Spotlight on great events happening this week at Chicago’s independent bookstores. Many of these events are free. This is just a sample! Follow link for details and many more authors, book launches, book clubs and all sorts of memorable experiences for Chicago bibliophiles.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24

Women & Children First, 7:00 p.m. The launch of Go to Sleep (I Miss You), the latest by Lucy Knisley!

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25

The Book Stall, 6:30 p.m. Live taping of Hey YA! “with authors and co-hosts Eric Smith and Kelly Jensen. First, a discussion of Eric’s brand-new YA novel, Don’t Read the Comments.  Then a live taping while the hosts “shop the store” to recommend some of YA’s greatest hits. Recommended for all YA fans 12 to adult.”

Bucket O’ Blood Books and Records, 9:00 p.m. A discussion of the graphic novel with emphasis on Will Eisner’s Contract with God.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26

Women & Children First, 7:00 p.m. Book launch for Hood Feminism: Notes from the women that a movement forgot.”Author Mikki Kendall will be interviewed by Block Club reporter Jamie Nesbitt Golden.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27

Bookends & Beginnings, 6:00 p.m. Cynthia Beebe discusses her new memoir Boots in the Ashes about her experience as one of the first women special agents for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (ATF).

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Seminary Co-Op, 6:00 p.m.   Author Michael Rossi talks about the Republic of Color, a look at how modern industry deliberately shaped the way we see colors.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29

The Book Cellar, 7:00 p.m. The kates, Chicago’s all-women stand-up comedy group. Hilarious, unforgettable voices. Created and produced by Kelsie Huff (Windy City Live, The Jam). Tonight: Joyce Hagen-McIntosh, Annie Russell, Mary DeMan, Lauren Hooberman, Claire Zulkey, Tocarra Mallard, Kyna Lenhof, Kristal Adams. Hosted by Soli Santos.

Ross Mathews at the Athenaeum Theatre, 8:00 p.m. Ross Mathews is here to celebrate his new tour and book, Name Drop. Ross Mathews’ stories and vibrant storytelling are unparalleled. He interned at The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, judged RuPaul’s Drag Race, spent Christmas with the Kardashians and had to explain himself to Barbara Walters. That’s just the beginning. Expect lots of energy, stand-up, and the opportunity to play games directly with Ross. You can also get a VIP Meet & Greet. The Book Stall will be on hand supplying books!

SUNDAY, MARCH 1

The Book Stall, 2:00 p.m. Diana Kapp talks about her new book, Girls Who Run the World: 31 CEOs Who Mean Business with business education expert Lowey Bundy Sichol.

Anderson’s Bookshop in Downers Grove, 2:00 p.m. Sharon Cameron’s new YA novel The Light in Hidden Places is based on a true Holocaust story about a brave teen.