Literary Calendar

Spokane Poetry Slam - Held every third Sunday. Slam poetry is a form of competitive performed poetry in which poets are judged by five members of the audience chosen at random. Poets have three minutes to perform their own original work without costumes, props or musical accompaniment. There are two rounds and scores are added together. The highest-scoring poet at the end of two rounds wins. Sign-ups at 8 p.m., slam at 8:30 p.m. For more information email Isaac Grambo at igrambo@hotmail.com. All ages are welcome, but content is not censored. Please use discretion. Scout, 1001 W. First Ave. $5/competitors or audience. (509) 869-2320.

Literature by African Americans Book Group - Group will discuss “Ninth Ward” by Jewell Parker Rhoades, and “Peace from Broken Pieces” by Iyanla Vanzant. Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Forza Coffee - South Hill, 2829 E. 29th Ave. Free. (509) 255-6013.

“Rabbit’s Snow Dance” - A hip and hilarious fable perfect for the wintertime by James Bruchac. Rabbit loves the winter and he knows a dance, using a traditional Iroquois drum and song, to make it snow … even in springtime when other animals don’t want snow. Treats provided after story. Wednesday, 2 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 15310 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 922-4104.

Author Jonathan Johnson – Author of two books of poems: “Mastodon, 80% Complete” and “In the Land We Imagined Ourselves,” and the nonfiction book “Hannah and the Mountain: Notes toward a Wilderness Fatherhood.” Refreshments will be provided. Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., BookPeople, 521 S. Main St., Moscow. (208) 882-2669.

Kootenai County Genealogical Society Presentation - Group sharing. Genealogists also available to help each Wednesday, 1-4 p.m. at the library. Thursday, 7 p.m., Hayden Public Library, 8385 N. Government Way, Hayden. Free.

“Skippyjon Jones Cirque de Ole” - In his latest diverting adventure by Judy Schachner, big-eared Skippyjon Jones enters the big tent of the Circus de Ole, where he performs an act of great daring. We will have a special visit by Skippyjon Jones himself to greet you, along with treats. Saturday, 11 a.m., Barnes & Noble, 15310 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 922-4104.

Spokane Novelists Group - Strong critiquing of fiction only, novels and short stories. Bring five to 10 pages to read to the group and six to eight copies. Group meets second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Noon, Otis Orchards Library, 22324 E. Wellesley Ave., Otis Orchards. Free. (509) 891-1695.

Author Elisa Brinton - Signing of her book “Courage to Stand,” telling of stories of young strength and triumphs in adversity. Saturday, 1-4 p.m., Hastings Books - Coeur d’Alene, 101 Best Ave., Coeur d’Alene. (208) 664-0464.