The first OMG (Oh Middle Grade) BookFest took place on May 16 and 17 in Columbus, Ohio, at Gramercy Books and the Columbus Performance Academy. Approximately 900 students from the Performance Academy Charter School system participated in the activities, and each student received a copy of a book by one of the 12 participating authors. The festival was launched for middle grade and reluctant readers by authors Michael Buckley, Julia DeVillers, Adele Griffin, and Sarah Mlynowski. See some photo highlights from the inaugural event.
All of the authors who participated in the festival: Ronald L. Smith (back row, l.), Benny Zelkowitz, Stuart Gibbs, Varian Johnson, Elizabeth Eulberg, Michael Buckley, Julia DeVillers (front row, l.), Adele Griffin, Christina Soontornvat, Leslie Margolis, Debbie Rigaud, and Sarah Mlynowksi.
Dr. Myrrah Satow, founder and president of Performance Academies, welcomes students from the Performance Academy Charter School.
Benny Zelkowitz gets a pie in the face during the “Pie Face” adventure session with Leslie Margolis.
Ronald L. Smith and Debbie Rigaud pose after finishing up their “Super Hero Training” panel.
Julia DeVillers signs books at Gramercy Books during the group autographing on May 16.
Young reader Micah Abbey is interviewed by a local news station during the group signing with Ronald L. Smith (l.), Michael Buckley, and others.
Varian Johnson meets young fans after his “Escape from the Gym” session with Elizabeth Eulberg.
Students show off their signed books.
