Meet the Authors
Meet the Authors provides an intimate setting where attendees are a part of a live Author read which will also include a Q&A and an opportunity to meet the author, purchase their book(s), and get them signed. Meet the Authors book signings will take place in the Palm Springs Convention Center in Smoketree F.
Our Keynote Meet & Greet and Book Signing will be held at the BOOST Booth 0101 & 0105 in the Exhibit Hall. Please click here for more information.
Our Meet the Authors application is now closed.
TUESday, April 29
1:00PM-2:00PM
The Magic of Making a Difference: One CAN Make a Difference
Marlena Uhrik, Ed.D., Consultant, All Ways Learning, LLC, Mather, CA
"The Magic of Making a Difference: One CAN Make a Difference" is a true story that explores the transformative power of individual action. Through compelling anecdotes, practical insights, and heartfelt wisdom, the book reveals how small, intentional steps can create meaningful change in the world. It emphasizes the ripple effect of kindness, resilience, and determination, showing that anyone, regardless of background or resources, can make an impact. Readers are encouraged to discover their unique strengths, overcome obstacles, and channel their efforts toward causes that matter to them. This uplifting narrative serves as both a call to action and a reminder that even the smallest acts of compassion and effort can lead to extraordinary outcomes, proving that one person truly can make a difference.
2:00PM-3:00PM
Forever Moments: Diaries of Daddy's Girls
Emmanuel Molin, Co-Founder, ForeFathers Enterprise, San Diego, CA
Forever Moments: Diaries of Daddy's Girls" opens the door to a world brimming with laughter, love, and invaluable life lessons. Tailored for 1st and 2nd-grade girls, this heartwarming anthology celebrates the unbreakable bond between fathers and daughters through everyday adventures. Guided and supported by their doting daddies, young heroines navigate life's challenges, turning ordinary moments into cherished memories. More than a book, this collection is a delightful gift, complete with empowering narratives and beautiful illustrations, emphasizing the enduring impact of a father's role in his daughter's life.
3:00PM - 4:00PM
Remember, This is a Memory
Audacious Wilson, Director of Programs, Girls Inc. of the Island City, Alameda, CA
Remember, This is a Memory is a creative memoir that blends poetry, prose, and short stories to guide its readers through a series of reflections and snapshots of growing up in the Mississippi Delta, all while navigating blackness, queer identity, religion, and girlhood.
Audacious will also be sharing additional books, including Shift Your Vibe: Coloring Book and Guided Journals, which focus on tools for reflection, self-care, and personal growth.
Wednesday, April 30
10:00AM-11:00AM
Healing Your Map - A Guide to Understanding Discernment, Trauma, and Human Behavior
Jodee Gibson, MA, PCC, Human Behavior Expert & Master Coach, Human Behavior Architects™, Novi, MI
Imagine a book that leads you deep inside the journey of how you became you. Not a book that shares how you are supposed to be or labels you or makes any attempt to fix you. Simply a book that allows you to understand the inner workings of you and how it all was created. Healing Your Map is about healing versus treating. It’s about identifying and healing the root causes versus treating the symptoms that emanate from them.
My belief is that awareness creates access. As the brilliant Dr. Maya Angelou often shared, people who know better, do better. Yet how can we be expected to do better if we don’t have the access or the awareness to know the difference? Healing Your Map is an interactive read that encourages deep self-discovery around the patterns, thoughts, and beliefs that have created your current version of reality. Change only happens once you do. Come learn how to create effective, sustainable change.
11:00AM-12:00PM
Next Time You See a Snowflake
Emily Morgan, Moonshot Ohio Coordinator, Ohio Afterschool Network, West Chester, OH
Next Time You See a Snowflake is the newest addition to the Next Time You See picture book series, designed to inspire elementary-aged children to develop a sense of wonder about the natural world around them, like sunsets, spiderwebs, pill bugs, and snowflakes. This book answers common questions about snowflakes like; How do they form? What affects their size and shape? Is it true that no two are alike? Readers will get an up-close look at the intricate pattern that makes up a snowflake while simultaneously practicing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills like how to use a simple magnifying glass, recognize geometric shapes, and identify patterns.
3:00PM - 4:00PM
I Am Different.
Crystel Patterson, Author, "Inspired to Be...", Sacramento, CA
Ekon, Nia, and Malachi are constantly reminded of their differences. Some people tease them, but their family and friends compliment their qualities that make them different. With the mixed reactions they receive, they each wonder who they should believe and come to an empowering resolution.
4:00PM - 5:00PM
The Confidence Project: A Journey Through the Confidence Constellation
Joshua Faden, President & Founder, Community of Teachers, Kensington, MD
In his debut book, Joshua Faden shares his exciting work with students that led to the creation of the confidence-building model. He demonstrates how we can help our children go from resistant to engaged, lifelong learners. By weaving together the journeys of his students with the research that supports the process, Joshua explores and explains how confidence is built by learning to overcome—and even how to find enjoyment in—life’s daily challenges. The beautiful stories bring this incredible confidence-building model to life and leave the reader ready to tackle whatever challenges may come their way. This book is as heartwarming as it is informative and empowering. Whether you are a teacher looking to build up the confidence of your students, a parent helping your child to build their confidence, or a student looking to better understand how to become confident, this book is for you.
Thursday, May 1
10:00AM-11:00AM
Connecting Through Conversation: A Playbook for Talking With Students
Erika Bare, M.Ed., Superintendent; Tiffany Burns, Principal, Author, Ashland School District, Ashland, OR
This book is a must-read for all educators. The practical and easy-to-implement tools, strategies, and templates will create a culture of connection in our schools. Readers will be inspired and equipped with immediately applicable moves to build connected relationships for learning, avoid power struggles, and apply communication as a universal support for all students in kindergarten through twelfth grade.
Bare and Burns draw on more than forty years of combined experience, stories from the field, and a good dose of humor to share a student-centered approach that can help transform behavior. The conversational tone, accessible table of contents, CTC Tips, and Connected Takeaways summarizing each chapter make this an ideal tool for book studies, professional development, and growing together as an educational community. Readers will find themselves returning to the tools in this playbook again and again as they embark on the daily adventure of talking with students.
11:00AM-12:00PM
Wonder Libraries: 20 Expert Perspectives on What Kids Need Now
Liz McChesney, Early Childhood Literacy & Community Partnerships Director, LaundryCares Foundation, Chicago, IL
A rainbow of ideas for public librarians and those who serve children and youth about the ways to lift youth voice, engage the community authentically, and deepen impact for literacy and thriving of our youth.
1:30PM-2:30PM
The Ed Branding Book
Lynette White, Communications Consultant, Lynette White Social, LLC, Corona, CA
Branding adds to the identity of an organization and makes people feel connected to it. No matter your role, an online presence that is on-brand aids in your success as a leader in education. Marketing and branding are incredibly powerful tools for educators, and it’s time we all learn to use them effectively.
This book shows how—and why— classified employees, teachers, administrators, superintendents, and board members should embrace branding. It’s full of easy tips and tricks to get started, specific steps for leading with social influence, and the benefits of dialing in your brand right now. Starting with strategies for defining your brand and a guide to what social media platforms to use and how, it’s also a tool kit that will empower you to amplify stories for the benefit of yourself, your site, and your organization.
3:45PM-4:45PM
Yelling 2 Yoga
James Woods, Director, Dat Yoga Dude, Corona, CA
The 7 STEPS IN THE FREEDOM model will help you to go from Yelling 2 Yoga. Whether you're a young yogi ready to explore new poses or a parent, teacher, or caregiver looking to introduce yoga to children, this workbook is the perfect companion to inspire and guide you.
Yoga is not just for grown-ups; it's a wonderful practice that can benefit children in numerous ways. Through yoga, kids can develop strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination while nurturing their creativity, self-confidence, and emotional well-being. This workbook is designed to make their yoga experience fun, interactive, and meaningful.
Mindfulness teaches children to focus on the present moment, to be aware of their thoughts and emotions, and to foster a sense of calm and relaxation.
FRIday, MAY 2
9:30AM-10:30AM
We All Have Feelings
Sheryl Davis, Founder/CEO, The Dream Space Collective, San Francisco, CA
"We All Have Feelings!" is a delightful children's book that explores the world of emotions in a fun and engaging way. Through simple rhymes and relatable scenarios, young readers discover that everyone experiences feelings—it's a normal part of life!
This book encourages children to embrace their emotions, whether happy, sad, or anything in between, and offers practical strategies for expressing how they feel. From talking to friends and family to drawing, taking deep breaths, and even going for a walk, this guide illustrates various ways to share emotions with others.
With a reassuring message that it’s okay to feel and share, this heartwarming story empowers children to communicate openly about their feelings, fostering emotional awareness and connection. Perfect for parents and educators, this book is an essential tool for helping kids navigate their emotional landscape.
Meet the Authors Contact
If you have any questions about our Meet the Authors event, please contact:
Delia Contreras, BOOST Leadership Team
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