Book Reading and Lecture
with Claudia Martinez '00

Claudia Martinez '00 will discuss, "Literature YA! Engaging a New Generation of Readers" at the Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum on Wednesday, Sept. 17. The public portion of the program begins at 6:45 p.m., with free seating on a first-come basis.
Martinez, a CMC graduate, currently serves as director of operations and development at the Chicago Foundation for Education, an organization dedicated to improving the educational experiences of public school children. She is the author of The Smell of Old Lady Perfume (2008), a story of two borders: the one between two countries and the one between childhood and adolescence. Her debut novel, published by award-winning Cinco Puntos Press, was recommended by the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents (ALAN). It is also featured in the Kirkus Big Book Guide 2008 and was named a summer must-read by Hispanic Magazine.
During her Athenaeum presentation, Martinez will read from her new novel and discuss the importance of writing the Latino experience for a young audience.
The Athenaeum is located at 385 East Eighth St., at the intersection of Eighth and Amherst streets in Claremont.
Martinez is the keynote speaker for The Claremont Colleges' celebration of Latino Heritage Month. Her visit is jointly sponsored by the Athenaeum and Chicano/Latino Student Affairs Center.