Book Festivals

By Jeff Burns

My wife and I discovered Book Festivals.  Neither of us like crowds very much, but of course we love books. Since 2008, the Savannah Book Festival has taken place in venues on three historic downtown squares in mid-February.  Each year, the festival hosts about 40 authors from all genres in a one-day event. Even though we never need an excuse to visit Savannah, one of our favorite cities, this seemed like a great way to dip into the book festival pool.

We decided to check out the schedule and read some of the selections.  Come to find out, that’s not the usual way for Book Festival goers, at least in Savannah.  In talking to other people, we discovered that it seemed that most of the audience members for each talk hadn’t read the book, or at least a great number hadn’t.  There’s also a disadvantage to reading in advance; authors only sign books purchased at the festival.

Long story short, we thoroughly enjoyed the talks, the conversations with strangers while waiting in line or waiting for the talks to start, and even meeting the authors.  Savannah Book Festival will now be an annual destination for us, and we’re looking forward to the even bigger, 3-day, Decatur Book Festival Labor Day Weekend.

Some of the books and authors featured  at the Savannah Book Festival 2018:

History Book Suggestions for Young Adult Summer Reading

Are you a reader? Do you want to share your love of reading and history the young adults in your life this summer?  History books and historical fiction for young adults offer some great options for engaging readers.

The love of history and reading grew together in my house. I grew up reading about history and visiting historical sites. History and books inspired conversations and trips. I have fond memories of historical fiction from that the described Revolutionary- Era Boston  and took me across the great plains in a covered wagon. I could share in their experiences and enjoy their adventures. 

As a teacher and a parent, I have had the chance to share the love of reading about history and visiting historical sites with a new generation. From the Magic Tree House series to Bud not Buddy; I have continued to share books about history written for young readers and young adults.

The young readers of today benefit from the growth of books being published about history for them. Books published about history or with historical themes continue to grow.  Series like Dear America and Dear Canada have expanded the historical narratives for young adult readers. The Snipesville Chronicles combines history with the adventure of time travel.  If you are looking for a history book to share with young adult readers in your life, check out our list of old and new favorites.  It is a great way to share your love of history with a new generation. You both may find a history book to love.

Have a suggestion to share? Let us know in the comments or send us a pin on Pinterest. We are always on the lookout for a good book.