Poet Trace Peterson Celebrates New Book at Atlanta Reading

Charis Books hosts event featuring Peterson and opening poets Maura Modeya and Isadoro Saturno

Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:30pm

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Poet Trace Peterson will be the featured reader at an upcoming event hosted by Charis Books in Atlanta. The event, titled "Meet Me There: Featuring The Valleys Are So Lush And Steep By Trace Peterson," will celebrate the release of Peterson's new poetry collection. Opening poets Maura Modeya and Isadoro Saturno will also perform at the event, which will be held both in-person at Charis Books and virtually via Crowdcast.

Why it matters

The event highlights the vibrant literary community in Atlanta, showcasing emerging and established poets who explore themes of gender, identity, and the environment through their work. Charis Books, an independent feminist bookstore, has long been a hub for progressive arts and activism in the city.

The details

The event will feature readings from Trace Peterson, whose new collection "The Valleys Are So Lush And Steep" was the winner of the 2025 Saturnalia Books Alma Award. Opening poets include Maura Modeya, whose debut collection "SAPPHO TERROR" is forthcoming, and Isadoro Saturno, an Atlanta-based poet, translator, and children's book author. The event is free and open to the public, with a suggested donation to support the programming of Charis Circle, the nonprofit arm of the bookstore.

  • The event will take place on March 18, 2026 at 7:00 PM ET.

The players

Trace Peterson

A trans woman poet, editor, and literary scholar. Her poetry books include "The Valleys Are So Lush and Steep," "Since I Moved In," and several chapbooks. She has also co-edited anthologies of trans poetry.

Maura Modeya

A poet from northern Minnesota whose work focuses on themes like insomnia, queer ecologies, and the reclamation of public space. Her debut poetry collection "SAPPHO TERROR" is forthcoming.

Isadoro Saturno

A poet, translator, editor, and children's book author based in Atlanta. He is the author of several books, including the forthcoming poetry collection "Self-made American Man."

Samuel Ace

A trans/genderqueer writer and sound artist who is hosting the "Meet Me There" event series at Charis Books.

Charis Books

An independent feminist bookstore in Atlanta that has long been a hub for progressive arts and activism in the city.

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The takeaway

This event showcases the vibrant literary community in Atlanta, highlighting poets who explore themes of gender, identity, and the environment through their work. It demonstrates the important role that independent bookstores like Charis Books play in supporting and amplifying diverse voices in the arts.