The Texas Book Festival brings books to life for young readers through Reading Rock Stars, a dynamic program in which selected authors from across the country are invited to present their works to students in economically-disadvantaged public schools. At the end of the presentations, each child receives an autographed copy of the book, and a set of books is also given to the school library.

"Reading Rock Stars affords students an opportunity to interact with an author – an experience that most of them have never had," says Heidi Smith, the Festival's executive director. “This gets the students not only excited about reading, but also provides them a unique learning experience.”

Originally created to serve children in the Austin area, the Reading Rock Stars program is expanding each year. With support from the Meadows Foundation of Texas, Target, and a number of other generous foundations and individuals, Reading Rock Stars is now serving the Austin, San Antonio, and Rio Grande Valley. Want to bring Reading Rock Stars to your school? For information on applying to Reading Rock Stars, contact the Texas Book Festival office at (512) 477-4055.