Naperville READS features six mystery writers
Naperville READS, the city's annual celebration of reading, begins in December with this year's theme, "Whodunnit? Read to Find Out!" focusing on mystery stories.
A free community event featuring all of the 2017 Naperville READS authors will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, at North Central College's Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave.
A total of six authors will make up the panel aimed at young readers.
The authors are: Chris Grabenstein ("Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library"), Margaret Peterson Haddix ("Among the Hidden"), James R. Hannibal ("The Lost Property Office"), Dick Lehr ("Trell"), Beth McMullen ("Mrs. Smith's Spy School for Girls") and Wendelin Van Draaen ("Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief").
In addition to the centerpiece program on Dec. 6, children in middle school and junior high will get a chance to meet the authors as they travel around Naperville between Tuesday, Dec. 5, and Thursday, Dec. 7.
Both Naperville Unit District 203 and Indian Prairie Unit District 204 are taking part in these special, targeted events. The authors will participate in panel discussions, two per day, and circulate throughout the districts' schools.
Educators also are invited to an event at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, at Wentz Concert Hall. This free exclusive hourlong event with the visiting authors is geared toward teachers.
Naperville READS 2017 is a partnership between Jumping Off the Page, Anderson's Bookshop, Naperville Unit District 203 and Indian Prairie Unit District 204, in addition to the featured publishers: Random House, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Candlewick, Aladdin Books and Yearling Books.
For details, visit www.andersonsbookshop.com.