'Vampirates' author in Schamburg, Downers Grove
• Author Justin Somper reads from and signs copies of his book "Vampirates: The Empire of the Night #5" at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at Borders Books and Music, 1540 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg. Call (847) 330-0031. Somper will also appear at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27, at Anderson's Bookshop, 5112 Main St., Downers Grove. Call (630) 963-2665.
• National Public Radio's Scott Simon discusses and signs copies of his book "Baby, We Were Meant For Each Other" at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, at Borders Books and Music, 150 N. State St., Chicago. (312) 606-0750.
• Author Kenneth Oppel reads from and signs copies of his new children's book "Half Brother" at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, at Anderson's Bookshop, 5112 Main St., Downers Grove. (630) 963-2665.
• Meet M. Glenn Taylor as he discusses and signs copies of his book "The Ballad of Trenchmouth Taggart" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, in the cafe at Barnes and Noble, 720 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills. (847) 247-1157.
• Help celebrate Centuries and Sleuths Bookstore's 20th anniversary with author panels, book discussions and book signings on Saturday, Sept. 25. Authors scheduled at 11 a.m. are Jeanne M. Dams ("Indigo Christmas"); Jamie Freveletti ("Running Dark"); Henry Perez ("Mourn the Living"); Luisa Buehler ("The Inn Keeper"); Alzina Stone Dale ("When the Post War World was New"). Authors scheduled at 2 p.m. are Clare O'Donohue ("Double Cross"); Diane Madsen ("Hunting for Hemingway"); Arnie Bernstein ("The Bath Massacre"); Tim Broderick ("Cash & Carry") and Laura Caldwell ("Long Way Home"). Admission is $2 per person, payable with reservation. Seating is limited to 25 per panel. Centuries and Sleuths Bookstore is at 7419 W. Madison St., Forest Park. Call (708) 771-7243 for information and reservations.
• Help celebrate Centuries and Sleuths Bookstore's 20th anniversary with author panels, book discussions and book signings, beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 26. Scheduled to appear are Bryan Gruley ("The Hanging Tree"); Theresa Schwegel ("Last Known Address"); Kevin Guilfoile ("The Thousand"); Barbara D'Amato ("Foolproof") and D.C. Brod ("Getting Sassy"). Admission is $2 per person. Reservations are required; seating is limited to 25 per panel. Centuries and Sleuths Bookstore is at 7419 W. Madison St., Forest Park. (708) 771-7243.
• Authors Claudia Gray ("Evernight"), Sophie Jordan ("Firelight") and Kiersten White ("Paranormalcy") will be on hand to read from and sign copies of their books beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. (630) 355-2665.
• The Lake Forest Book Store is hosting "The Widower's Tale" author Julia Glass at a luncheon and author program at Lovell's of Lake Forest beginning at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 27. The public is welcome to attend. Tickets are $39. Lovell's is at 915 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. Call the bookstore at (847) 234-4420 for information.
• Children's book author Tony DiTerlizzi, co-creator of the acclaimed "Spiderwick Chronicles" books, will read from and sign copies of his latest novel for young readers, "The Search for WondLa," at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 27, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. (630) 355-2665. DiTerlizzi will also appear at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28, at the Book Stall, 811 Elm St., Winnetka. (847) 446-8880.
• Bob Schwartz, author of "Never Put Ketchup on a Hot Dog" and senior vice president at Vienna Beef, discusses hot dog stands throughout the years, with a focus on Chicago, at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28, at Aspen Drive Library, 701 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills. At noon, before the presentation, free hot dogs will be served. Registration is required. Call (847) 362-2330 or go to webres.cooklib.org.
• Meet "The Hanging Tree" author Bryan Gruley as he reads from and signs copies of his book at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. (630) 355-2665.
• Author Sara Pennypacker and illustrator Marla Frazee read from and sign copies of their new early reader chapter book, "Clementine - Friend of the Week," at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, at Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. (630) 355-2665.
• "Reconstructing David" author Deanna Scott discusses and signs copies of her book at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, at the Book Stall, 811 Elm St., Winnetka. (847) 446-8880.
• Former NFL player and current ESPN sportscaster Merril Hoge signs copies of his book "Find A Way" at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, at Borders Books and Music, 1500 16th St., Oak Brook. (630) 574-0800.