Celebrating Haitian culture and history at the Louisiana Book Festival

Each year, the Louisiana Center for the Book in the State Library of Louisiana holds its Louisiana Book Festival, which provides free opportunities to meet exceptional writers and to take part book-related events and presentations. The 16th edition of this festival took place on Saturday, November 2nd in Baton Rouge, LA. Over 2,000 people came out to participate in the day’s activities.

The Stone Center for Latin American Studies was pleased to sponsor a talk and reading by award-winning children’s book author Francie Latour. Born in the U.S. to Haitian parents, Latour explores issues of race, culture, and identity in her works. Her most recent book, “Auntie Luce’s Talking Paintings,” received a 2019 Americas Award Honor Book designation. At the festival, Latour gave a reading that immersed audience members—young and old—in a girl’s trip from the U.S. to Haiti as she visits her Auntie Luce, a painter. This colorful and vibrant story offered attendees an intimate introduction to Haiti’s history and culture.

Visit the Louisiana Book Festival website to learn more about Francie Latour and “Auntie Luce’s Talking Paintings.”