Tracy Harkins, Community Outreach Manager, WKU Libraries

The Southern Kentucky Book Fest partners will bring two best-selling children’s authors and a well-known children’s illustrator to area schools Nov. 14-20 in connection with their Fall into Books event to promote children’s literacy.

New York Times best-selling author Laurie Halse Anderson will visit Bowling Green High School and South Warren High School Nov. 17. Anderson is the author of numerous books for children of all ages including the young adult books Speak and Chains which were both National Book Award finalists.

            Award-winning author Crystal Hubbard and illustrator Robert McGuire will visit Oakland Elementary Nov. 18 and Warren Elementary Nov. 19. Hubbard and McGuire are the 2010 winners of the fourth annual WKU Libraries’ Evelyn Thurman Young Readers Book Award for their picture book The Last Black King of the Kentucky Derby. The story is a biography of Jimmy Winkfield, who battled racism and other obstacles on the road to becoming one of horseracing’s best jockeys and in 1902 the last African American to win the Kentucky Derby. The authors will receive their award at a luncheon at the Kentucky Library & Museum Nov. 19. The award honors the memory of former WKU Librarian Thurman who made significant contributions to children’s librarianship and literacy during her 25 years of service.

            The SOKY Book Fest partners along with Western Kentucky University Athletics will cap off Fall into Books with “Books & Baskets” at the WKU Lady Topper’s home opener Nov. 18. The Lady Toppers season opener against the Northwestern Wildcats will start at 7 p.m. Fans who donate a new or gently used children’s book can receive one free reserved ticket to the game. Book collection will begin at Entrances 1 or 4 at Diddle Arena at 6 p.m. Donated books will be given to area organizations that support children in need.

            SOKY Book Fest is a partnership project of WKU Libraries, Warren County Public Library, and Barnes & Noble Booksellers. The partnership’s mission is to encourage reading and the love of books and to be a positive force in promoting literacy in the region and state. For more information, visit www.sokybookfest.org or contact Tracy Harkins at 270-745-5016.