'Dance Moms' star bringing advice book to Naperville
Growing from a kid into a tween into a teen always comes with challenges - friendship drama, family drama, school drama. It can feel like everyone's always watching.
Mackenzie Ziegler knows exactly how that feels. As a star on "Dance Moms," her highs and lows have played out for a rapt television audience.
Drawing on her life in the reality TV fishbowl, Ziegler has written "Kenzie's Rules for Life," a collection of inspirational, upbeat lessons for kids learning to navigate life. The teen will visit Naperville on Friday, May 11, to discuss and sign copies of her book at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave.
Admission is limited to 500 fans who buy tickets through MackenzieZieglerAndersons.brownpapertickets.com.
In "Kenzie's Rules for Life," the dancer, singer/songwriter, actress and model offers advice on friendship, family, fitness, style and positivity. Ziegler shares lessons drawn from her own experiences for those navigating through their tween years on how to be happy, healthy and confident in all aspects of their lives.
Born in Pittsburgh, Ziegler quickly became one of her generation's rising stars. Starring on Lifetime's hit reality TV series "Dance Moms" for six seasons, she not only is a professional dancer, but her debut album soared to No. 1 on the iTunes Pop Charts. Ziegler also has teamed up with Justice clothing, bringing her own flair to the Mackenzie Ziegler for Justice Active collection. Find out more on MackenzieZieglerMusic.com.
Ziegler's upcoming visit is the fourth featuring a star from "Dance Moms." Her sister, Maddie Ziegler, visited Anderson's last year. The store also has hosted JoJo Siwa and Chloe Lukasiak as they introduced their books in recent years.
Ziegler's upcoming visit is part of Anderson's Bookshops' calendar of special author events. Here's a look at what is coming up at Anderson's Bookshops in Naperville and at 5112 Main St., Downers Grove, and 26 S. La Grange Road, La Grange:
• The David Bowie Book Group meets at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, at the Downers Grove store to discuss "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin, one of the singer's favorites. Info: (630) 963-2665.
• Junot Diaz discusses and signs his picture book "Islandborn" at 7 p.m. Monday, April 2, at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Tickets: JunotDiazAndersons.brownpapertickets.com.
• Sara Varon discusses and signs her middle grade graphic novel "New Shoes," offering a tour of South America with animal characters, at 7 p.m. Monday, April 2, at the La Grange store. Info: (708) 782-6353.
• Blue Balliett discusses and signs "Out of the Wild Night," a ghost story for middle grade readers, at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 5, at the Naperville store.
• Jacqueline Winspear discusses and signs "To Die But Once," the 14th book in the Maisie Dobb series that sees Maisie on the case of a secret British project during World War II, at 7 p.m. Friday, April 6, at the Naperville store.