur was even more special.
“What a strong message that sends, and I’m thrilled to be in this state the week this happened,” London said. “It’s an exciting time, and I hope the other states follow suit and get the message that there’s enough room for everyone.”
London’s presentation was sponsored by The Friends of the Decatur Public Library, which regularly brings programming for all ages to the library. For information about DPL’s future events, click HERE. To read more about London’s past and upcoming books, visit his website HERE.
