Osceola Library System - Reading Festival Authors

Chris Crutcher

: Chris Crutcher's fast-paced fiction -- heavily influenced by his work as a therapist and child protection advocate -- is known for its expert balance of comedy and tragedy, as well as its unflinching honesty and authentic voice. He has been honored with dozens of awards and honors including the CLA's 2005 St. Katharine Drexel Award, Writer Magazine's 2004 Writers Who Make A Difference Award, the ALA's 2000 Margaret A. Edwards Lifetime Achievement Award, the NCTE's 1998 National Intellectual Freedom Award and the ALAN Award. Chris Crutcher's book, Deadline, is included on this year's Florida Teen Reads Nomination List.

: Mary Jane Clark is the bestselling author or ten previous novels including Do You Want to Know A Secret, Do You Promise Not to Tell, Let Me Whisper in Your Ear, Close To You, Nobody Knows, Nowhere to Run, Hide Yourself Away, Dancing in the Dark, Lights Out Tonight, and When Day Breaks. A veteran writer and producer for CBS News, Clark worked for almost three decades at the network’s New York City headquarters and possesses an intimate knowledge of the world about which she writes. She lives in New Jersey.

: Recognized for her published work and for the books she has illustrated for others, Lisa Campbell Ernst creates picture and concept books for young readers. Consistently lauded for her skill as an artist and graphic designer, Campbell Ernst has been praised as the creator of stories that feature engaging characters and cleaver concepts. This award winning author and illustrator has written 30 books for children since the 1980s. Her book, The Gingerbread Girl, recently was chosen forthe Florida Reading Assoc. Children's Book Award.

: Paula Stark shares from her heart. As a lifetime resident of Florida’s Osceola County community and a professional in the newspaper business, Paula is committed to informing & educating adults and children alike. She shares from her heart, the stories she created for her young sons, Taylor & Nicholas, years ago. Bringing Abe the Alligator to your family, Paula is achieving another life time goal.