Amelia Book Island Festival will Feature Authors-in-Schools Program

A vital part of the annual Amelia Book Island Festival is the Authors-in-Schools Day, when outstanding authors visit children at schools throughout Nassau County. They talk, give readings and join in group discussions. Their visits build enthusiasm for books and also develop an interest in writing because of the personal experience with authors who make their living with words.

Many authors who will speak at the Saturday, Oct. 4, Festival events are arriving early to take part in the schools program The following schools will enjoy visits by these authors:

Southside Primary - Holly Bea, author of Bless Your Heart and four other childrens books. School contact: Martha Blalock

Atlantic Elementary - Hugh & Frances Keiser, author and illustrator, Pelican Pete books. School contact: Judy McAlear

Emma Love Hardee - Adrian Fogelin, author of Crossing Jordan, Anna Caseys Place in the World and other books. School contact: Liz Smith

Fernandina Middle - Lois Lowry, author of The Giver, Gathering Blue and more than 30 other books. School contact: Ginny White

Fernandina High - Steve Berry, author of The Amber Room. School contact: Lena Thornton

Yulee Primary - Marianne Berkes, author of Marsh Morning, Seashells by the Seashore and other books. School contact: Danielle McKendree

Yulee Elementary - Kelly Weitzel, author of Journeys with Florida's Indians. School contact: Johnnie Enter

Yulee Middle - Peggy Nolan, author of The Spy Who Came in from the Sea. School contact: Melissa Jarman

Callahan Elementary - Ron Kurtz, author of a new childrens book being published this fall.

Callahan Middle - Lee Gramling, author of Thunder on the St. Johns, Ninety-Mile Prairie and other Florida "westerns." School contact: Mary Jane Cushman

West Nassau - Lee Gramling. School contact: Mary Jane Cushman

Hilliard Elementary - Leonard Lewis, writer of children's poetry. School contact: Paige Rarick

Hilliard Middle - June Weltman, author of Mystery of the Missing Candlestick. School contact: Jean Lamar

Hilliard Senior - Dorothy Fletcher, author of The Cruelest Months. School contact: Tasha Drake

If you would like more information about the Authors-in-Schools program, contact Ginny White at Fernandina Beach Middle School or call the Festival Headquarters, 904/491-8176.