San Francisco author Jaimal Yogis reads from his new children’s picture book, " Mop Rides the Waves of Life ." Mop loves to surf and he learns to ride his emotions like he rides the waves in the ocean.

Sacramento author Shelley Blanton-Stroud reads from her new novel, "Copy Boy." It takes place in San Francisco in the 1930s.

Sacramento author Shelley Blanton-Stroud reads from her new novel, " Copy Boy ." It takes place in San Francisco in the 1930s.

Mill Valley author Heather Young reads from her novel "The Distant Dead." It's about a murder in the Nevada desert.

Oakland author Emily Pilloton reads from her new book, "Girls Garage." Its an invitation to girls and women everywhere to join a movement of fearless builders.

Oakland author Emily Pilloton reads from her new book, " Girls Garage ." Its an invitation to girls and women everywhere to join a movement of fearless builders.

Oakland author Yodassa Williams reads from her debut novel "The Goddess Twins." This passage is of one of the main characters remembering a moment from her past when she almost drowned. Williams next book will be a memoir about her experiences as a Black femme burner.

Oakland author Yodassa Williams reads from her debut novel " The Goddess Twins ." This passage is of one of the main characters remembering a moment from her past when she almost drowned. Williams next book will be a memoir about her experiences as a Black femme burner.

San Jose author Ava Homa reads from her new poetry collection, "Daughters of Smoke and Fire." It's about a sister's fight for her brother's freedom, set mainly in the Kurdish region of Iran.

San Jose author Ava Homa reads from her new poetry collection, " Daughters of Smoke and Fire ." It's about a sister's fight for her brother's freedom, set mainly in the Kurdish region of Iran.