Join us on Monday, Jan. 21 to hear from three local children’s book authors! Visitors who participate in this special reading event will receive copies of the books (while supplies last) and authors will be available to sign books and take pictures.

We’ve partnered with the NCAA Read to the Final Four Initiative to provide this activity. Other fun games and giveaways will be onsite.

This activity is included with purchase of admission to the museum. Here’s the schedule and more about the authors:

10:30 a.m. – Art Coulson 
Unstoppable: How Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team Defeated Army

A Navy brat, Art was born in Honolulu, where he lived for his first 7 months. Art and his family moved often, sometimes more than once a year. Art attended 14 different schools on three continents before he graduated high school.

Art’s first children’s book, The Creator’s Game, a story about a young lacrosse player, was published by the Minnesota Historical Society Press in 2013. His most recent book, Unstoppable, a story about the great American Indian athlete Jim Thorpe, was published by Capstone in August 2018.

Before writing children’s books, Art was a writer and editor at magazines and newspapers all over the United States. After his journalism career, Art served as the first executive director of the Wilma Mankiller Foundation in the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.

Now, Art lives in Minneapolis with his family, but still plays traditional Cherokee stickball, an original version of lacrosse, when he is visiting friends and relatives in the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma several times a year.

11:30 a.m. – Dr. Artika Tyner
Justice Makes a Difference: The Story of Miss Freedom Fighter, Esquire

Dr. Artika R. Tyner is a passionate educator, author, sought after speaker, and advocate for justice. At the University of St. Thomas, Dr. Tyner serves as the Associate Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion. She is committed to training students to serve as social engineers who create new inroads to justice and freedom.

Dr. Tyner is committed to empowering others to lead within their respective spheres of influence. She provides leadership development and career coaching for young professionals. She has also developed leadership educational materials for K-12 students, college/graduate students, faith communities and nonprofits.

Additionally, Dr. Tyner teaches leadership coursework on ethics, critical reflection, and organizational development. Her research focuses on diversity/inclusion, community development, and civil rights. She has presented her research and conducted leadership training programs both nationally and internationally.

She lives in Saint Paul, MN. She enjoys traveling across the world, learning new languages, and gourmet baking.

12:30 p.m. – Habso J. Mohamud  
It Only Takes One Yes

Habso J. Mohamud is a proud Somali American. She was born in the United Nations refugee camp in Kenya. She came to the United States at age 10 with her family, initially settling in Fargo North Dakota. She then, transitioned to St. Cloud MN where she calls it home.

Habso is also a proud college Graduate of St. Cloud State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Geography Travel & Tourism and masters in Global Education, Gender & Leadership Development. She is a youth champion, social activist, community advocator and a world traveler who is constantly embracing the importance of education to women and children across the world.

Habso was first generation student and first to graduate in a family of thirteen kids. She connects her passion for education with her desire of helping children and women and making an impact. Her pledge is to continue being a CHANGE MAKER, ACTIVIST, EDUCATOR & ONE who LIGHTS UP THE WORLD with her story.

Don’t miss the chance to spend time with these great local authors.