Authors in the Schools
One of Unbound’s core missions is to encourage a love of reading and writing in all ages, but especially in the young.
Research has shown again and again that bringing authors in live, direct contact with students is one of the very best ways to encourage literacy and a passion for reading. Through the generous support of the Assistance League of Mid-Missouri, Daniel Boone Regional Library, the CPS Foundation, and all our donors and sponsors, we are able to do this, and also to purchase additional copies of their books for school libraries.
In 2026, our “Authors in the Schools” keynote speakers will give presentations at four schools in Columbia, Missouri, on Friday. In addition, other festival authors will be visiting classrooms on Friday to discuss their work. We’re so grateful to these writers for providing a unique and incredibly valuable experience for Columbia students.
Chris Harris will appear at 10 a.m. and Quartez Harris will appear at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at Daniel Boone Regional Library (100 W. Broadway) for free presentations open to everyone.
Our 2026 Keynote Speakers
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Chris Harris
New York Times bestselling children’s poet Chris Harris is the author of the acclaimed poetry collections I’m Just No Good at Rhyming and My Head Has a Bellyache. Chris is the author of several picture books as well, including The Alphabet’s Alphabet with Dan Santat and the YouTube smash hit If You Laugh, I’m Starting This Book Over.
Chris is also an award-winning television writer and producer. He’s been a writer, showrunner and/or executive producer for such programs as Frasier, How I Met Your Mother, Acapulco, and The Late Show with David Letterman. Additionally, his writing has appeared in the New Yorker, Esquire, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and on NPR.
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Quartez Harris
Quartez Harris is a poet and teaching artist. He was awarded the Baldwin House Fellowship and named Ohio Association’s Poet of the Year for his book, We Made It to School Alive.
His poetry has received numerous accolades. Harris spent many years as a second-grade teacher in the Cleveland public school system and currently dedicates his time to living within books, writing, and running poetry workshops.
His newest book is Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a Writer (January 2025), is a USA Today Bestseller and serves as an ode to the childhood of American icon James Baldwin and the power of storytelling, illustrated by Caldecott and Coretta Scott King Honoree Gordon C. James.
Support for all Unbound’s children’s activities is provided by Friends of the Daniel Boone Regional Library, the Assistance League of Mid-Missouri, and the Columbia Public Schools Foundation.
