By Jasmine Hsu
Bella Simons found inspiration from many sources while hospitalized in 2015 for two brain tumors. Among the sources were novels written by young adult author Christina June.
Now, the 2018 Carmel High School graduate will facilitate a Q&A with one of her favorite authors at an event set for 6 to 7:30 p.m. July 24 at Kids Ink Children’s Bookstore, 5619 N. Illinois St. in Indianapolis. Attendees will hear from June and can enter a raffle that benefits Riley Hospital for Children. June will focus on her books, “It Started with Goodbye” and “Everywhere You Want to Be.”
Simons said she read “It Started with Goodbye” during her stay at Riley.
“I read (the novel) while I was going through a very hard time, and it completely lifted my spirits,” Simons said. “It is such a beautifully written novel.”
Simons reached out to June via email and explained how the book helped her through the stress of her medical issues.
Moved by Simons’ experience, June responded.
“Anytime a reader tells me she connects with something I’ve written is pretty magical, so it has been my pleasure to give something back to a cause near to Bella’s heart,” June said.
Donate to the cause online at donate.rileykids.org/goto/ChristinaJune.
