Young Authors Conference

The Laura B. Frick Charitable Trust supports this initiative.

Attention Elementary and Middle School Educators!

Welcome to the Young Authors Conference! This exciting event, taking place on Thursday, October 30th, 2025, 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:

Dustin Brady

Dustin Brady is from Strongsville, Ohio. Brady’s books have helped millions of children around the world learn to love reading. His new book, Adventures in a Video Game: Never Trust a Robot, is the perfect gift for gaming-obsessed kids who love big plot twists and lots of humor. Stop by his table to talk video games and pick up a free copy of his latest short story.

Eric Jon Slangerup

Erik Jon Slangerup is the author of “Molly and the Machine” and the sequel, “Molly and the Mutants,” an action-packed 80s sci-fi series set here in Ohio that Publisher’s Weekly calls “a riotous adventure.” Perfect for ages 8-12, both books are now available in hardcover and paperback. The father of six, Erik loves talking about 80s slang vs present-day-slang. He lives in Columbus, Ohio, and enjoys visiting schools around the state. Discover more at erikjonslangerup.com.

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.

Shannon Hale

Shannon Hale is the New York Times best-selling author of over fifty books for readers of all ages, including Princess Academy (a Newbery Honor recipient), the Real Friends graphic memoirs, and Austenland, which was adapted into a feature film. A dynamic and engaging speaker, Shannon brings humor, insight, and inspiration to every audience—from young readers to educators and fellow writers.

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.