Author appearances

• Chicago-area author Diane Falanga signs copies of her new book, "P.S. I Hate It Here! Kids' Letters From Camp," from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 14, at the Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 293-2665.

• Chicago native Anna Jarzab reads from and signs copies of her debut novel, "All Unquiet Things," at 7 p.m. Friday, May 14, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. (630) 355-2665.

• Maj. Gen. Freddie Valenzuela, who served 33 years in the U.S. Army and commanded troops in the Cold War and Gulf War eras, will sign copies of his book "No Greater Love" at 7 p.m. Friday, May 14, at Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 1468 Spring Hill Mall Blvd., West Dundee. (847) 426-5614.

• Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville hosts a two-author event beginning at 7 p.m. Monday, May 17. Holly Black, best-selling author of the "Spiderwick" series, reads from and signs copies of "White Cat (Curse Workers #1)," and Sarah Rees Brennan reads from and signs copies of her new book, "Demon's Covenant." Anderson's is at 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. Call (630) 355-2665.

• Author Susannah Charleson will read from and sign copies of her book, "Scent of the Missing: Love and Partnership With a Search and Rescue Dog," at 7 p.m. Monday, May 17, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. On hand with Charleson at the event will be her golden retriever dog, Puzzle. (630) 355-2665.

• Meet author Jonathan Eig as he discusses his book "Get Capone: The Secret Plot That Captured America's Most Wanted Gangster" at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 18, at the Book Stall, 811 Elm St., Winnetka. (847) 446-8880.

• Louis Sachar, the best-selling author of "Holes," reads from and signs copies of his new children's book, "The Cardturner," at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 18, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. (630) 355-2665.

• Yann Martel, best-selling author of "Life of Pi," speaks about his new novel, "Beatrice and Virgil," at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, at the Book Stall, 811 Elm St., Winnetka. (847) 446-8880.

• Meet actor, comedian and author Damon Wayans as he signs copies of his debut novel, "Red Hats," at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, at Borders Books and Music, 2210 W. 95th St., Chicago. (773) 445-5471.

• Historian and author James R. Wright discusses his book "The Dixie Highway in Illinois" at noon Thursday, May 20, at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia. Call (630) 879-4426 or visit booksbetweenbites.com.