‘Scary’ and ‘Heartwarming’: Powder Springs One Book, One City Tween Challenge Author Talk and Community Discussion is October 18
The Powder Springs community’s One Book, One City: Tween Challenge 2025 author talk, discussion and book signing program will feature Karen Strong and her novel The Secret Dead Club on Saturday, October 18 at 1 pm at Thurman Springs Park’s Hardy Family Automotive Amphitheatre, 4485 Pineview Drive in downtown Powder Springs. The event will take place during the City of Powder Springs Trunk-or-Treat Fall Festival.
A joint venture of the City of Powder Springs, the Book Worm Bookstore, and Powder Springs Library, One Book, One City is a literary event designed to encourage the community to read the same book and join in a conversation about its themes and the power of reading.
Karen Strong is the critically acclaimed author of the middle-grade novels Just South of Home and Eden’s Everdark. The Secret Dead Club is about tween medium Wednesday Thomas, who after moving back to her mother Olivia’s hometown in Georgia discovers she’s not the only one at her new school who sees ghosts.
“As heartwarming as it is heart-stopping, The Secret Dead Club is a smart, sensitive look at grief, friendship and the power of lineage,” said bestselling author Leah Johnson (Ellie Engle Saves Herself). “This is the scary-good novel I’ve been waiting for since middle school!”
The novel has won praise for being a “relatable” coming-of-age story.
“While the story, which features a racially diverse cast, includes dark and scary moments, the heavy themes are buoyed by representations of strong familial support and protective, loving friendships that endure even through conflict,” according to Kirkus Reviews. “Wednesday displays bravery, compassion, and creativity in overcoming both life challenges and nefarious spirits.”
The Secret Dead Club Chat and Craft program for tweens ages 9 to 13 starts 4 pm Monday, October 13 at Powder Springs Library, 4181 Atlanta St. Craft materials and snacks from the book – cupcakes, double chocolate cookies and fruit punch – will be provided.
For more information on the October One Book, One City events, call the Powder Springs Library at 770-439-3600 or the Book Worm Bookstore at 770-439-2029.