Attention Elementary and Middle School Educators!
Friday, November 6, 2026
- Buckeye Book Fair Preview & Visit
- Author Presentations
- Illustrator Workshops
- Autograph Sessions
We are honored and grateful to receive Arts Partnership Funding from the Ohio Arts Council and The Laura B. Frick Charitable Trust for this initiative.
Welcome to the Young Authors Conference! This exciting event, taking place on Friday, November 6th, 2026 in Wooster, Ohio, is open to budding writers and illustrators from grades 3 through 8. The conference is a unique opportunity for young talents to meet and learn from some of the most celebrated authors and illustrators in the field of children’s literature.
Our impressive lineup for this year includes:
Jerzy Drozd
Jerzy Drozd is an Ohio Teaching Artist and the author of The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue, published by Iron Circus Comics. He co-authored Science Comics: Rockets, published by First Second Books with Anne Drozd. They live in Columbus, Ohio with their four cats.
Lindsay Bonilla
Lindsay Bonilla is an award-winning children’s author, former classroom teacher, and engaging presenter whose picture books inspire creativity, curiosity, and kindness. She loves visiting schools and encouraging young readers and writers to discover the power of storytelling.
Alison Rozo
Alison Rozo is an award-winning children’s author, educator, and speaker whose stories celebrate imagination, resilience, and the joy of reading. She enjoys inspiring young readers and writers through interactive school visits and engaging presentations.
Will Hillenbrand
Will Hillenbrand is an award-winning author and illustrator whose beloved picture books are known for their warmth, humor, and expressive artwork. He has illustrated and written dozens of books for children, inspiring young readers with memorable stories and engaging illustrations.
Contact us today for this field trip opportunity!
The Young Authors Conference is a partnership with all schools in Wayne, Holmes, and Ashland counties through Buckeye Book Fair’s established partnership with Tri-County Educational Service Center, the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education, and Ohio Arts Council. With over 800 students participating, the Young Authors Conference teaches students in grades 3-8 about the ins and outs of the writing and storytelling process. Students attend a one-day session where they work intensively with a teaching artist expert in writing, illustration, and publishing.
This literacy program has been made possible because of the generous contribution of the Ohio Arts Council and the strong partnership of Tri-County Educational Service Center and Ohio Alliance for Arts Education. Schools outside of the Tri-County area should contact Brett Lanz at tesc_blanz@tccsa.net for more information.
