WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Area kindergarten through eighth grade elementary students will have the opportunity to meet a published author as part of Missouri State University-West Plains’ annual literary awareness event set for Sept. 23-26 at the West Plains Civic Center.

Area fifth through eighth graders will meet with A. (Alexandria) LaFaye of Illinois Sept. 23-24.  LaFaye, who teaches at Greenville College in Greenville, Ill., is known for her fictional tales for young readers. Some of her books which will be available for purchase during her visit include The Keening, Water Steps and Nissa’s Place.  Students can learn more about LaFaye by visting her website, www.alafaye.com.

Area kindergarteners through fourth graders will meet Cheryl Harness of Independence, Mo., Sept. 25-26.  Harness is known for her illustrations of non-fiction and historical fiction for children.  Some of her books which will be available for purchase by students include The Remarkable Benjamin Franklin and Remember the Ladies: 100 Great American Women.  Students can learn more about Harness by visiting her website, www.cherylharness.com.

The authors also will discuss the importance of reading and writing with the students during their visits, according to Emily Gibson, coordinator of theater and events for the Missouri State-West Plains University/Community Programs (U/CP) Department.

Space is still available for area teachers who would like to bring their classes to the presentations.  Contact Gibson for details at 417-255-7966 or EmilyGibson@MissouriState.edu.

Support for this event has been provided by CenturyLink and Holiday Inn Express.  For more information, call the U/CP office at 417-255-7966.