Tucson Book Festival

 The Tucson Festival of Books Foundation is a non-profit organization. It made its debut March 14-15, 2009, on the campus of The University of Arizona. It's more than a book festival as Tucson celebrates books and literacy at one of the largest book festivals in the U.S. Both days the weather was gorgeous with a huge crowd

that has waited for three years for the festival to resume due to the pandemic. The  COVID precautions put in place that people followed no questions raised was impressive. If you were in any building on the campus or in a tent outside, masks were mandatory. Announcements were made at the beginning of each presentation and masks were available if needed. A massive amount of books that covered every imaginable genre were available for purchase in many locations. Add in food vendors,

entertainment, children's activities,

and a variety of educational experiences made for a very enriching day and inspiring day. Needless to say, I did come home with a few books adding to my already high stack.

In the last 13 years, the festival has provided more than $2,100,000 to various agencies and has given away more than 60,000 books to children and teens.
There were 267 authors who participated with 268 presentations including interviews, panels, and solo performances on a variety of topics. One definitely has choices for the day but clearly needs plan 1 and 2 if the presentation is too full to get in.  Another thing needed is stamina to navigate a  campus that's spread out and locate the building destination where presentations were being held. 

The following were some of my two day highlights 

I got off to a great start listening to a presentation of 2021-2022 Charlotte Huck Award Winners for children's fiction for children and YA novels by Holly Johnson. Being able to browse the books was an added bonus.  

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They Do It Their Way was a panel topic with award-winning authors Jullian Cantor (check out her newest book it sounds wonderful)

Kent Krueger, and Willy Vlautin. Now here's surprise. I found the audience to be  HUGE HUGE fans who couldn't get enough of this Minnesota author. Often he overshadowed the other two panelists with his wit and charm. Krueger is a very well-spoken presenter. He was promoting his newest book. 

Billy Collins, poet Laureate, shared his poems from several of his books to a packed crowd. You needed a ticket for this event. He has a new book out

and there was a very long line for the book signing. 

A presentation on Dude Ranching and its history was quite informative. I found the owner of White Stallion Dude Ranch in Tucson Russell True's experiences and perspective as well as Lynn Downey who is a historian on the subject to be very engaging.  Its a topic I don't know much about. it This is Downey's newest book.  

If you happen to be out West next March (second weekend) put the Tucson Book Festival on your agenda. You won't be disappointed.