Joyce Carol Thomas, an African American poet, playwright and children's author, will be the guest speaker on Wednesday, Feb. 9, at the UC Davis School of Education’s annual Words Take Wing event celebrating diversity in children’s literature.

Thomas will deliver two presentations, both open to the public, at 10 a.m. in Freeborn Hall and at 7 p.m. in the Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center. Both locations are on the UC Davis campus. Tickets are $15 for the general public, $7 for students and can be purchased through the UC Davis ticket office or at the door. For ticket information, call (530) 752-1915 or go to http://tickets.ucdavis.edu.

The author of more than 30 books and plays, Thomas is celebrated for her young adult novels, poetry and picture books. Her picture books include “The Blacker the Berry” (2008), “Brown Honey in Broomwheat Tea” (1995) and “I Have Heard of a Land” (1998). She won the National Book Award for her first young adult novel "Marked by Fire" in 1982.

The School of Education and the Children’s Center at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento, are the sponsors of this year’s Words Take Wing: Honoring Diversity in Children's Literature program.

For the past seven years, the program has invited notable authors and illustrators to share a glimpse into the art of shaping stories and images that seize young hearts and minds.

"It is always a thrill to see the reactions of students who meet the authors who write for them,” said Joanne Galli-Banducci, teacher educator and event chair. "In the morning, the author will focus on why she writes and will encourage children to honor their own unique stories and write them down.

“In the evening, she will deliver a more formal presentation that will explore how she feels her writing for black students transcends race and culture to speak to all children."

Thomas was born in Ponca City, Okla., and now lives in Berkeley. A professor and teacher for more than 20 years at the University of Tennessee and Purdue University, she is also an accomplished motivational speaker who has addressed young people at colleges and universities in the United States, Nigeria, Haiti, Ecuador, Australia, Samoa and the Mariana Islands.

Her honors and awards include the American Book Award, the Coretta Scott King Award, the New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year Award and the American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults.