Words Of Wisdom

It's been dubbed the "Oscars of books." Now in its fourth year, the Palm Beach Book Festival is bringing a slew of best-selling authors to the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach on April 14.

"We promote cultural awareness of the published author by bringing in New York Times best-selling and household-name writers. We hope to sustain literacy with our students, educators and librarians," says Lois Cahall, the event's founder and creative director. "Let's keep reading and writing alive for our children's generation."  

Numerous panel events will be held, followed by author book signings and meet-and-greets.

Among the authors are Kwame Alexander (poet, educator and New York Times best-selling author of 24 books, including "SOLO" and "Surf's Up") and Kirstin Chen ("Soy Sauce for Beginners"), who will discuss "Family, Love & Hope: In a Time of Worldwide Crisis."

Panelists include news journalist Dan Rather and mystery writer Joseph Finder ("Killer Instinct," "Buried Secrets"). The Oprah Book Club panel features author Mira T. Lee – her debut book, "Everything Here Is Beautiful," was named a Most-Anticipated/Top Winter 2018 pick by more than 30 news outlets – and the event concludes with author Bruce Cameron's "Who Let the Dogs Out" discussion. Cameron co-wrote the films "Muffin Top" and "Cook Off!" and best-sellers "A Dog's Purpose" and "A Dog's Way Home." In a twist, the event will have dogs up for adoption after his speech. O 

For more information, call 561-429-4008 or visit palmbeachbookfestival.com.