Seeding Futures Author Visit Series

Our Seeding Futures Author Visit series are hosted by The New Children’s Museum and provide literacy learning opportunities for children. This free program includes a book reading by the author, Q&A, a book signing and a take-home art kit inspired by the reading.

This program is inspired by our exhibition, Octavia E. Butler: Seeding Futures and intended to engage visitors across generations inviting participants to explore and engage with themes and topics inspired by Octavia E. Butler’s work and thought leadership.

Upcoming Author Visits

Janae Marks: May 31, 2025

Author Janae Marks (she/her) is coming to NCM to read from her book, “A Split Second”. Attendees will enjoy hearing from Janae, working on a fun art activity, and taking home an art kit. Register here!

Past Author Visits

Zoraida Córdova: March 15, 2025

Author Zoraida Córdova (she/her) joined us at NCM to read from her book, “Valentina Salazar is Not a Monster Hunter“. Attendees enjoyed meeting Zoraida, participating in an art tree activity, and taking home a fun art kit to make their very own monster protector out of clay at home!

Nisi Shawl: November 9, 2024

Author Nisi Shawl (they/them) joined us at NCM to read from their book, “Speculation”. Attendees enjoyed hearing from Nisi, making cyanotypes and taking home a fun art kit to make their very own magical glasses!

Zetta Elliott: September 14, 2024

Author Zetta Elliott (she/her) joined us at NCM to read from her book, “The Oracle’s Door”. Attendees enjoyed hearing from Zetta’s book and receiving a take home art kit to make their very own magical fire-breathing dragons!

Roda Ahmed: May 14, 2024

Author Roda Ahmed (she/her) joined us at NCM to read from her book, “Mae Among the Stars”. Attendees loved hearing from Roda what inspired her to write this inspiring book. All guests also got take-home art kits to learn how to make their very own rocket!

Marti Dumas: March 23, 2024

Author Marti Dumas (she/her) stopped by NCM to read from her book, “Wildseed Witch”. Attendees enjoyed a reading, and a chance to meet Marti and learn more about what inspired her to write. All attendees received a take home art kit to keep the fun and creativity going.

Funding for “Octavia E. Butler: Seeding Futures” and programming is provided in part by Prebys Foundation, The Getty Foundation, National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), California Humanities, a non-profit partner of the NEH, and the City of San Diego. Special thanks to the Octavia E. Butler Estate, Octavia E. Butler Enterprises for in-kind support.

Get Creative This Month!

Artopia: NCM Creative Studios is now open! Dive into painting, sculpting, and more with hands-on workshops for toddlers, kids, and teens (ages 5–18). Members get discounted rates!

Find a Workshop!