Q: What in the world is Tweens Read?

     A: Tweens Read is a FREE book festival that aims to connect tween readers (grades 5-8) with authors. This year over 20 authors will be joining us for a day of conversations about books and the writing process. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear a keynote speaker. Afterwards, they can attend several panels with multiple authors discussing their news books, the writing process and more! Lots of time is built into the panel sessions to encourage tweens to ask their own questions and hear the answers directly from the authors. Concessions will be sold and we will have several food trucks at the event for lunch. Blue WIllow Bookshop will also be onsite selling signed copies from all of the attending authors.

Q: Do I need to register for Tweens Read?

     A: Yes! Registration is FREE!! Registration will open in September.

​Q: Will I be able to hear every author speak at Tweens Read?

     A: Be sure to plan ahead and visit the panels with your favorite authors since you might not be able to see every single author (multiple panel sessions happen at the same time). Check out our SCHEDULE page for details on all panel sessions.

Q: I'm coming in person, where do I park? What about buses?

     A: The physical address for Dobie High School is 10220 Blackhawk Blvd. Houston, TX 77089. If you are bringing a busload, please checkout the Buses & Parking page for information.

Q: Can I bring my own books for the authors to sign at Tweens Read?

     A: Yes. All books purchased from the Blue Willow pop up shop will be signed. We will have signing lines for personalization and for books brought from home, however, this number may be limited.

Q: I'm not a tween.  Can I still attend Tweens Read sessions?

     A: Yes, Tweens Read welcomes all fans of middle grade literature. Please keep in mind that Tweens Read is first and foremost an event for tweens so we ask that in all panel sessions, tweens should be given first priority in the chance to ask questions of our authors, and that tweens are given priority seating at all sessions. Should a panel session become full, we will ask grown-ups to give up their seats to allow tweens to sit.

Q: I'd like to volunteer to work at the festival...is that possible?

     A: Yes!  We'd love your help.  Volunteer Registration will open in September.

Q: I'm a teacher/librarian bringing a group of tweens, how does that work?

     A: If you will be coming by bus, check out the Buses & Parking page for information. Feel free to have your tweens bring lunch, or they are welcome to buy snack & drinks from the concessions area or grab something from one of the food trucks that are coming!

Q: Speaking of food, what lunch options are available?

     A: Several Dobie High School student groups will be selling concessions throughout the day. We will also have several food trucks attending. Homies HTX, Sauce Time, Tasty Treats and Eats, and Moooseum will be joining us. 

Q: How can I contribute to Tweens Read?

     A: Our generous partners and sponsors are what keeps Tweens Read free for all to attend. We are always looking for sponsors that would be a good fit with Tweens Read. If you know of any businesses or organizations that you think would be interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at "tweensread@gmail.com". We rely on both monetary and in-kind donations! If you are an individual who would like to contribute, every amount helps and all donations are tax deductible. Please visit our Sponsorship page for more info.

Q: I'm an author, how can I participate in Tweens Read?

     A: You are welcome to come as an attendee, but we are no longer accepting self-submitted authors.

Q: Yeah all that was great info - but I still have questions. Who should I contact?

     A: If you still have questions about Tweens Read, please email us at tweensread@gmail.com or contact us through social media.