Winfield Library Hosts First Look at TJ Crowley’s New Read-and-Listen Edition
WINFIELD, Kan. — The Friends of the Winfield Public Library Appreciation Tea became the site of a memorable first reveal for The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Red Line, the forthcoming print companion to the award-winning audio drama from Grain Valley Publishing.
Author Grant Overstake speaks at the Friends of the Winfield Public Library Appreciation Tea on Sunday, October 19th. (Courtesy photo)
Volunteers gathered to celebrate the library’s remarkable growth, from expanded programs and improved facilities to steady increases in attendance, underscoring its role as the heartbeat of the community.
The afternoon also offered guests an exclusive opportunity to hear scenes from the Audie Award-winning audio drama and experience its new “read-and-listen” format.
“Winfield is the kind of Kansas town where the library is the busiest place in town and stories still matter. It was the perfect setting for today’s event,” said co-author and producer Grant Overstake, guest speaker at the annual event, who was accompanied by his wife, Claire.
Nestled in the rolling hills of south-central Kansas, Winfield has long been known for its civic pride, artistic spirit, and devotion to lifelong learning.
The experience sparked lively discussions about empathy, justice, and the lessons of 1968 that still resonate today. Many attendees requested digital Advance Reader Copies, eager to bring TJ Crowley into classrooms, book clubs, and community conversations.
Set in Wichita in 1968, The Real Education of TJ Crowley follows a 13-year-old boy’s moral awakening amid the turbulence of the Civil Rights era. Told through one young man’s eyes, the story bridges generations, inviting reflection on race, community, and conscience.
Produced and co-written by May Wuthrich, the full-cast audio drama features 15 actors performing 24 roles, bringing the story vividly to life. The production earned top industry honors, including the Audie Award, AudioFile Earphones Award, and the IPPY Outstanding Audiobook Medal, recognizing its powerful storytelling and direction.
Looking ahead
The Real Education of TJ Crowley: Coming of Age on the Red Line will be published Jan. 20, 2026, with a launch event and author talk at Watermark Books in Wichita on Thursday, Jan. 22.
Request Your Advance Reader Copy!
Reviewers, educators, book club leaders, and avid readers may request a free digital ARC and audio download code at
👉 grainvalleypublishing.com/contact
