On Saturday, April 30th, I was thrilled and honored to participate in Independent Bookstore Day - a special day to spotlight and celebrate independent bookstores and the important role they play in our communities.

First up, I stopped by Buttonwood Books and Toys in Cohasset, Mass. I read the opening chapters of Fenway and Hattie to young readers while they made "groovin" doggy bobblehead dolls. I also signed stacks of books! Many thanks to rockstar booksellers Kathy Detwiler and Bill Grace, who made this event not only successful, but a ton of fun. I had a total blast and I think the kids did, too.

Later, I visited my hometown bookstore, Westwinds Bookshop in Duxbury. I had a ball signing books and hanging out with Sally, the shop's resident black lab. What an awesome dog! Huge thanks to Brooke, Pat, and Grace for the warm welcome and for their outstanding support!

Top: Sally cozying up with FenwayAbove: The way cool display at Westwinds! — *Top: Sally cozying up with Fenway*
*Above: The way cool display at Westwinds!*

I'm so grateful to these and all the wonderful independent bookshops in our area. Not only do the stores and their helpful staff offer us fantastic titles to browse through and purchase, but they also host authors and other events, and support our communities in countless ways.

So if you don't already have a copy of Fenway and Hattie, or if you'd like to grab additional copies to give as gifts, please consider shopping at an independent bookseller. Visit Indiebound to see where Fenway and Hattie is available at a store near you or to order online. And if you'd like an autographed copy, my neighborhood bookstore, Henry Bear's Park, can help you out!