A Celebration of Books,
Writers & LIterary Excellence

Save the Date


Gaithersburg
Book Festival

May 17, 2025

10am – 6pm

Bohrer Park


Deborah Wiles

Latest Title: Bobby: A Story of Robert F. Kennedy
Bobby: A Story of Robert F. Kennedy
Bobby by Deborah Wiles

From two-time National Book Award finalist Deborah Wiles comes a compelling biography of Robert Kennedy.

Americans claimed Robert Kennedy as one of their own. They called him Bobby.

Lyrical and evocative text by Deborah Wiles (CountdownRevolutionAnthem, and Kent State) brings the story of Robert F. Kennedy to life, with breathtaking illustrations by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh.

Bobby is set in 1968, with a grandfather telling his grandchild about Kennedy’s life. Bobby was the younger brother of President John F. Kennedy. He became an accomplished public servant and activist in his own right. Though his run for presidency was tragically cut short on June 5, 1968, Bobby proved the value of empathy and grit. The story concludes as his funeral train makes its solemn journey from New York to Washington, DC.

Kennedy was perceived by many to be a rare unifying force in American politics. He was beloved by Americans of all races for his integrity and devotion to the civil rights cause. His life continues to inspire efforts for social change.

Deborah Wiles’s Bobby will illuminate the importance of Robert Kennedy’s life for children, parents, teachers, and librarians. Informative back matter is included.

About Deborah Wiles

Deborah Wiles spent her childhood summers in Mississippi with wacky relatives who populate her fiction, including the beloved “Freedom Summer” and “Love, Ruby Lavender.”  She is a two-time National Book Award finalist, recipient of a PEN/Naylor fellowship and a Jane Addams Peace Honor. Her latest book is “Bobby: A Story of Robert F. Kennedy.” She lived in Prince Georges (Md.) County as a child while her father was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base during the Cuban Missile Crisis, which she writes about in “Countdown.” She also lived in Gaithersburg, Md., in the ‘70s; and in Frederick County, Md., for 25 years. Today she writes from Atlanta.

Facebook

Instagram: @deborahwiles_

Twitter: @DeborahWiles101

Author Schedule:

Venue(s):

Jim Henson Pavilion

Presentation Start Time:

11:15 am

Presentation End Time:

12:05 pm

Signing Time:

12:15 pm

Presentation Authors: