Poetry Out Loud State Final Competition. Poetry Out Loud incorporates the dynamic aspects of slam poetry, spoken word, and theater into the English and drama class, and encourages high school students to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance of the written word. The Georgia winner competes at the National Finals in Washington, D.C. 1-4 p.m. March 11. Spoken-word, slam. Free. Atlanta History Center, 130 W. Paces Ferry Road NW., Atlanta, 404-814-4150, www.atlantahistorycenter.com
Martha Boone, "The Big Free." New Orleans' Charity Hospital provides the setting for the roller-coaster ride that is the first six months of training for one of the first women in the toughest surgery department in America. 2 p.m. March 11. Discussion, signing. Free. Bookmiser-Roswell, 4651 Sandy Plains Road, Roswell, 770-993-1555, www.bookmiser.net/
Adam Winkler, "We the Corporations: How American Businesses Won Their Civil Rights." Uncovering the deep historical roots of Citizens United, Adam Winkler shows how that controversial 2010 Supreme Court decision was the capstone of a 200-year battle over corporate personhood and constitutional protections for business. 8 p.m. March 13. Talk, signing. $10. Atlanta History Center, 130 W.Paces Ferry Road NW., Atlanta, 404-814-4150, www.atlantahistorycenter.com
Beyond Books: Tina McElroy Ansa, "Taking After Mudear." This monthly literary series profiles the stories of published and unpublished writers. In honor of Women's History Month, host Alison Law will talk with Macon-born novelist, journalist, essayist, and short-story writer Ansa, author of "Baby in the Family." 7 p.m. March 14. Reading, talk, signing. Free. The Wren's Nest, Home of Joel Chandler Harris, 1050 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. SW., Atlanta, 404-753-7735, www.wrensnestonline.com
Robert Gordon, "Memphis Rent Party: The Blues, Rock & Soul in Music's Hometown." The new book by acclaimed author and award-winning documentary filmmaker Gordon ("It Came from Memphis") features profiles and stories of many influential Memphis musicians along with a tour of the city's famed recording studios and juke joints. 7 p.m. March 15. Talk, signing. Free. A Cappella Books, 208 Haralson Ave. NE., Atlanta, 404-681-5128, www.acappellabooks.com
Iyabo Ojikutu, "Permanent Happiness: The Only Way to Find Peace, Joy, and Your Life-Given Purpose." Ojikutu, a Nigerian born doctor, blogger and author, has written an inspirational book about how her experiences of growing up in Nigeria, her family life and her faith, helped her find inner peace. 1 p.m. March 17. Talk, signing. Free. Posman Books Atlanta, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE., C197, Atlanta, 470-355-9041, www.posmanbooks.com
