Authors Michael Buckley, Crystal Allen and Clete Smith share a laugh during the author panel on Saturday's "Tweens Read" book festival.

  Shaw Middle School hosted the "Tweens Read" book festival, an event devoted to celebrating and promoting reading by connecting "tweens" with authors, on Saturday. Over 350 students from Pasadena, Alvin and Deer Park ISD enjoyed the fun-filled day by participating in question and author seminars with 13 well-known authors.  The authors offered advice for young readers who have dreams of one day writing books of their own. 
  "Writing is like exercise," author Clete Smith said. "If you do it everyday you get better and it gets fun."
  Following the seminars, attendees were invited to stop by festival booths to particpate in button making, temporary tattoo art and arts and crafts tables. Special event guest Chance Sanford, Director of Education for the Houston Zoo, had a booth with ancient animal artificats including a real elephant's tooth and a snow leopard fur. Event photos follow. 

Eighth-graders Bailey Anne Hector and Sophie Lane take a break from the author seminars to try out some temporary tattoos while sixth-grader Franciso Ortego sneaks in for a photo. 


Chance Sanford, Director of Education for the Houston Zoo, shows middle school students Samantha Andrews, Taryn Bush and Lauren Fields real snow leopard fur.


Southmore Intermediate teacher Brenda Carmon and her daughter Hannah stop for a quick pose while having fun at the arts and crafts table at the festival.