A Dream Weekend for YA Readers

The “Coming of Age” panel at Saugatuck Storyfest, moderated by Lorien Hallama, a 7th and 8th grade L.A. teacher here at BMS.

From September 26th to the 28th, the Westport Library hosted authors and readers, giving them a chance to meet up and share their love of books and literature. Over 140 different authors were featured, including R. L. Stine, Author of the Goosebumps series, which also featured a movie adaptation, Jerry Craft, author of New Kid, each getting the chance to present on-stage in the newly renovated library. Many new authors were featured on the stage like Janae Marks, author of the book From the desk of Zoe Washington. Janae Marks was especially excited about how the, “The kids are allowed to meet authors.”

The Saugatuck Storyfest describes itself as “the only festival that is a product of a partnership between a public library and a public school system.” Nic Stone, author of the books Dear Martin and Odd One Out, said that the reason this event is important for young readers is that, “It is really cool to meet the authors of your favorite books.” Many readers were very excited to meet some great authors; as it can be interesting to meet the author of a book you read.

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The Saugatuck Storyfest describes itself as “the only festival that is a product of a partnership between a public library and a public school system.”

For readers who are trying to find a good genre, Saugatuck Storyfest is the place for them to meet authors, browse books, and find a good read. An author you could have met there was Eric Bell. He started writing because, “I always wanted to tell stories, and words were the best way for me to tell them. At one point in my life, I had a lot of stories I really wanted to tell.”

Featured author Jerry Craft, showcasing the new release of his book “New Kid” said what gave him the inspiration to write his type of stories was that “My stories are loosely based on my childhood life and my dad”

Next year, Westport can look forward to Neil Gaiman, a new featured author, who has written books such as Coraline and Good Omens, both featured on the New York Times Bestseller list. Maybe next year you will visit the Saugatuck Storyfest and have the opportunity to meet some of these amazing authors.