Looking for something fun to do with the kids this summer without putting a strain on your budget? Join us at Hamline University on evenings from July 8-16 for free book readings by top children’s authors from around the country, many of whom also teach at Hamline.

Authors who will read include:
 

• Patricia Maclachlan, the celebrated author of many beloved books for young readers, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal, and her most recent novel, Word After Word After Word. Her picture books include Who Loves Me?, Three Names, What You Know First, and All the Places to Love
   
• Sheila O’Connor, author of Tokens of Grace, Sparrow Road, and Where No Gods Came, which won the Michigan Literary Prize and the MN Book Award
   
• Jacqueline Briggs-Martin, Caldecott medalist best known for Snowflake Bentley  
  
   
• Marsha Chall author of a chapter book for children and six picture books, including Up North at the Cabin and Sugarbush Spring
   
• Lisa Jahn-Clough author of the young adult novels Me, Penelope and Country Girl/City Girl, and author and illustrator of 12 picture books, including Alicia Has a Bad Day and Little Dog
  
   
• Lisa Ketchum author of 14 books for young readers, including the recent historical novel, Where the Great Hawk Flies, Orphan Journey Home, and Blue Coyote 
  
   
• Ron Koertge, author of young adult novels Arizona Kid; Stoner and Spaz, Mariposa Blues; Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright; and several poetry collections
   
• Alexandria LaFaye, author of seven novels for middle-grade readers including The Year of the Sawdust Man, Edith Shay, and The Strength of Saints
   
• Claire Rudolph Murphy author of seventeen books of fiction and nonfiction for children and young adults, including Children of Alcatraz: Growing Up on the Rock; Daughters of the Desert: Remarkable Women of the Christian, Jewish and Muslim Traditions; Children of the Gold Rush 
  
   
• Marsha Qualey, author of several young adult novels including Thin Ice, Too Big a Storm, Just Like That
   
• Mary Rockcastle, author of the novel Rainy Lake  
   
• Phyllis Root author of more than 40 books (most are picture books) including Aunt Nancy and Old Man Trouble and Big Momma Makes the World 
   
• Eleanora Tate author of 11 novels for young readers, including Celeste's Harlem Renaissance, The Secret of Gumbo Grove; and Thank You, Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr. 
   
• Jane Resh Thomas, recipient many prestigious awards for contributions to children's literature; author of The Comeback Dog; Saying Good-Bye to Grandma; and Behind the Mask: The Life of Queen Elizabeth I 
   
• Anne Ursu fantasy writer and author of The Shadow Thieves, The Siren Song and 

Below all the times and places are listed for the children’s books readings:

Friday, July 8, 2011
6:45 p.m. Klas Center, Kay Fredericks Room, 1535 Taylor Avenue, Saint Paul
Authors: Ron Koertge, Jane Resh Thomas, Anne Ursu

Sunday, July 10, 2011
6:45 p.m. Giddens Learning Center, Room 100E, 1556 Hewitt Avenue, Saint Paul
Authors: Mary Rockcastle, Claire Rudolf Murphy, Marsha Chall

Monday, July 11, 20116:45- 8:15 p.m.
Giddens Learning Center, Room 100E, 1556 Hewitt Avenue, Saint Paul
Author Readings: Liza Ketchum, Eleanora Tate, Phyllis Root, followed by All Faculty Book Signing 

Tuesday, July 12, 2011
6:45 p.m.
Giddens Learning Center, Room 100E, 1556 Hewitt Avenue, Saint Paul
Authors: Jackie Briggs Martin, Kelly Easton, Marsha Qualey 

Friday, July 15, 2011
6:30 p.m.
Giddens Learning Center, Room 100E, 1556 Hewitt Avenue, Saint Paul
Author:  Sheila O’Connor                                           

Saturday, July 16, 2011
6:30 p.m.
Klas Center, Kay Fredericks Room, 1535 Taylor Avenue, Saint Paul
Author: Patricia MacLachlan                       

THE MFA IN WRITING FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS PROGRAM There will also be academic lectures for those interested in attending lectures on the elements of craft in writing for children, a limited number of lecture passes will be available for purchase. For more information: 651-523-2047. The readings and lectures are a component of Hamline University’s master of fine arts in writing for children & young adults. The program is geared at writers of literature for children and young adults who hope to be published. The faculty is comprised of well-known, award-winning authors who are experienced teachers. Learn more about Hamline’s MFA and MFAC writing programs.