Sunday, June 15, 2:30 pm
Ages 8 – 12

Bestselling author Carolyn Mackler will present her new middle grade novel, Right Back at You (Scholastic, 2025) and lead a workshop rooted in the themes of social connection, community building, and anti-bullying.

Right Back at You is a about two seventh-graders separated by thirty-six years who find a way to write letters to each other, realize that they are both being bullied at school, and form an unlikely friendship. Carolyn will lead a letter-writing workshop based on themes in Right Back at You such as forming connections despite differences and combating bullying in your community. Part of a greater program started by Carolyn called The Right Back at You Project, the goal is to connect children across geographic divides and encourage them to find commonality. Participants are encouraged to bring the address of a friend or relative around their age who lives far away and might be interested in becoming a pen pal. We will provide paper, pencils, envelopes, and stamps!

Carolyn Mackler is the acclaimed author of novels for adults, teens, and younger readers including, The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things (A Michael L. Printz Honor Book), The Wife App, Infinite in Between, Not If I Can Help It, and Best Friend Next Door. Carolyn’s most recent middle-grade novel, Right Back at You, comes out in March 2025. Carolyn’s award-winning books have appeared on bestseller lists and been translated into more than twenty-five languages. Carolyn lives in New York City with her husband and two sons. 

Photo of Carolyn Mackler by Nicholas Lindsay

The Community Voices Project fosters meaningful collaborations between The Mount and regional community partners. Through discussions, workshops, readings, and events, the Project aims to nurture and support the development of bold, new storytelling that strengthens diverse voices and incites cross-cultural exchange.

The Community Voices Project is supported by a grant awarded by Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s Arts Build Community initiative with funding from the Barr Foundation.

REGISTER HERE

There is a $5 materials fee for this workshop.
These are challenging times for parents. To register for this workshop without paying the materials fee, please email: programs@edithwharton.org

Interested in becoming a Member? Join today.

• This program is for middle grade students, ages 8-12. All participants must be accompanied by their grownups.
• Activities take place in The Mount’s Stable Auditorium, adjacent to the main parking lot.
• Seating for all programs at The Mount is first come, first served. If you have seating preferences, we recommend arriving fifteen minutes early.

Questions? Email: programs@edithwharton.org

CALL FOR CHILDREN’S BOOKS!

This August, The Mount is hosting a Children’s Book Swap as part of our Community Day celebration! We’re collecting gently loved children’s books to share the joy of reading with other families in our community. If you have books your kids have outgrown, this is the perfect chance to give them a second life. All ages, reading levels, and languages are welcome!

Please drop off your gently loved books at The Mount anytime this summer. We will have a bin in the Stable, and books will also be accepted at the Ticket Booth and other Youth & Family Programs. 

Join us on August 10 for Community Day to explore the Children’s Book Swap and take home new favorites for your family to enjoy!

What accessibility accommodations does The Mount offer? The Mount is a Massachusetts Cultural Council UP designated organization welcoming participants of all disabilities. Please contact us by phone: 413-551-5100 or by email: info@edithwharton.org to discuss accommodations needed to participate fully in this event. Golf carts will be available to shuttle those with mobility concerns between the parking lot and event venue. View The Mount’s Health and Safety Guidelines.