EVENT CANCELLED DUE TO ILLNESS APOLOGIES FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE
Young Chicago Writers Panel
April 2nd 6-7:30 pm
after-words is proud to present its first young authors panel with local writers. Meet these new voices in fiction.
Aiden Branss:
Aiden Branss is a 22-year-old author and the founder of Aiden Branss Books, a Chicago-based publishing company dedicated to providing a platform for young and diverse writers. He gained recognition for writing his first book, 2020! From A Teenagers POV, at age 16 during the COVID-19 lockdown. After facing numerous rejections from traditional publishers, he self-published and subsequently established his own company to help his friends and other Gen Z writers share their stories and experiences.
Jahkel Madison:
Jahkel Madison is an American author and a prominent voice within the Aiden Branss Books (ABB) publishing collective. He is the creator of the The PyroManiac series, a gritty young adult saga that follows the journey of an orphan gaining supernatural abilities amidst a quest for justice. Madison’s work is a cornerstone of the ABB mission to empower young writers and bring authentic, high-energy storytelling to a global audience.
Ureed Zaidi:
Ureed Zaidi is an author who has written 3 books under Aiden Branss Books. From sharing his personal story about moving from Pakistan to America in “The Short Kid From Pakistan,” to a convicted felon who is trying to get his life together in “Apollo Darwin,” and a story about a crazy treasure hunt with 2 young adults going all over the world in “Damaris and The Short Kid: The Hunt for the Golden Keys,” co written by author Daniel Castro. Ureed Zaidi is someone puts his heart and soul into every word he writes.
Deep Dish Reading April 9th 6-8:30 pm
Featured Readers:
Ayden Scott
Cat Rambo
Rapid Fire Readers:
Alex Kingsley
Jennifer Stevenson
Richard Chwedyk
Philip Janowski
Oleg Kazantsev
Dan Gonzalez
Mary Anne Mohanraj
The last Saturday in April is Independent Bookstore day!
This national one-day party held the last Saturday in April
celebrates independent bookstores across the country online and in-store.
Through exclusive books and literary items, contests, cupcakes, and everything in between, it’s a party you don’t want to miss! Can't wait to see you!
If you need guidance to set up your tour...
we have many options for you!
You can join a 
bus route that will bring you to at least 10 stores.
For a shorter day, how about trying a trolley?
There is a bike route.
A group called Read and Run Chicago
is also organizing a route for the super fit.
To get around on IBD you have a lot of options, just check it out!
Banned Books Club June 9th 6:30
From acclaimed author Malinda Lo comes a gripping, tender coming-of-age novel exploring identity, queerness, and historical upheaval set in San Francisco’s Chinatown during the 1950s.
Last Night at the Telegraph Club was the fourth most
banned book in schools during the 2024-25 school year.