Katherine Paterson Featured in National Book Festival Events

National Ambassador for Young People's Literature Katherine Paterson to Speak at the National Book Festival

Beloved author Katherine Paterson, the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, will make a special appearance during National Book Festival Week on Thursday, Sept. 23, at 11 a.m. in the Library of Congress’ Coolidge Auditorium on the ground floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E. Youngsters and their parents, teachers or guardians are encouraged to attend the program, featuring one of the world’s leading writers of books for young people. The event is free and open to the public; no tickets are required. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The event is supported by the Jonah S. Eskin Memorial Fund and is among the special activities in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of the Library of Congress National Book Festival.

In the Thursday program, Paterson will talk about her work, her commitment to promoting the importance of reading to young people, and what has inspired her to write such award-winning books as "Bridge to Terabithia" and "Jacob Have I Loved." Paterson is a two-time winner of both the Newbery Medal and National Book Award.

In addition to the special event on Sept. 23, Katherine Paterson is also appearing in several other programs during the National Book Festival on Saturday, Sept. 25:

10 a.m., Children’s Pavilion: "The Exquisite Corpse Adventure." During this one-hour program, Paterson will be joined by M.T. Anderson, Mary Brigid Barrett, Timothy Basil Ering, Linda Sue Park and James Ransome for a not-to-be-missed dramatic "Readers’ Theater" performance of the FINAL episode of this story available free and exclusively at Read.gov.

4:05-4:35 p.m., Teens & Children Pavilion: Paterson will appear solo to discuss her work and answer audience questions.

4:40-5:30 p.m., Teens & Children Pavilion: Paterson will participate in a special Letters About Literature event with other authors. This reading and writing program is co-sponsored by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress and Target for students in grades 4-12. They are asked to write to an author past or present about how their work affected them. Three local students will read their award-winning letters to Paterson and other authors to whom they wrote.

The National Book Festival will take place on the National Mall between 3rd and 7th Streets.  President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are honorary chairs for the event. The festival, a celebration of the joy of reading for all ages, is free and open to the public. Learn more at the National Book Festival website. 

Attention Exquisite Corpse Adventure fans! 

If you can't make this year's Book Festival, be sure to check out Read.Gov on Saturday, September 25 to read Katherine Paterson's riveting conclusion to The Exquisite Corpse Adventure!