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For two days and two days only, books will take center stage in Winchester as students and families get the special chance to meet the writers and illustrators behind some of their favorite novels.
Winchester’s Authorfest returns Oct. 14 and 15 for its 32nd year, bringing 17 authors to the town’s seven public schools for conversations, presentations, and a look into the creative process behind their storytelling.
The two-day celebration begins with a Preview Night on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at the Winchester Town Hall. The preview night gives families the opportunity to meet the visiting authors, browse and purchase books sponsored by Book Ends and participate in other activities hosted by the Winchester Foundation for Educational Excellence (WFEE).
Following this event, on Oct. 15, the 17 authors will visit all seven Winchester public schools during the day. Students will be able to interact with authors, ask questions, and learn more about the skills and creative processes that go into writing and illustrating their favorite stories.
For Maggie Vande Vrede, WFEE’s executive director, these interactions are one of the biggest reasons why Authorfest has remained a staple of Winchester for the past 32 years.
“There are so many lessons,” Vande Vrede said, “learning to appreciate books, getting books into students’ hands, having a goal and completing it and many more.”
For Vande Vrede, the value of Authorfest extends beyond the classroom. She said the event gives both students and adults an opportunity to meet the people behind the books they read and gain a deeper appreciation for the effort that goes into creating them.
This year's lineup features creators whose work spans from picture books, graphic novels, and children's series. Among the guests are Matt Tavares, J.E. Morris, David Biedrzycki, Jannie Ho, Carrie Finison, Anna Staniszewski, Jef Czekaj, and James Ransome, along with several other writers and illustrators visiting Winchester’s schools.
Tavares, a New England native and the author and illustrator of many books including, “Dasher,” “Red and Lulu” and “Hoops” will be returning to visit the Winchester students. Finison, known for “Dozens of Doughnuts” and "Don’t Hug Doug” will also return for this year’s celebration.
The visiting creators will be spread throughout the elementary schools, McCall Middle School and Winchester High School, with several authors making appearances at more than one location during the day.
Vande Verde said students often come prepared with thoughtful questions for the visiting writers and illustrators. This experience gives the students an opportunity to appreciate books in a different way while still learning about the skills, thinking, and creativity behind the work they bring to life.
The Authorfest experience will also extend beyond the school day on Thursday. J.E Morris, the creator of the “Flubby” series, will host an Authorfest Storytime at the Winchester Public Library at 10:45 a.m., giving families another chance to meet and listen to one of the community’s favorite authors.
Later that afternoon, the authors will gather at the Winchester Town Hall for a Community Meet and Greet from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. giving families another unique opportunity to meet and learn more about their work.
The organizers have had their fair share of unique circumstances over the years. Last year, a chemical release at WHS forced the school district to close, forcing organizers to adjust their arrangements.
Despite the disruption, Vande Verde and the other organizers adapted their plans, and kept the Authorfest celebration going.
The locations and faces may change year by year, but the goal remains the same: giving the community an opportunity to connect with the people behind the scenes.
“This is such a unique opportunity for students and adults,” Vande Vrede said, “By meeting the people who create these stories, coming to Authorfest is a truly unique experience.”
Boston University junior Jackson Lewis is a Winchester News intern for this semester.
