State Journal Register: Living Literature (Alex Kotlotwitz in Springfield)

[Tweed]

http://www.sj-r.com/Sections/News/Stories/49627.asp

"Chicago-based author Alex Kotlowitz is best known for his book "There Are No Children Here," but the same couldn't be said for his booth at the Illinois Authors Book Fair on Saturday.

"It's been a little bit of an adventure for me," Kotlowitz said as two spirited little ones climbed from his lap. "I do a lot of speaking, but I took my kids with me. They're having a good time."

Kotlowitz was the featured author at the event at the Illinois State Library in downtown Springfield. He and nearly 30 other writers gathered for a day of seminars and book signings, offering the public an opportunity for informal chats with some of Illinois' finest literary minds.

"In the most fundamental sense, this is a chance for readers to put a face with the names they've seen on books for years," said Taylor Pensoneau, president of the Illinois Center for the Book, which presented the fair."

Kotlowitz is a national gem. It's nice that he focuses on Chicago. Before I got into UIC, I had to read "There Are No Children Here"