Akoma Coffee & Books to host Allison Joyner for children’s book signing

Akoma Coffee & Books in Stonecrest, Georgia, will host children’s author Allison Joyner on Aug. 2, 2026, for a free public book signing tied to her picture book, It's Not a Joke Unless Two People Laugh. The event is aimed at families, educators and young readers and centers on empathy, kindness and bullying prevention.

Why it matters: - The free event gives families, educators and librarians a chance to connect directly with a children’s author around a book focused on empathy and respectful behavior. - The signing turns a local bookstore into a community space for conversations about bullying, compassion and how words affect others.

What happened: - Akoma Coffee & Books will host children’s author Allison Joyner for a book signing on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. - The event will take place at Akoma Coffee & Books, 8020 Mall Parkway, Lot 1C, Suite 1010, Stonecrest, GA 30038. - The event is free and open to the public. - Parents, grandparents, educators, librarians and young readers are encouraged to attend. - Guests can meet Joyner and have copies of It's Not a Joke Unless Two People Laugh personally signed.

The details: - It's Not a Joke Unless Two People Laugh is written for children ages 5 to 10. - The book follows a young girl who brings home hurt from school and learns from her father about empathy, kindness and treating others with respect. - The story is designed to encourage conversations between children and adults about bullying and compassion. - Visitors will also be able to purchase signed copies of the book at the event. - Akoma Coffee & Books owner Kazemde Ajamu said the bookstore believes books can shape character as much as imagination. - Ajamu said the bookstore is honored to host Joyner and introduce the community to a story that encourages kindness, empathy and thoughtful family conversations.

Between the lines: - The event reflects a broader push by independent bookstores to serve as community hubs, not just retail spaces. - A children’s book signing with a social-emotional theme may resonate with adults looking for reading material that supports classroom and family discussions.

What's next: - Akoma Coffee & Books will welcome attendees on Aug. 2 for the signing and sales event. - The bookstore’s social channels list Instagram and Facebook for updates and additional information.

The bottom line: - The Stonecrest event pairs a local bookstore with a children’s author and a message built around kindness, making it a low-barrier community outing with an educational angle.