Celebrating the Joy of Reading: Virtual Author Visits for International Literacy Day
Celebrate the Joy of Reading
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
Confirmed author information will continue to be added as details are finalized.
Nancy Churnin
Grade Band: 3-5
Featured Title:
The William Hoy Story
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.
Students will learn about William Hoy, a deaf baseball player whose perseverance and innovation helped shape the game we know today.
Facebook: Nancy Churnin
Facebook: Nancy Churnin Children's Books
Instagram: @nchurnin
Jilanne Hoffmann
Grade Band: 6-8
Featured Title:
The Ocean's Heart
Engineer-turned-author Jilanne Hoffmann writes stories that help young readers explore the natural world through curiosity, science, and wonder.
Students will discover the tiny ocean creatures that make life on Earth possible and learn how nonfiction authors transform scientific research into engaging stories.
Instagram: @jilanne2694
Bluesky: @jilanne.bsky.social
Facebook: Jilanne Hoffmann
LinkedIn: Jilanne Hoffmann
Wendy Hinote Lanier
Grade Band: 3-5
Featured Title:
The Dog That Gave My Brother Words
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.
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.
Instagram: @wendy.hinote.lanier
Facebook: AuthorWendyHinoteLanier
Additional Authors in Progress
More authors may be added as confirmations are finalized. Current authors in progress include:
Angela Henderson Smith, Kamshia Childs, Chris Barton, Carol A. Foote, 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.
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.
