Ellie Roscher presents "Play Like a Girl: How a Soccer School in Kenya's Slums Started a Revolution" with special guest Caren Stelson, author of "Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor's Story"

On the evening of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, join us for a reading and discussion with authors Caren Stelson and Ellie Roscher. Stelson's Sachiko tells the story of a Nagasaki Bomb survivor. Roscher's Play Like a Girl tells how one slum school is educating girls in extreme poverty. They will address their experiences researching and writing about strong young women whose stories tend to be silenced. Whose stories make it into the dominant cultural narrative? Why is it important to hear the voices of the most vulnerable?

Play Like a Girl tells the inspiring story of Kibera Girls Soccer Academy, a free secondary soccer school succeeding in a Kenyan slum. In a world where girls are under-served, KGSA exemplifies how educating girls benefits everyone. Founder Abdul Kassim knew that if given the resources, his soccer players were capable of claiming their education and transforming their community. It’s easy to build a school building, but more difficult to tend to the success of a school year in and year out. This touching book highlights Abdul’s commitment to the most vulnerable girls in his community as they move together from surviving to thriving.

Sachiko tells the true story of six-year-old Sachiko Yasui's survival of the Nagasaki atomic bomb on August 9, 1945, and the heartbreaking and lifelong aftermath. Having conducted extensive interviews with Sachiko Yasui, Caren Stelson chronicles Sachiko's trauma and loss as well as her long journey to find peace. This book offers readers a remarkable new perspective on the final moments of World War II and their aftermath.

Ellie Roscher holds a master's degree in theology/urban ministry from Luther Seminary and an MFA in creative nonfiction writing from Sarah Lawrence College. She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she teaches theology and coaching. She is the author of How Coffee Saved My Life and Other Stories of Stumbling to Grace.

Caren B. Stelson has written several books. She has an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University. Sachiko was longlisted for the National Book Award