​​Melanie Benjamin, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, will share insights about her novel, “The Children’s Blizzard,” at Rowan College of South Jersey’s (RCSJ) Cumberland campus on Wednesday, Oct. 12. Benjamin is the featured author in this year’s One Book, One College reading program. The public is invited to attend this free, literary event. 

“An Evening with Melanie Benjamin,” takes place in the Luciano Theater beginning at 7 p.m. During her visit, the popular author will also hold a Q&A session and will be available to sign books. 

The Children’s Blizzard has been described as a “harrowing, little-known tale of courage inspired by the devastating storm that struck the Great Plains in 1888, threatening the lives of hundreds of immigrant homesteaders, especially school children.” “An Evening with Melanie Benjamin” will give attendees an opportunity to learn more about this scarcely known event from America’s past that altered so many lives. 

The novel received rave reviews from The Washington Post and was named “one of the most anticipated historical novels of 2021 by Oprah Magazine.” “The Children’s Blizzard” will be available for sale at RCSJ B&N Bookstores and may be found at most major booksellers.  

The College’s successful One Book, One College program was designed to connect the campus and the community to promote reading for pleasure, critical thinking, global awareness, and multicultural understanding.  

“An Evening with Melanie Benjamin” is sponsored by One Book, One College, RCSJ and the Cumberland Campus Educational Foundation.  

​For more information about the One Book, One College reading campaign, visit RCSJ.edu/OneBook or contact Judy Cirucci at [email protected]​. 

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