18th Young Authors Conference set for March 31

An estimated 400 young authors and many of their parents are expected to attend the 18th annual Young Authors Conference on March 31 at Pittsburg State University. The conference will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. in the John Lance Arena in the Weede Physical Education Building.

Conference Coordinator Susan Knell, a member of the faculty in the PSU Department of Curriculum and Instruction, said the young authors, who are in grades 1-6, represent 32 elementary schools in the four-state area.

The students, who have all written and illustrated their own books, will have the opportunity to meet a nationally known children’s book author, Kimberly Willis Holt, and a prolific young children’s book illustrator, Chris Soentpiet. Their parents, meanwhile, will hear from Janie Weber, a literacy specialist from Fort Smith, Ark.

Kimberly Willis Holt’s first novel, “My Louisiana Sky,” was an ALA Notable Book and an ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults. It also received a Boston Globe Horn Book Honor Award. Her second novel, “When Zachary Beaver Came to Town,” won the National Book Award.

Chris Soentpiet is a masterful illustrator whose work has already earned him distinctions such as the Society of Illustrators’ highest honor, the Gold Medal, the International Reading Association Book of the Year Award and the American Library Association Notable Award.

Books by the Holt and Soentpiet will be on sale in the West Lobby throughout the conference.

The conference will conclude with closing ceremonies beginning at 3:15 p.m. in the arena. For more information, contact Susan Knell at 620-235-4506.

---Pitt State---