Grace Place Celebrates Third Annual Young Authors Festival

Grace Place for Children and Families hosted its third annual Young Authors Festival on Wednesday, April 15, bringing together students, families, and community partners for an afternoon celebrating creativity, storytelling, and literacy.

The event highlighted original books written and illustrated by students in grades 3–5, giving young authors the opportunity to share their work with a live audience. Students showcased their stories throughout the festival, celebrating both their imagination and growing literacy skills.

A standout moment of the event was a live performance by improv actors from The Naples Players, who brought selected student stories to life on stage. Students watched their written words transform into dynamic performances, adding an exciting and memorable layer to the celebration of their work.

“We’re excited to continue the Young Authors Festival and give our students a chance to share their creativity,” said Marcie Curry, Chief Program Officer at Grace Place for Children & Families. “Events like this help strengthen literacy skills while building confidence and showing students that their ideas and stories are worth sharing.”

The festival also featured an interactive read-aloud with authors Thomas and Elizabeth Peacock, founders of Black Bears and Blueberries Publishing, an Indigenous-owned company that publishes K–12 books focused on Indigenous stories and perspectives. The Young Authors Festival continues to serve as a celebration of student voice, literacy development, and creative expression across the Grace Place community.

ABOUT GRACE PLACE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Grace Place for Children and Families, founded in 2004, is a nonprofit family literacy center committed to providing pathways out of poverty by educating children and families. Grace Place enrolls over 1,300 individuals in its education programs each year, offering the nationally recognized early learning initiative Bright Beginnings (nursery to 4 years old), which involves a parent in the early learning needed to be kindergarten ready, and comprehensive School Age Programs (grades K-12). The organization also provides Adult Education courses and operates a Family Food Distribution program serving the enrolled families. For more information about Grace Place for Children and Families and to explore volunteer opportunities, visit www.graceplacenaples.org.