# Inspiring Young Writers in Jax
Every summer, Jacksonville's up-and-coming young writers compete for cash prizes and scholarships in the James Weldon Johnson Young Writers Festival. The brainchild of Matriarch Sharon Coon, Founder of The Friends of Brentwood Public Library, Inc., the event includes includes a three-day workshop series for youth in grades 3-12 and a student showcase.
This year, Michael L. Printz and Coretta Scott King award-winning author Greg Neri joins the Festival as a guest of honor. Not only that, he's also the next featured author in Jacksonville Public Library's Junior Lit Chat author series! So, whether your kids are participating in the Festival or not, they'll have a chance to meet him and possibly get inspired to become a published author themselves!
FREE Author Talk & Book Giveaway
Join us for a Junior Lit Chat with Greg Neri from 4:30 to 5 p.m. on Friday, June 13, at Brentwood Branch Library. Note: A limited number of copies of My Antartica will be given away to school-age children in attendance, (first-come, first-served). An audience Q&A and book signing will follow.
Register for the FREE author talk!
Note: To participate in the James Weldon Johnson Young Writers Festival and for a chance at $6400 in cash prizes and scholarships, youth in grades 3-12 are asked to submit a poem or dramatic monologue by June 2, 2025, on the theme "Lift Every Voice" or a subject of their choosing.
For more information, visit our blog or www.friendsofbrentwoodlibrary.com.
Greg Neri is the author of the bestselling Yummy: the Last Days of a Southside Shorty and Ghetto Cowboy, which was made into the movie, Concrete Cowboy, starring Idris Elba. His books have been translated into multiple languages in over 25 countries. They include My Antarctica, Safe Passage, The Collectors, Tru & Nelle, Grand Theft Horse, Christo and Jeanne-Claude Wrap the World, Hello, I’m Johnny Cash, and Chess Rumble.
In 2017, Neri was awarded the first of two National Science Foundation grants that sent him to Antarctica; he is currently co-chair of the Antarctic Artists and Writers Collective. In 2023, he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from SUNY for his literary and Antarctic output. He writes full-time while living on the Gulf Coast of Florida with his wife and daughter.
Check out Greg Neri's books from the library!
Did you know that all of our Lit Chat authors' books count toward your Jax Stacks Reading Challenge completion? Find out what other authors we're hosting this year and join in the fun!
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Reading & Hands-On Activities (for ages 5-12)
Is your child into Science, Technology, Engineering or Math? Explore STEM-based books and hands-on activities with our Junior Scientists program (for ages 5-8) at the Library! If they're more creatively inclined, bring them to Junior Artists (ages 5-8) so they can express themselves! For the best of both worlds, (STEM + Art), check out S.T.E.A.M. & Stories, (for ages 5-12). These programs are an opportunity for your child to engage with their peers, enjoy a good story, and participate in themed games or crafts.
Find other programs, events and activities for kids in our events calendar!
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