K-1st Grade

Erica S. Perl

Erica S. Perl is the author of popular and critically acclaimed books for young readers. Erica writes picture books - including CHICKEN BUTT!, GOATILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS and FEROCIOUS FLUFFITY - early readers, transitional chapter books, and chapter books – TRUTH OR LIE!, ARNOLD AND LOUISE, and the CRAFTILY EVER AFTER (written as “Martha Maker) series. Erica is a crowd-pleasing presenter at schools, libraries and community events. She honed her skills working as a trial lawyer in New York City, and also worked for many years for First Book, the national non-profit organization that provides books to children in need. She lives in Washington, D.C. with her family. (from http://www.ericaperl.com/)

2nd-3rd Grade

James Burks

James has written and illustrated numerous books for kids including his new graphic novel series Agent 9 (PenguinKids/Razorbill) and his long running six book graphic novel series Bird and Squirrel (Scholastic/Graphix) which has been translated into Czech, Spanish, French, Castilian and even Farsi (the pirated edition in Iran). His other books include Gabby and Gator (Yen Press), Beep and Bah (Carolrhoda), Pigs and a Blanket (Disney/Hyperion), and When Pigs Fly (Disney/Hyperion). (from www.jamesburks.com)

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4th-5th Grade

Gennifer Choldenko

With more than 2 and a half million books sold, Choldenko’s best known Tales from Alcatraz series, has been called “A cornerstone series in contemporary children’s literature.” Al Capone Does My Shirts—the first book in the series—was a Newbery Honor Book and the recipient of twenty other awards. All four books in the series were Junior Library Guild selections and garnered many starred reviews. Gennifer’s newest novel: Orphan Eleven came out May 26. Publisher’s Weekly has said this about Orphan Eleven: “This uplifting tale of hope, survival and belonging has all the ingredients to become a beloved middle grade book.” (from www.choldenko.com)

Middle School

Varian Johnson

Varian Johnson is the author of several novels for children and young adults, including The Parker Inheritance, which won both Coretta Scott King Author Honor and Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor awards; The Great Greene Heist, an ALA Notable Children’s book and Kirkus Reviews Best Book; and the graphic novel Twins, illustrated by Shannon Wright, an NPR Best Book. (from www.varianjohnson.com)