
November 7, 2025
In conjunction with the Poughkeepsie Library's Great Read, author Laurie Halse Anderson visited Arlington High School on Thursday, November 6. She presented two dynamic lectures on her book, Rebellion 1776, which tells the story of a 13-year-old girl navigating Boston during the 1776 siege.
Anderson also presented a third talk about her influential novel, Speak, which delves into the challenging experience of a high school freshman who becomes an outcast after breaking up a party.
Each year, the Poughkeepsie Library chooses a book for the Big Read, which encourages the community to read, discuss, and participate in thematic events. This year’s theme was Eve of Revolution, which explored various aspects of the American Revolution.
Anderson also presented a third talk about her influential novel, Speak, which delves into the challenging experience of a high school freshman who becomes an outcast after breaking up a party.
Each year, the Poughkeepsie Library chooses a book for the Big Read, which encourages the community to read, discuss, and participate in thematic events. This year’s theme was Eve of Revolution, which explored various aspects of the American Revolution.



