You know that saying “Everything is bigger in Texas”? It’s true and when we talk about literary events for young readers and book lovers the saying couldn’t be more fitting. Devoted fans travel across the country, and teachers and kids pack in school buses at too-dern-early o’clock to spend the day with their favorite and soon-to-be favorite authors in Texas. There are more than just a few opportunities to discover new authors and series. Texas hosts a multitude of events throughout the year. Some are YA focused while others bring a mix of YA, middle grade, and picture books that are loved at every age.
There is no better place than a book festival to feel a greater sense of community. I’ve witnessed teens and adults cry and laugh together, and a room full of hundreds of fans belt out a surprisingly good rendition of “Total Eclipse of the Heart” at 10 a.m. I’ve seen two fans take a selfie because they were wearing the same Doctor Who shirt, and have read countless blog posts and Tweets from young fans about how their life was made because they got to meet a favorite writer. Nothing is more rewarding.
The Librarians, book sellers, and devoted volunteers who dedicate an endless amount of hours to connect Texas teens to authors deserve an endless round of applause. These organizers spend a bulk of their year putting on a day to remember for everyone. They work tirelessly to encourage young writers, and support and promote recreational and lifelong reading. Here are some examples of how we fest in Texas!
Young Adult Keller Book Festival – Fort Worth
January 2015
http://teacherweb.com/TX/KellerHighSchool/YAKFest/apt1.aspx
Library Palooza – San Antonio
February 2015
http://libblog.nisd.net/palooza/
Montgomery County Book Festival – Houston
February 2015
http://www.montgomerycountybookfestival.com/
Texas Library Association,TT4L (Texas Teens for Libraries) – San Antonio
April 10, 2014
http://www.txla.org/annual-conference
Teen Book Con – Houston
April 26, 2014
http://www.teenbookcon.org/
Tweens Read – Houston
September 27, 2014
http://www.tweensread.com/
Texas Teen Book Festival, formerly Austin Teen Book Festival – Austin
October 18, 2014
http://texasteenbookfestival.org/
Texas Book Festival – Austin
October 25-26, 2014
http://www.texasbookfestival.org/
Houston BookRave – Houston
November 15, 2014
http://houstonbookrave.blogspot.com/
So, yeah! Texas does festivals like no other! I am so super thrilled to continue working with the
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