Tucson Festival of Books

March 12 -13, 2016

Yeah! The Tucson Festival of Books will not coincide with our Spring Break.  Hopefully that means more students will be able to attend.  The young adult authors at this year's event include Ruta Sepetys and Paulo Bacigalupi. There are lots of adult authors, but I prefer to read the Young Adult books instead. There aren't huge crowds at the young adult events and it is a much more intimate experience.  

The Salpointe Book Club has decided to read a book by Zac Brewer, anything from the Vladamir Todd series. Not that I'm a vampire snob, but I have decided to listen to Water Knife and read a Sepetys book. Paulo Bacicalupi, author of the Water Knife, has written for adults and YA, but his latest is about a (near) future battle over water in the West. The city of Phoenix is our player in the game versus the Vegas water knife, and leg breaker, Angel Vasquez. Ruta Sepetys writes historical fiction. Her first book for YA was Between Shades of Grey. I wonder it rocketed to fame because people mistook it for 50 Shades of Grey? All of her books investigate historical events from the relocation of Lithuanians, by the Russians in 1939 to the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff, the largest maritime disaster in history. History through fiction is one of my favorite genres.

Consider volunteering at the festival.   I've driven R.L Stine, Lisa Lutz, and several other authors around as part of my volunteer efforts. The food is good and the booths are fun to visit.  Don't miss the National Parks area of the exhibits or Science City.  Shakespeare's first folio is on display during the festival at the museum near the Main Gate.  This year they have ticketed events that eliminate the need to stand in line.  If you have become a Friend of the Festival you get early access the ticketing process.

They have officially posted the schedule as a whole, but if you are only interested in specific authors you can view their individual appearances and locations throughout the weekend.  Last year I posted a TFOB scavenger hunt for students, who earned extra credit for attendance.  I will link it here once it is complete.

Festival Parking