The third annual OMG! (Oh Middle Grade!) Book Fest took place from May 2–4 at Ladue Fifth Grade Center in St. Louis, Mo. The three-day festival, which was held in conjunction with The Novel Neighbor Bookstore, included an educator night, sponsored by HarperCollins’s Shelf Stuff community; a visit to a Title 1 school, where 20 authors engaged with more than 1,000 students through interactive storytelling sessions and more than 2,000 books were given away; and an open-to-the public Author Circus, where 24 authors took part in book-focused games. We’ve gathered a selection of highlights from the celebration.
The lineup at the OMG! Book Fest Author Circus. (Back row, from center): Kekla Magoon, Elizabeth Eulberg, Antony John, Michael Buckley; (second row, from l.) Gordon Korman, Adele Griffin, Angela Dominguez, Jody Feldman, Tui Sutherland, Booki Vivat, Julia DeVillers, Max Brallier, Sarah Mlynowski; (third row, from l.): Marcus Emerson, Ron Smith, Vashti Harrison, Karina Yan Glaser, Liesl Shurtliff, Stuart Gibbs, Christina Soontornvat, Courtney Sheinmel, and (front row) Eliot Schrefer. Approximately 1,000 people attended the Author Circus.
Max Brallier and Tui Sutherland speak with students about writing at Drummond Elementary School.
Drummond Elementary School students enjoy their donated copies of Vashti Harrison’s Little Leaders.
The theme of the Title 1 school visit was “Your Story Matters,” and teachers and librarians at the participating schools had t-shirts made in support of the mission.
Authors Elizabeth Eulberg and Eliot Schrefer.
Students at Drummond Elementary bust a move.
Author-illustrator Angela Dominguez delivers a drawing lesson.
Marcus Emerson and Julia DeVillers led an interactive session with students.
Fans lined up to have their books signed at the Author Circus.
Students show off the new books they received during the school visit day.
