Upcoming Events
BookBreaks Author Talk Series
K-12 Free Virtual Author Talk
BookBreak is offering a FREE author talk to all members of the Minnesota Reading Association community. These interactive sessions are designed to inspire a love of reading and come with valuable pre- and post-talk lesson plans and other resources to extend learning.
Each school can choose one virtual author talk from the incredible authors listed below:
Yamile Saied Méndez, What Will You Be? (K & 1st), October 1st (also available in Spanish!)
Katherine Arden, Small Spaces (6th-8th), October 6th
Pam Muñoz Ryan, Esperanza Rising (4th & up), October 13th
Andrea Beatty, Ada Twist Scientist (2nd & 3rd), October 22nd
Tiffany D. Jackson, White Smoke (9th-12th), October 27th
Elementary talks are 15 minutes, and middle/high school talks are 30 minutes. A recording of the session will be available for 30 days after the event, ensuring no student misses out.
Register HERE
Book Creator Digital Storytelling Tools
Book Creator Digital Storytelling Tools
This educational program offers several webinars scheduled between October and January that focus on the intersection of literacy and technology. Key presentation topics include the use of digital storytelling tools, the impact of artificial intelligence on reading instruction, and strategies for building a robust culture of reading. Featured experts, such as Dr. Alfonso Mendoza, aim to assist educators in modernizing their classroom workflows and instructional methods. Ultimately, the series serves as a resource for teachers and librarians looking to enhance student engagement through virtual author interactions and innovative instructional content.
Changing Literacies in a World with AI
Changing Literacies in a World with AI
This educational program offers several webinars scheduled between October and January that focus on the intersection of literacy and technology. Key presentation topics include the use of digital storytelling tools, the impact of artificial intelligence on reading instruction, and strategies for building a robust culture of reading. Featured experts, such as Bloomington Public Schools digital coordinator team, aim to assist educators in modernizing their classroom workflows and instructional methods. Ultimately, the series serves as a resource for teachers and librarians looking to enhance student engagement through virtual author interactions and innovative instructional content.
Sign up form
BookBreakAuthor Talks & a Culture of Reading
BookBreak Author Talks & A Culture of Reading
This educational program offers several webinars scheduled between October and January that focus on the intersection of literacy and technology. Key presentation topics include the use of digital storytelling tools, the impact of artificial intelligence on reading instruction, and strategies for building a robust culture of reading. Featured tools, such as BookBreak, aim to assist educators in modernizing their classroom workflows and instructional methods. Ultimately, the series serves as a resource for teachers and librarians looking to enhance student engagement through virtual author interactions and innovative instructional content.
Register HERE
BookBreak Professional Development
BookBreak PD
This is a 4-day virtual event featuring a dynamic lineup of authors, illustrators, librarians, professors, and literacy experts.
Whether you are looking for classroom-ready activities or district-wide frameworks, this conference offers a flexible mix of keynote sessions, bite-sized mini-sessions, and expert panelists.
Registration is open for all sessions! Browse BookBreak PD & Register HERE
What is BookBreak?
BookBreak is your all-in-one partner for building and sustaining a strong Culture of Reading, incorporating virtual author visits and more to support whole-school literacy goals. Created by experienced K-12 school librarians and teachers, BookBreak now serves more than 2,000 schools with virtual author programs, ready-to-use instructional content, and professional development.
You can learn more with this 4-minute video clip: What is BookBreak?
Check out our full line up of authors coming to BookBreak during 2026-2027!
MAR Spring Mixer: Literacy Chats with an AI Twist - Free For All!
Spring Mixer link: https://minnstate.zoom.us/j/99880075355
Passcode: MAR
LIRN Speaker Series: Literacy as Empowerment and a Pathway to Equity
Saturday, Oct. 4th from 9-11am (CST) Britt Hawthorne: Literacy and Justice in the classroom: Cultivate a welcoming and inclusive classroom climate, developing critical conversation agreements, using teaching materials to teach accurate language and respectful curiosity.
Saturday, Jan. 31st from 9-11am (CST) Dr. Macarre Traynham, the Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Equity and Engagement will speak about the intersection between literacy and equity.
Tuesday, April 28th from 4:30-6:30 pm (CST) Dr. Sonja Cherry-Paul, Dr. Sonja Cherry-Paul is an educator, author, and the co-founder of the Institute for Racial Equity in Literacy. She is the Director of Diversity and Equity at the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project at Columbia University. She will go deeper into the intersections between literacy and equity.
*Note: All sessions will be recorded and shared for 30 days, then archived.
Cost: $175 for all three sessions (you may bring a guest)
Cost for individual sessions: $75 (you may bring a guest)
Student/retiree rate for three sessions: $75 for three sessions or $30 per session.
Scholarships available, see MRA website & link here