54th Annual Convention West:
Phoenix Social Events and Meal Functions
Join your peers at the daily luncheon with leading children’s book authors, reading professionals, and scholars.
Registration for these events is on a first–come, first served basis, so register now!
Daily Luncheons
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Sunday, February 22 – Primary Literature Luncheon
Allen Say, sponsored by Houghton Mifflin Books for Young Children — Allen Say was born in Yokohama, Japan, in 1937. He dreamed of becoming a cartoonist from the age of six, and, at age 12, apprenticed himself to his favorite cartoonist, Noro Shinpei. For the next four years, he learned to draw and paint under the direction of Noro, who has remained his mentor. Mr. Say illustrated his first children’s book—published in 1972 —in a photo studio between shooting assignments. For years, he continued writing and illustrating children’s books on a part-time basis. But in 1987, while illustrating The Boy of the Three-Year Nap (Caldecott Honor Medal), he recaptured the joy he had known as a boy working in Noro’s studio. It was then that he decided to make a full commitment to doing what he loves best: writing and illustrating children’s books. Since then, he has written and illustrated many books, including Kamishibai Man and Grandfather’s Journey, winner of the 1994 Caldecott Medal.
Tickets US$55
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Monday, February 23 – Young Adult Literature Luncheon
Ben Mikaelsen, author and winner of the Western Writer’s Golden Spur Award and many state reader’s medals. His novels include Rescue Josh McGuire, Sparrow Hawk Red, Stranded, Countdown, Petey, Touching Spirit Bear, Red Midnight and Tree Girl. Ben lives in a log cabin near Bozeman, Montana, with a 700-pound black bear he adopted and has raised for more than 25 years.
Tickets US$55
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Tuesday, February 24 – Annual Awards Banquet
Joseph Bruchac, sponsored by Lee & Low Books— Joseph Bruchac is one of the most respected and widely published Native Americans writing for children and young adults today. A Rockefeller Fellow and an NEA Poetry Writing Fellow, Mr. Bruchac was the 1999 recipient of the Native Writers’ Circle of the Americas Lifetime Achievement Award. His book Thorpe’s Bright Path, won a Carter G. Woodson Award, and Crazy Horse’s Vision was an ALA Notable Book.
Tickets US$75
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Wednesday, February 25 – Book and Author Luncheon
Barbara Park, sponsored by Random House Children’s Books— Barbara Park has the unique ability to tackle difficult subjects—everything from peer pressure to divorce to dealing with the death of a sibling to facing the devastation caused by Alzheimer’s—with humor and insight. She has been called “one of the funniest . . . writers around,” and young readers are challenged but not overwhelmed by her award-winning novels such as Don’t Make Me Smile; The Kid in the Red Jacket; Skinnybones; Maxie; Rosie; and Earl—Partners in Grime; Mick Harte Was Here; and The Graduation of Jake Moon. One of her funniest characters is Junie B. Jones, whose adventures we have followed through kindergarten and first grade. Junie B. stars in her very own series of books for beginning readers, but her hilarious adventures will have kids of any age laughing out loud
Tickets US$55
President’s Reception and Dance
- Sunday, February 22
8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Phoenix Ballroom, Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
Welcome to the desert Southwest and the 54th IRA Annual Convention West! Grab your dancing shoes and head on over to the most happening scene in Phoenix tonight—the President’s Reception and Dance! We’ll be moving and shaking to the high energy beat of one of the hottest dance bands this side of the Grand Canyon. Mix and mingle with old friends and new, enjoy delicious dessert treats, and grab a cold one from one of the many cash bars available.
Be sure to visit “IRA’s Wonder Emporium” and discover your inner imagination. Within this area you can create your own sand art in a bottle, have your tea leaves read, or simply enjoy a relaxing chair massage. And, the IRA leadership is eager to meet you! Board members will be on hand in the Wonder Emporium to answer your questions or to simply say hello—a perfect opportunity for you to learn about all the exciting things happening in your Association now and in the future.
Best of all, this event is open to all IRA convention attendees at no charge! Grab your dancing shoes—we’ll see you there!
Tickets FREE to all convention attendees
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