Celebrating the Joy of Reading: Virtual Author Visits for International Literacy Day
Celebrate the Joy of Reading
Celebrate International Literacy Day with a virtual reading experience that brings authors straight to your students! Region 7 ESC is connecting classrooms with children's and young adult authors for live read-alouds, behind-the-scenes stories, and interactive student Q&A.
Schools will register for this virtual event and gather students on campus to join by Zoom. Students will hear authors share their books, learn about the writing process, and experience the joy of reading together.
Author lineup continues to grow! Additional authors and featured titles will be added as confirmations are received. Registered participants will receive final schedules and Zoom information closer to the event.
Event Details
Date: September 8, 2026
Format: Virtual author visits by Zoom
Audience: Schools, librarians, classroom teachers, and campus leaders
Workshop #: 414567
Registration closes: September 5, 2026
Register for Celebrating the Joy of ReadingWhy Participate?
Meet Real Authors
Students hear directly from the people who create books and stories.
Bring Books to Life
Authors will read aloud and help students connect with stories in a new way.
Ask Questions Live
Students can participate in interactive question-and-answer sessions.
Celebrate Literacy
Join schools across the region in celebrating International Literacy Day.
Participating Authors
Meet the authors participating in this year's virtual reading celebration.
Teachers can access activities and resources for each featured author to help students prepare before the virtual visit and continue the learning afterward.
Angela Henderson Smith
Grade Band: K-2
Featured Title:
Isaac & Izzy's Magical Maples
About the Book
In Isaac and Izzy's Magical Maples, Isaac and Izzy want to give their favorite magical maple tree the sweetest gift of all: a friend. Their colorful autumn adventure explores friendship, kindness, nature, and a little bit of magic along the way.
About Angela
Angela Henderson Smith is a Dallas-based children's author, literacy advocate, and former English Language Arts teacher with 13 years of classroom experience. Through author visits, writing workshops, and professional development, she helps educators nurture confident early writers and build strong literacy foundations.
Website Instagram: @authorangelahendersonsmith Facebook: Author Angela Henderson Smith LinkedIn: Angela Henderson Smith
Nancy Churnin
Grade Band: 3-5
Featured Title:
The William Hoy Story
About the Book
Students will learn about William Hoy, a deaf baseball player whose perseverance and innovation helped shape the game we know today.
About Nancy
Nancy Churnin is an award-winning North Texas author whose books highlight people who have made the world a better place and inspire children to become heroes and heroines in their own communities.
Website Instagram: @nchurnin Facebook: Nancy Churnin Facebook: Nancy Churnin Children's Books
Wendy Hinote Lanier
Grade Band: 3-5
Featured Title:
The Dog That Gave My Brother Words
About the Book
This heartwarming story follows a nonverbal boy with autism and the service dog who helps him find his voice, while encouraging understanding, empathy, and inclusion.
About Wendy
Wendy Hinote Lanier is an award-winning Texas author and former elementary science teacher who has written more than 50 books for children and young adults.
Website Instagram: @wendy.hinote.lanier Facebook: AuthorWendyHinoteLanier
Carol A. Foote
Grade Band: 3-5
Featured Title:
Trouble Dog: From Shelter Dog to Conservation Hero
About the Book
Trouble Dog: From Shelter Dog to Conservation Hero, a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection, tells the heartwarming true-inspired story of a rambunctious shelter dog who finds a loving home and a new purpose helping conservationists protect wildlife around the world.
About Carol
Carol A. Foote is a former freelance science writer and photojournalist with master's degrees in history and journalism. Her work has appeared in Time, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and popular science magazines.
Website Instagram: @carolafootewriter
Jilanne Hoffmann
Grade Band: 6-8
Featured Title:
The Ocean's Heart
About the Book
Students will discover the tiny ocean creatures that make life on Earth possible and learn how nonfiction authors transform scientific research into engaging stories.
About Jilanne
Engineer-turned-author Jilanne Hoffmann writes stories that help young readers explore the natural world through curiosity, science, and wonder.
Website Instagram: @jilanne2694 Bluesky: @jilanne.bsky.social Facebook: Jilanne Hoffmann LinkedIn: Jilanne Hoffmann
Additional Authors in Progress
More authors may be added as confirmations are finalized. Current authors in progress include:
Kamshia Childs, Chris Barton, Kevin Maillard, Lauren Agra Deedy, Kimberly Willis Holt, Jennifer Ziegler, Don Tate, Ashley Robin Franklin, Lupe Ruiz-Flores, and Jodi Meadows.
Elementary Author Experience
Elementary students will participate in live author read-alouds followed by interactive question-and-answer opportunities. Author assignments will be announced closer to the event.
Elementary Session Times Coming Soon!
Secondary Author Experience
Secondary students will hear from authors of middle-grade and young adult literature while exploring storytelling, writing, and the authorial experience. Author assignments will be announced closer to the event.
Secondary Session Times Coming Soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should register?
Registration is intended for schools, librarians, classroom teachers, and campus leaders who will facilitate student participation.
How will students participate?
Students will gather at school and participate virtually through Zoom during the scheduled author sessions.
When will the final author schedule be available?
The final schedule of authors and featured books will be shared with registered participants closer to the event.
When will the Zoom link be sent?
Zoom information will be sent to registered participants closer to the event date.
Can multiple classrooms participate from one campus?
Yes. Schools may use this event with classrooms, libraries, reading celebrations, or campus-wide literacy activities.
Are activities available for students?
Yes. Participating authors have provided teacher activities and resources that can be used before and after the virtual visits. Look for the Teacher Activities & Resources button in each author's section.
Bring the Joy of Reading to Your Students
Register your school for this virtual International Literacy Day event and give students the opportunity to connect with authors, stories, and the power of reading.
Register for Celebrating the Joy of ReadingFor additional information about this virtual author event, registration assistance, or event details, please contact the Region 7 ESC team below.
