Join Us at MOA for “Turning Pages, Changing Lives”
Way to Grow invites families across the Twin Cities to Mall of America on Saturday, August 9, for the third annual Turning Pages, Changing Lives: Community Children’s Literacy Event, a free, full-day celebration of books, authors, and early learning.
Hosted in partnership with the MOA® Community Foundation, Picture Book Parade, and PR From The Heart, this special event takes place in the Huntington® Bank Rotunda from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free family-friendly event is open to the public and brings together readers of all ages to connect with stories, engage in hands-on fun, and meet the authors who bring books to life.
Author Story Times: Full Schedule
Beginning at noon, authors will read every 15 minutes from their featured children’s books. Books will be available for purchase and signing on site.
- 12:00 pm – Koda and the Whales: A True Story by Carrie Newell
- 12:15 pm – The Adventures of Harold from the Hood: Fun Time, Lunch Time by Dr. Jim Price
- 12:30 pm – Zachary’s Mission: A Hospice for Children by John Masiulionis
- 12:45 pm – Echo In The Distance by Shayla Reaves
- 1:00 pm – Beyoncé: Shine Your Light by Sarah Warren
- 1:15 pm – Let’s Pretend It’s School by Jo Ann Gramlich
- 1:30 pm – So Cold by Chris Park
- 1:45 pm – The Right Thing To Do: The Joe Mauer Story by Joe Schmit
- 2:00 pm – Can’t Nobody Make a Sweet Potato Pie Like Our Mama by Rose McGee
- 2:15 pm – What’s a Real Doctor? by Dr. Cherice Roth
- 2:30 pm – What Lolo Wants by Cristina Oxtra
- 2:45 pm – Clara and the Constellations by Allie Davis
- 3:00 pm – Snow Steps by Karen Latchana Kenney
- 3:15 pm – The Boy and His Brightly Colored Blocks by Dr. Shafer Stedron
- 3:30 pm – Saturday Morning at the ’Shop by Keenan Jones
- 3:45 pm – Alina the Super Saver by January Liddell
Between readings, kids can enjoy free face painting, crafts, community tables, and more. See full event listing
Morning Workshop: Build a Culture of Reading – RSVP Required
Kick off the day with “Building a Culture of Reading in Your Classroom,” a dynamic literacy workshop for educators, librarians, parents, and literacy advocates. This free session takes place from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. in the Mall of America Parkview Meeting + Event Center and features eight nationally and locally recognized children’s authors.
Advance registration is required and space is limited. The first 100 people to RSVP will receive a free children’s book. Light refreshments will be served.
Topics will include how to build inclusive reading spaces, the power of social-emotional learning through stories, and real challenges facing schools and families in 2025. The session also includes an interactive Q&A, community conversation, and author meet-and-greet.
Whether you’re an educator, grandparent, or book lover—this is a chance to connect, reflect, and return to the classroom inspired.
RSVP today to reserve your seat!
Way to Grow’s Early Learners Graduation
We’ll also mark a milestone moment for our youngest learners with Way to Grow’s Early Learners Graduation during the event. Families in our program have worked hard all year to prepare their child to enter kindergarten with the skills and confidence to thrive. Guest speakers Dr. Cherice Roth and January Liddell will join us in celebrating this important step.
You’re Invited
Way to Grow hopes you’ll spend the day with us at Mall of America, whether you stop by one story time or stay for the whole afternoon. “Turning Pages, Changing Lives” is more than a children’s literacy event. It’s a chance to discover new voices, uplift young readers, and find joy in learning together.
Learn more about Way to Grow at waytogrow.org or become a Way to Grow family at waytogrow.org/enroll!
