Mall of America® hosts celebrated children's authors to champion reading, equity, and inspiration for a new generation
BLOOMINGTON, MN — July 2, 2025
On Saturday, August 9, 2025, Mall of America® will serve as the national stage for a groundbreaking daylong event designed to reignite a love for literacy and learning in classrooms, libraries, and homes across the Twin Cities. Co-presented by the Mall of America Community Foundation, PR From The Heart, and KidLit TV, the two-part celebration will spotlight the vital role children’s literature plays in shaping confident, empathetic, and curious young minds.
Morning Session: Building A Culture Of Reading In Your Classroom
8 – 10:30 a.m.
Mall Of America Parkview Meeting + Event Center | 5204 Center Court (Nickelodeon Universe®) Bloomington, MN 55425
This inspirational panel invites educators, librarians, parents, and literacy advocates to gather for a dynamic conversation with eight nationally and locally recognized children’s authors and literacy leaders.
Attendees will explore:
- How to foster a culture of reading in today’s classrooms
- The vital role of social-emotional learning through children's literature
- Why diverse, inclusive storytelling matters now more than ever
- Real talk on the challenges and solutions facing educators and parents as we approach Back-to-School 2025
Featured Panelists include:
- Stephen Shaskan: Children’s Book Author & Illustrator | Best-Selling Creator of the Pizza and Taco Series
- Joe Schmit: Emmy Award-Winning Sportscaster | Keynote Speaker | Children's Author (The Right Thing to Do)
- Shayla Reaves: Emmy Award-Winning Journalist for WCCO & CBS News Minnesota | Children's Author (Echo in the Distance)
- Dr. Cherice Roth: Chief Veterinary Officer | Keynote Speaker | Children's Author | Creator of the Real Doctors Series (What's a Real Doctor? and What Does a Real Doctor Look Like?)
- Dr. Shafer Stedron: Neurologist | Host of Talks with Dr. Shafer Podcast | Children's Author (The Boy and His Brightly Colored Blocks)
- Dr. Jim Price: School Counselor | Award-Winning Children’s Author | Creator of The Adventures of Harold from the Hood Series
- Carrie Newell: Marine Biologist | Children’s Author (Koda and the Whales: A True Story)
- January Liddell: National Financial Literacy Advocate | Children's Author | Creator of The Honey Maker Series (Alina the Super Saver and Dynamo Jr's Spending Spree)
Moderated by:
- John Masiulionis: Manager of PR From The Heart | Children’s Author (Walking Each Other Home—Zachary's Mission: A Hospice for Children)
- Julie Gribble: Award-Winning Founder & Producer of KidLit TV
Additional highlights include:
Interactive Q&A + Community Conversation
Ask questions, share ideas, and connect directly with thought leaders in children’s literacy.
Meet & Greet + Book Signing
Get your books signed, take photos, and meet the authors shaping the future of children’s literature.
BONUS: The first 50 educators, librarians, and parents to pre-register will receive a FREE children’s book. Light refreshments will be served.
Who Should Attend:
This event is ideal for:
- Teachers (K–8)
- School librarians
- Literacy coaches & specialists
- Curriculum developers
- School Administrators
- Parents, caregivers, & grandparents
- Book lovers & education advocates
Whether you’re a seasoned educator, a dedicated librarian, or a passionate parent, this event is a can’t-miss opportunity to connect, learn, and grow—together.
Learn More & Register: Registration is FREE but required. Visit the official Building A Culture Of Reading In Your Classroom Eventbrite page to reserve your seat and discover more about this landmark day of literacy, learning, and love for stories.
Afternoon Celebration: Turning Pages, Changing Lives
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Huntington® Bank Rotunda, Mall of America
Hosted by the Mall of America Community Foundation in collaboration with Picture Book Parade and Way to Grow, the afternoon continues the momentum with a family-friendly festival of literacy.
What’s in store:
- Storytime every 15 minutes with 16 acclaimed children’s authors. All of the participating authors from Building A Culture Of Reading In Your Classroom will be reading at this event, along with the following authors representing Picture Book Parade and PR From The Heart:
- Keenan Jones reading Saturday Morning at the ‘Shop
- Karen Latchana Kenney reading Snow Steps
- Rose McGee reading Can’t Nobody Make a Sweet Potato Pie Like Our Mama
- Cristina Oxtra reading What Lolo Wants
- Chris Park reading So Cold
- Sarah Warren reading Beyoncé: Shine Your Light
- Jo Ann Gramlich presenting Let's Pretend It's School activity from her Talk, Play, and Read With Me Series
- Keenan Jones reading Saturday Morning at the ‘Shop
- Hands-on literacy activities, arts & crafts, face painting, and photo ops
- Book-themed fun designed to engage and delight children of all ages
This vibrant celebration emphasizes literacy as a bridge to confidence, compassion, and academic success—making every story time a stepping stone toward a brighter future for Twin Cities youth.
Presented in partnership by:
Mall of America Community Foundation | PR From The Heart | KidLit TV
ABOUT MALL OF AMERICA
At 5.6 million square feet, Mall of America is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America with up to 520 world-class retail stores and restaurants; Nickelodeon Universe, a 7-acre indoor theme park; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium; FlyOver America; Crayola Experience; and more. The Mall opened in 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul and adjacent to MSP International Airport. Follow Mall of America on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. Listen to So Much More – a Mall of America podcast, on all major platforms or watch on YouTube. Download the Mall of America app from the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.
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