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THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CHILDREN’S BOOK FAIR The 21st Annual African American Children's Book Fair will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2013, 1:00-3:00PM, Community College of Philadelphia, 17th Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA. The event is free and opened to the public. The Book Fair started out on a cold frosty day at John Wanamaker Department Store. Sounds like the beginning of a novel. But today is it one of the oldest and largest single day events for African American Children's Books in the region. On average over 3,500 people attend the event each year. With a reported double digit illiteracy rate in the region, our success is due to the fact that we offer the best and the brightest from the multi-cultural literary community; books that enlighten enrich and empower the young citizens in our community. Parents, caregivers, and educators from the tri-state area are very supportive of the event because they understand that children who read make more responsible decisions about their lifestyles. Over 21 nationally known bestselling authors/illustrators will participate. Many have won the American Library Association Coretta Scott King award. Confirmed participants are James Ransome, Lesa Cline-Ransome, Margaree King Mitchell, Deborah Gregory, Jabari Asim, Glennette Tilly Turner, Eric Velasquez, Shadra Strickland, Elizabeth Zunon, Marilyn Nelson, Floyd Cooper, Regina Brooks, Alice Randall, Caroline Randall Williams, David Miller, Renee Watson and Jerry Craft. These authors/illustrators have written some of the best books of our generation. The afternoon is packed with activities that promote the power and joy of reading. Authors and illustrators will make presentations from their books. The Literary Row distributes book related promotional materials free of charges. Our Educator’s book-giveaway distributes brand new books to teachers and librarian to use in their classrooms. A BOOK OPENS UP A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: VANESSE LLOYD-SGAMBATI (215) 877-2012 (MEDIA ONLY) or 878-BOOK. E-mail vlloydsgam@aol.com