BooksmART (formerly arts & letters live, jr.)
Award-winning authors and illustrators for the young and the young-at-heart

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BooksmART showcases award-winning authors and illustrators of children’s literature, allowing them to discuss their work and share insights on their creative process. The series is primarily targeted to ages 9 and older (or at parents’ and teachers’ discretion) but often features at least one program per season that is geared to younger audiences. Adults with an interest in children’s literature or with fond childhood memories of a particular author are also welcome. BooksmART programs offer youth, families, teachers, and librarians the unique opportunity to have personal experiences with authors and illustrators and nurture their own lifelong interest in reading, writing, and creativity.

The series has featured nine Newbery Medal–winning authors. Past participants have included Kate DiCamillo (Because of Winn-Dixie, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane); Lois Lowry (Number the Stars, The Giver); Avi (The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, Crispin: The Cross of Lead); Chris Van Allsburg (The Polar Express); Christopher Paul Curtis (Bud, Not Buddy); E. L. Konigsburg (From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler); Blue Bailett and Brett Helquist (Chasing Vermeer); Richard Peck (A Long Way from Chicago, A Year Down Yonder); Katherine Paterson (Bridge to Terabithia); Rick Riordan (The Lightning Thief); Patricia MacLachlan (Sarah, Plain and Tall); Markus Zusak (The Book Thief); Eoin Colfer (Artemis Fowl); Mo Willems (Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Knuffle Bunny); and Brian Selznick (The Invention of Hugo Cabret). For a complete list of authors participating in the BooksmART series, please visit the “Archives” section of the Web site.

Check back in early December for the complete 2009 BooksmART series lineup!

BooksmART booking for DISD students:
Dallas ArtsPartners can make funds available for DISD students to attend BooksmART events free of charge. DISD teachers should consult their Web site at dallasartspartners.org or call 214-520-0023.