Claudia Rowe "Wards of the State"

Journalist Claudia Rowe, author of “Wards of the State: the Long Shadow of the American Foster Care System,” will discuss her moving and groundbreaking book with Northwest Passages readers Oct. 15.

Rowe will be in conversation with Spokesman-Review reporter Elena Perry at 7 p.m. at the Montvale Event Center.

"Wards of the State" follows six kids through the courtrooms, group homes, detention halls and adoption fairs that framed their lives. Much of the book is set in Washington state, including Spokane.

Details

Date/Time: Oct. 15, 2026, 7 p.m.
Venue: Montvale Event Center
1019 W. 1st Ave
Spokane, WA 99201

Get Tickets

VIP Experience: Reserved premium seating, including 6 p.m. author meet & greet reception at The Montvale Event Center library bar, token for beer or wine and a signed book: $55

Couple VIP ticket: This package for includes two admissions to the 6 p.m. author reception, two reserved seats, two tokens for beer or wine and one signed book: $75

Ticket: $10 admission only

Students admitted free. Please reach out to KristiB@spokesman.com to make arrangements.

The Northwest Passages Book Club is partnering with Auntie's Bookstore for this special evening.