A is for Agates Author Spotlight

Patti Baraks, a former elementary school teacher turned author, celebrates her children’s book “A is for Agates” winning a special Midwest Book Award for Strong Regional Focus — a nod to its deep ties to the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes. The alphabet book, released last fall, features quirky, locally inspired entries like “Y is for the soft yellow beacon of light at the zenith of a lighthouse on a Lake Superior night,” a tribute to Duluth’s Zenith City nickname. Illustrated by Lisa Perrin-Kosmo, a North Shore artist, the book reflects their shared spiritual connection to the lake. Baraks joyfully returned to her old school in Superior to read to kids — reconnecting with her childhood best friend — and is now touring the region, fueled by the book’s success. With several new projects in the works, she’s listening to readers to shape her next chapter as an author. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/3fadd307a65dd091