Kern Reading Association Messages

Author Possibilities for Young Authors' Fair 2008

Marilyn Fowler — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 20:04:37 GMT

"Young Authors’ Fair" 2008 – List of Authors (updated 11/15/07)

Arnold, Marsha Diane
Marsha Diane Arnold returns to Young Authors’ Fair once again. Her lively text pairs up with a variety of illustrators in picture book format. She talks about the writing process of creating books with a whimsical theme. www.marshadianearnold.com (grades K-6)

Brimner, Larry Dane
Larry Dane Brimner is a returning author for YAF. He was born in Florida, and grew up in Kodiak, Alaska, and southern California. He graduated cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in British Literature and holds a master’s degree in curriculum development. A veteran of 20 years in the classroom he has taught at all levels from first grade through graduate school, where he trained future teachers. He is the author of almost 150 books for children, from picture books to nonfiction. www.brimner.com. (grades K-6)

Cepeda, Joe
Joe Cepeda, known for his artwork in Mice and Beans by Pam Munoz Ryan and numerous other children’s books, is an illustrator who creates the magic behind the story. Joe received a 2002 ALA Pura Beltre' Honor Award and the Recognition of Merit Award for 2000 from The George G. Stone Center for Children's Books. Joe presented to high school and elementary grades the last time he visited Kern County. www.joecepeda.com (grades K-6 and one middle school visit)

Chaffee, Jean
Jean Chaffee is the widow of former Fresno Zoo director, Dr. Paul Chaffee. After his death, Jean spent five years researching the animals at the Chaffee Zoo. She wrote the books because she feels these stories should be shared and enjoyed as a part of history.
Being an educator for 28 years, Jean understands what attracts children to books. The stories are full of animal sounds, expressions, and interactive opportunities. This is her first visit to Young Authors’ Fair.
In her spare time, Jean volunteers as a zoo docent. www.jchaffee.com (grades K-6)

Herzog, Brad
Brad Herzog is coming to his first visit to the Young Authors’ Fair.
Some of his books center around sports with an alphabet form that attracts beginning readers and more sophisticated older students. He has also written
travel books for adults. He says his claim to fame is being on the show “So You
Want to be a Millionaire". His website: www.bradherzog.com (grades K-6)

Hovey, Kate
Kate Hovey uses her storytelling voice to draw students into the world of ancient mythology and history via rhyme. Voices of the Trojan War retells the heroic battle in verse. She creates an oversized handmade mask to project the voice of Arachne in spinning her tales of historical deeds. This is her first visit to Young Authors’ Fair in Kern County. Her website is: www.katehovey.com/katehovey (middle school visits only)

James, Helen Foster
Helen Foster James is the author of S is for S’Mores: A Camping Alphabet and E is for Enchantment: A New Mexico Alphabet. She has been an educator for over 25 years as a coordinator of library media services, elementary teacher, media specialist, and as a teacher of children’s literature. Helen is a native San Diegan. When she’s not camping, hiking, and hanging out on Sail Bay in San Diego, you can find her reading, writing, watching movies, and planning her next travel adventure. Ms. James has spoken at an event for Kern Reading Association in the past but this is her first visit as an author for Young Authors’ Fair.
www.helenfosterjames.com. (grades K-6)

Kay, Verla
Verla Kay is a returning author for YAF. Verla Kay is a native Californian. She decided to take a correspondence course through the Institute of Children’s Literature in Connecticut. Her first picture book was published in 1994. Her focus is historical large format books connected by rhyming text. She has had several starred reviews in professional journals. She is now an ICL instructor who demonstrates to others what she has learned. www.verlakay.com (grades K-6)

Martin, Hugo
Hugo Martin is a travel writer for the LA Times. His first book, Pablo’s Christmas, will impact children of all ages. This is his first visit to Kern County for the Young Authors’ Fair. His parents and older siblings came to the United States from Jalisco, Mexico, in 1963. Hugo was born in Los Angeles and raised in northern California. He graduated from Pomona College and has been a journalist for 18 years. Hugo lives in Pasadena, California, with his wife, Tina, and daughter, Isabella. (grades K-6)

Shahan, Sherry
Photographer and children's author Sherry Shahan takes research seriously. She's galloped a horse through an African plain, hiked in an Australian rain forest, kayaked in the frigid waters of an Alaskan fjord and ridden in the famed Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Her books include Spicy Hot Colors and Dashing Through the Snow. www.authorfest.org/authors/shahan/index.html
(grades K-6)

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Marilyn Fowler — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 17:49:00 GMT

Key People and Contact Information

KCSOS Webteam — Thu, 06 Oct 2005 15:43:29 GMT

KCSOS Webteam — Tue, 04 Oct 2005 00:01:14 GMT

Final Author List (Updated November 9, 2006)

Jorge Argueta (bilingual author)--author of Moony Luna: Luna Lunita Lunera; Zipitio, Xochitl and the Flowers: Xochitl, la Nina de las Flores, and La Gallinita en la Ciudad: The Little Hen in the City. Jorge Argueta's heartwarming bilingual English-Spanish stories are favorites for children and adults of all cultures. He is a San Francisco Library Poet Laureate. He has won the Americas Award for Latin American Literature and the Independent Publisher's Book Award for Multicultural Fiction for Juveniles. www.jorgeargueta.com (grades K-6)

Adrian Fogelin (for middle school only)--the author of The Real Question, The Big Nothing, Sister Spider Knows All, My Brother's Hero, Anna Casey's Place in the World, and Crossing Jordan, which was named an ALA Best Book for Young Adults; a VOYA Top Shelf for Middle School Readers; and an Honor Book, IRA Notable Books for a Global Society. Fogelin lives with her husband in Tallahasee. Visit her website at http://www.adrianfogelin.com

Matthew Gollub--a tri-lingual author (Japanese, English, Spanish) who entrances audiences with his rhythm and music during each presentation. The Jazz Fly, Cool Melons Turn to Frogs! Gobble, Quack Moon are just a few of his creations. Matthew is a returning author. http://www.mathewgollub.com

Bill Harley--nationally known as a storyteller to children and adults, he is also the author of Bear's All-Night Party, The Amazing Flight of Darius Frobisher, and several CDs (including Down in the Backpack). Bill plays the guitar and sings his way into the minds and hearts of his audience. www.billharley.com (Grades K-6)

Barbara Jean Hicks--known as an adult author for years, she has written four juvenile books: I Like Black and White, I Like Colors, Jitterbug Jam, and (2007) The Secret Life of Walter Kitty. She recently moved to California from Washington state. She would love to illustrate a picture book someday. www.barbarajeanhicks.com (grades K-6)

Milly Lee--Another author who loves to visit Kern County with a background from the Bay Area. Milly is a retired school library teacher. Nim and the War Effort, Earthquake, and Landed all portray family stories with the Chinese American influence. Milly and her husband live in Santa Rosa.

Monte & Claire Montgomery--full of energy and vitality, this team will wear you out! Monte does a science type presentation and rides a unicycle. Hubert Invents the Wheel is their first book. http://www.claireandmonte.com

Terry Pierce--Terry is overflowing with enthusiasm and creativity when she addresses students about the writing of books, especially joke books! She is a returning author for YAF and entertained audiences of all ages during her last visit. Check out her website www.terrypiercebooks.com (grades K-6)

Sabina Rascol--was born in Romania and grew up in Los Angeles. She has lived in five states and four countries. The Impudent Rooster is her first book. http://www.sabinairascol.com

Susan Rottman (high school only)--author of Hero, Stetson, Head above Water and other titles, appeared at CSLA in 2005. Ms. Rottman uses adventure scenarios to pull together dynamic family and friend relationships. More about this author at http://www.peachtree-online.com

Simon Silva (bilingual author)--known for his images depicting farm workers in La Mariposa, El Campo and Gathering the Sun. This author shares his vision of the Chicano culture through vivid colors and energy. He is a sucess story for the migrant field works. www.simonsilva.com (grades K-6)

Teri Sloat--another returning author from northern California who incorporates her magic of illustrating into each of her nearly 20 books. Farmer Brown continues to fascinate young and old readers. The Eye of the Needle and Patty's Pumpkin Patch are just two of her books. www.terisloat.com (grades K-6)

Myron Uhlberg--another favorite with students in Kern County, bases his books on family experiences. Dad, Jackie and Me won the Schneider Family award from ALA. Myron was born to deaf parents and used sign language as his first language. Additional information at http://www.peachtree-online.com

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KCSOS Webteam — Fri, 30 Sep 2005 23:22:48 GMT

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KCSOS Webteam — Tue, 20 Sep 2005 20:29:55 GMT

Young Author's Fair Display

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Fall Conference

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Grants and Scholarships

KCSOS Webteam — Thu, 15 Sep 2005 23:40:08 GMT

2007-2008 CLASSROOM LITERACY GRANTS

$250.00 for each grant
Several to be awarded.
Reading/Literacy is the focus
Eligibility Requirements:

A current KRA member with up-to-date dues
One grant proposal per member
Must attend the KRA Book Talk Tea to receive grant

Application Deadline: January 30, 2008

Grants Awarded: February 21, 2008 at the Book Talk Tea

Please include in your grant proposal:

Purpose and Goals: What do you plan to do?
Audience: Who will benefit from your grant?
Budget: Be specific -- include titles and costs of books and other costs
Implementation: How will you implement your plan?
Your name, school, address and phone number on the back of the application

Send Completed Application to:

KRA Literacy Grant Committee
c/o Delani Bair and Marsha Ketchell
P.O. Box 10837
Bakersfield, CA 93389-10837

KERN READING ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP 2008

Application Filing Date: April 15, 2008

Eligibility Requirements:

Continuing credential students, enrolled at least half time.
Maintains a minimum of 3.0 GPA for academic work. (Under certain circumstances, students with a lower GPA may be considered.)
Meet with the scholarship committee if so requested.
Member of KRA with up to date dues.
Submit the following to the Kern Reading Association, attn. Marsha Ketchell, by the April 15, 2008 deadline.

2008 Kern Reading Association Scholarship Application
Most current academic transcript
Essay
Two letters of recommendationProcedures

Completed applications should be sent to:

Kern Reading Association
attn. Marsha Ketchell
P. O. Box 10837
Bakersfield, CA 93389.

Those applications meeting the above criteria will be forwarded to the scholarship committee. Students selected to receive scholarships will be notified by May 30, 2008.

Download KRA Scholarship Application (pdf)

Young Authors' Fair

KCSOS Webteam — Thu, 15 Sep 2005 23:32:00 GMT

Author Visits -- Week of May 5-9, 2008
Young Author's Fair Saturday, May 10, 2008

** 2008 YAF Theme: Literacy Illuminates Our World**

Download Young Authors' Fair flyer (pdf)
View "Author Possibilities for Young Authors' Fair 2008"

HOSTING AN AUTHOR

If your school would like to host an author this year, a representative must attend KRA's fall conference Saturday, October 20, 2007 at Standard Middle School and the Prelude on January 17, 2008 at Standard Elementary School's cafeteria. At the Fall Conference you will receive a form which must be signed by the school principal and returned (all other forms needed are posted on this website--just click and print). The author selection is done by a lottery system. You indicate your top 4 author choices and all school names are placed in a hat and drawn out one by one. Authors are assigned according to your place in the draw and your preferences. The price for an author visit is $900.00. Kern Reading covers the cost of lodging and most meals (schools are responsible to provide the author with lunch). Authors are added through mid-November depending on the number of schools wishing to participate, so check the website often to see which authors will be visiting this year.

Hosting an Author Forms to Print
All forms are PDF files that can be opened with Adobe Acrobat Reader

Author Application Form (only available by attending the Fall Conference)
Author Lottery Priority Form (due December 1, 2007)
YAF Timeline (print and use as a check off form)
YAF Volunteer Sign-up Form (due at Book Distribution)
Author Transportation Form (due at Book Distribution)
Book Distribution Information and Map
Key People and Contact Information

YOUNG AUTHORS' STUDENT BOOK DISPLAYS

The 33rd annual Young Authors' Fair will be Saturday, May 10, 2008 from 8:30 to 12:30 at the Standard Elementary School Cafeteria. This is Kern County's premiere literacy event for elementary, junior high, and high school students and is free of charge. We are proud to say that each year approximately 25,000 Kern school children and over 90 schools take part in this outstanding event by writing and/or illustrating a book for public display. Each child who has written a book and attends will receive a ribbon to proudly proclaim he or she is a Young Author! Books are not judged, but all books will be on display in the gym. In addition to the student made books, a number of well-known children's authors will present lively and unique presentations about their books and the writing process. Books from all participating authors will be on sale at a discounted price. This is an activity you will not want to miss!

Young Authors' Student Book Display Forms to Print
All forms are PDF files that can be opened with Adobe Acrobat Reader

Display Advance Registration Form (due at Book Distribution)
Official Entry Form (due when you set up your display May 9, 2008)
YAF Timeline
Guidelines for making Student Books
Sample Title Page form to include in student books
Parent Letter (copy and send home before YAF)
Student Certificate of Participation
Guidelines for Delivering/Displaying books & book box label
Key People and Contact Information

YOUNG AUTHORS' DINNER - Friday, May 9, 2008 6:30 at the Doubletree
This form is a PDF file that can be opened with Adobe Acrobat Reader

Dinner Reservation Form

YOUNG AUTHOR'S FAIR PICTURES

Interested in Volunteering? Download the Volunteer Sign Up Form (pdf)

Summer Book Blast

KCSOS Webteam — Thu, 15 Sep 2005 22:11:22 GMT

Saturday, July 12, 2008 10:00-12:00 at the Kern County Museum

The Summer Book Blast is a cooperative effort between Kern Reading Association, The Kern County Museum, KCSOS and several sponsors.

Book logs are distributed throughout the county in summer schools, newspapers and at sponsor locations. Children record the books they’ve read during the summer and bring their logs to the Kern County Museum on the day of Book Blast for free entrance into the museum, chance tickets for fabulous prizes, and fun!

Readers are stationed around the Pioneer Village buildings to read to children. Children can make books, and visit several booths with giveaways and games. Volunteers are always needed to read, set up and run the event. If you’d like to help, please print and send in the volunteer form below.

Reading will take place from 10:00 to 12:00 with the prize drawing beginning at 12:00.

Click here to download a Book Blast Reading Log. Summer Book Blast Reading Log (pdf)

Interested in Volunteering? Download the Volunteer Sign Up Form (pdf)

Fall Conference

KCSOS Webteam — Thu, 15 Sep 2005 22:00:28 GMT

Saturday, October 20, 2007 7:30-1:30 at Standard School

Each fall Kern Reading Association hosts a professional conference for teachers. This year’s main session speaker is Dr. Shane Templeton. His keynote speech is "Revolutionizing Core and Academic Vocabulary Instruction: Teaching Words and Teaching About Words". In addition there will be several break-out workshops including the annual How to Host an Author workshop, which is required for all schools wishing to host an author during the Young Authors’ Fair. A full breakfast is provided and several publishing vendors will be on hand to answer questions and sell products. Print the registration form below and send in to attend.

For questions regarding the conference or to propose workshop sessions, please contact President-Elect Patty McDowell at pamcdowell@kern.org

Download Fall Conference Registration Form (pdf)

Interested in Volunteering? Download the Volunteer Sign Up Form (pdf)

Be A Volunteer

KCSOS Webteam — Thu, 15 Sep 2005 21:55:18 GMT

KRA is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization run by people who love literacy and want to enrich our community. If you’d like to help with this mission, please print and send in the following form. We’re looking to set up permanent committees for each of the events we hold.

Download Volunteer Sign Up Form (pdf)

Book Talk Tea

KCSOS Webteam — Thu, 15 Sep 2005 21:50:33 GMT

Thursday, February 21, 2008, 4:30 at Hodel's

Book Talk Tea is a fabulous, fun-filled event held each February. Hosts and hostesses decorate a thematic tea table based on a children’s book. Baskets filled with lovely books are given away in a prize drawing. Our literacy grants are awarded each year at the tea, as well as other awards to recognize people and organizations who have contributed significantly to KRA through their volunteer efforts. Won’t you join us this year for a spot of tea?

Download Book Talk Tea Registration Form (pdf)

Interested in Volunteering? Download the Volunteer Sign Up Form (pdf)

For Authors

KCSOS Webteam — Thu, 15 Sep 2005 21:45:01 GMT

Kern Reading Association’s Young Authors’ Fair contracts with several authors each year for a week-long series of school visits culminating in a Saturday fair for students held each May. Click on the Young Authors’ Fair button and go to pictures to see some previous events. Our Young Authors’ Fair is considered one of the most prestigious and well-run in the country. Our standards for author selection are very high. No contracts are offered without at least one KRA board member having viewed the author’s presentation, preferably in front of an audience of students. We invite authors to notify us of upcoming presentations they intend to make at conferences such as CRA, IRA, or CSLA. Occasionally KRA allows interested authors a chance for viewing by arranging a free presentation at a local school in the summer. We seek professionally published authors who have a variety of in-print books which will appeal to K-8 audiences and whose presentations are imaginative, engaging and include some information about the writing process. We will arrange for sales opportunities during your visits of up to, but not more than, five different titles per author. We generally make offers between July-October for the following May. All candidates must be approved by the KRA Board.

If you meet the criteria above and would like to be considered, please mail your author packet to the following:

Accounts Payable

KCSOS Webteam — Thu, 15 Sep 2005 21:43:02 GMT

Kern Reading Association has two financial committees. When paying invoices, please make certain you make out the check to the appropriate account.

For Membership, Fall Conference, Book Talk Tea and Board Installation Tea:

Make checks payable to:
Kern Reading Association
P. O. Box 10837, Bakersfield, CA 93389-10837

Questions on Kern Reading Association payments should be directed to Marsha Ketchell 661 833-8686.

For all events association with the Young Authors’ Fair:

This includes Author visits, Prelude Books, Author Books, Authors Dinner

Make checks payable to:
Young Authors’ Fair
3004 Maywood Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93306

Questions on Young Authors’ Fair payments should be directed to Sandra Yoon 661 872-4031.

Payments for YAF Prelude books are due at the Prelude, January 18, 2007 at Standard cafeteria.
Payments for author books are due when unsold books are returned, May 11, 2007 at Standard gym from 3:30 to 5:30.
Payments for author visits are greatly appreciated prior to the date of the visit. Payments must be received by June 30 in order to be eligible for an author visit the following year.

Web Links

KCSOS Webteam — Thu, 15 Sep 2005 21:37:19 GMT

California Reading Association
http://www.californiareads.org

International Reading Association
http://www.reading.org

California Young Reader Medal
http://www.californiayoungreadermedal.org

California School Library Association
http://www.schoolibrary.org

First Book
http://www.firstbook.org

Reading Is Fundamental
http://www.rif.org

One Book, One Bakersfield
http://www.onebookonebakersfield.com

Kern County Library System
http://www.kerncountylibrary.org

Kern County Superintendent of Schools
http://www.kern.org

Kern Reading Association Messages

Author Possibilities for Young Authors' Fair 2008

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Key People and Contact Information

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Author Possibilities for Young Authors' Fair 2007

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Grants and Scholarships

Young Authors' Fair

Author Visits -- Week of May 5-9, 2008Young Author's Fair Saturday, May 10, 2008

Summer Book Blast

Fall Conference

Be A Volunteer

Book Talk Tea

For Authors

Accounts Payable

Web Links

Author Visits -- Week of May 5-9, 2008
Young Author's Fair Saturday, May 10, 2008