The U.P. Notable Books logo is shown. (Logo courtesy of Victor R. Volkman)

MARQUETTE — Continuing into its second year of book selections, the U.P. Notable Books Club is hosting a series of discussions with Upper Peninsula authors to engage community members with local authors.

All U.P. residents are invited to participate with no cost or obligation.

From Sept. 9 to May 12, nine authors will hold a Zoom talk with readers, answering their questions about their work. Readers can buy these nine books, or check them out from their local library to discuss them with the authors.

Authors participating in the discussions include Susanna Ausema, Tyler Tichelaar, Craig Brockman, William J. Sproule, Linda LeGarde Grover, Jane Kopecky, Maryka Biaggio, Mikel B. Classen and Mary Doria Russel.

“What inspires me the most about our club is the positive feedback from local authors and patrons alike,” said Evelyn Gathu, director of the Crystal Falls District Community Library and the creator and organizer of the club, in a news release. “After every book club meeting we have, I get emails from patrons thanking me for creating the club.”

She indicated that the library circulation has increased because of the book club, indicating an increased love of reading the works of local authors in the community.

The U.P. Notable Book Club will present a virtual question-and-answer session with Ann Dallman, who wrote the Native American adventure story “Cady and the Bear Necklace,” at 7 p.m. Thursday on Zoom.

Contact Gathu in advance by email at egathu@uproc.lib.mi.us or by phone at 906-875-3344. Again, the club recommends participants borrow a copy the book from their local library or purchase from their local bookseller in advance to get the most out of the events.

Dallman has lifelong roots in the U.P. and more than two decades of teaching experience. According to the Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association, she enjoys writing about artists, mysteries and people of all ages who have overcome challenges. She continues to freelance for several publications while writing additional middle-school-level novels about her favorite character, 13-year-old Cady, and the challenges she faces — and overcomes — while solving mysteries.

The UPPAA provided this description of the book:

“Cady, a 13-year-old girl of Native American heritage, has experienced big changes in the past year — her father’s marriage to a much younger woman, a new baby brother and a move from Minnesota to Michigan where she is attending a reservation school for the first time in her life. One day at school, Cady finds an eagle feather on the hallway floor and reports it to the principal. He thanks her for this act of honor and tells her that a mystery might soon appear in her life.

“Not long after, Cady discovers an antique Indian beaded necklace hidden under the floor of her bedroom closet. She knows she’s found it for a reason but what is the reason? Is this the mystery the principal predicted might appear? She consults with the elders who tell her it is her ‘job’ to find out why. In the process of solving this mystery, Cady’s home life calms down and she draws closer to the teachings and traditions of her culture. Helping her are new friends Irish, John Ray Chicaug and a crazy talking blue jay.”

More information about the U.P. Notable Book list, U.P. Book Review and UPPAA can be found at www.UPNotable.com.

Established in 1998 to support authors and publishers who live in or write about Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the UPPAA is a Michigan nonprofit association with more than 100 members, many of whose books are featured on the organization’s website at www.uppaa.org.

UPPAA welcomes membership and participation from anyone with a UP connection who is interested in writing and publishing books.

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net