Take My Hand
(Phoenix, 2022)

Saturday, September 24, 2022
3:00 PM
Lewes Public Library, Meeting Room

About the book
This novel inspired by true events begins in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1973. New nurse Civil Townsend intends to make a difference in her African American community, helping women to make their own choices for their lives and bodies. Two of her patients at the family planning clinic are Erica and India, just 11 and 13 years old — neither girl has even kissed a boy, but they are poor and Black, and for those handling the family’s welfare benefits, that’s reason enough to put them on birth control. Then the unthinkable happens.

About the author
Dolen Perkins-Valdez is the author of two previous works of historical fiction, Wench and Balm. She chairs the board of the PEN/Faulkner Foundation, which celebrates literature and provides support and resources for readers and writers of all ages.

Purchase the book
Please help support local independent bookstores by purchasing this book at Browseabout Books, official bookseller of the History Book Festival. Online sources and digital versions are tempting; however, supporting local brick and mortar shops helps to preserve our vibrant main streets. Drop by Browseabout, order books online, or call the store at 302-226-2665. You also may purchase a copy at biblion in Lewes.

About the Festival
With the help of our presenting sponsors—Delaware Humanities and The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices I PenFed Realty—as well as our community partners and volunteers, the 2022 History Book Festival was full of great discussions with authors of newly published narrative nonfiction and historical fiction.

Special thanks to Lewes Public Library, for venue and assistance with event promotion; to Browseabout Books in Rehoboth, our official bookseller; and to the Cape Gazette and Delmarva Public Media, our media partners.

Mark your calendars for the 2023 History Book Festival. Join our authors, interviewers, and other attendees at live events throughout the weekend of September 29, 30, and October 1.