Michigan Reading Association - Kaleidoscope Young Author Luncheon

Conferences and Events
Kaleidoscope Young Author Luncheon

Kaleidoscope Young Author Luncheon

Registration Closed

Sunday, March 19, 2023, At 11:30 AM - 1:00PM.

Check in for the event will begin at 11:00 AM.

The celebration will be held in the Ambassador Ballroom WEST

Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton , 187 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

This year, student authors and their guests will enjoy a fun and interactive presentation with author Alice McGinty!

Alice B. McGinty delights in igniting imaginations. As the award-winning author of almost 50 children’s books, she makes fiction and non-fiction accessible, engaging, and fun and brings excitement to writing through interactive presentations. “There is nothing I like better than to share my enthusiasm for books and writing with children,” she says.

Her books include Jr. Library Guild Selection and Kid's Indie Next Pick, Bathe the Cat (2022, Chronicle Books, illustrated by David Roberts), ALA Notable Book, Jr. Library Guild Selection and Norman A. Sugarman Honor Book, The Water Lady (2021, Schwartz and Wade, illustrated by Shonto Begay) and 2019 Jr. Library Guild Selection, The Girl Who Named Pluto: The Story of Venetia Burney (Schwartz and Wade, illustrated by Elizabeth Haidle).

A frequent presenter at schools and conferences, Alice was awarded the 2017 Prairie State Award for Excellence in Writing for Children. She also runs Words on Fire, a summer writing camp for teens, is Regional Adviser Emerita for the Illinois Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and is a children’s book reviewer, writing tutor, and writing coach.

Luncheon Event Details

As an honored Student Author, your lunch is our gift to you, compliments of the Michigan Reading Association. You are welcome to bring up to 5 guests; however, their meal tickets must be purchased. The costs are listed in the registration form. Please contact MRA at 616-647-9310 with any questions.

All guests of the student must purchase a lunch to attend the luncheon.
Refunds will not be available.
Seating is pre-arranged; therefore anyone who is not included in this number will be unable to sit with your group.
Teachers, if you are attending with your student, and wish to be seated with them, please note your students name in the designated area of your registration.
Young Authors will receive 1 complimentary copy of the Kaleidoscope Publication and a Kaleidoscope Medal.
If you are unable to attend the luncheon, a copy of Kaleidoscope and your medal will be mailed to you after the conference. Additional copies are available for purchase on the Not Attending Link on the registration page only.

Luncheon Menu Information

Students and guests will be able to choose between two lunch options as follows:

Option 1

French-cut Chicken Breast Lunch with herb roasted fingerling potatoes / green beans / herb jus sauce - gf
Caesar salad of romaine lettuce with herb croutons, grated Parmesan cheese and traditional Caesar dressing
Seasonal fruit swirled vanilla cheesecake with vanilla and seasonal fruit swirled sauces

Option 2

Mushroom Risotto Lunch with savory consommé, spring peas, and mushroom ragout / balsamic reduction gf+v
Caesar salad of romaine lettuce with herb croutons, with choice traditional Caesar dressing or Vinaigrette -v, both dressing options available at the table
Chocolate cake with fresh berries and raspberry sauce gf+v

All plated lunches served tableside with freshly baked rolls and butter, coffees, a selection of hot teas and unsweetened iced tea.

gf- gluten free

v- vegan

All selections are peanut and tree nut free

If you wish to stay in Grand Rapids, please use this link to take advantage of our reserved block of rooms.

Guest Room Rates starting at 165.00*

*Prices subject to change

Hotel Block Reservation Link

MRA hotel guests are offered discounted parking rates at $15.00 per day.

Please visit the hotel website for all other parking information.

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