05/26/2026
Announcing Kate DiCamillo as the first-to-be-announced Gala speaker and 2026 Texas Book Festival featured author!
Kate DiCamillo is the author of many award-winning books, including the 2000 children’s novel “Because of Winn-Dixie,” and a two-time Newbery Medal winner, as well as a National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Emerita. She has written popular chapter books about a pig named Mercy Watson, and unlikely friends, Orris & Timble. “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane,” which will be featured at TBF in November, is celebrating its 20th anniversary, was an instant “New York Times” bestseller, and was the winner of the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award. Kate lives and writes in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but she spent much of her childhood in Florida.
The First Edition Literary Gala, to be held on Friday, November 13 at the Fairmont Austin, brings together the creative and eclectic Texas literary community for a celebration of books and reading in support of Texas Book Festival’s mission – connecting authors and readers through experiences that celebrate the culture of literacy, ideas, and imagination.
🔗 Purchase tickets, tables, and sponsorships at the link in our bio.
Thanks to your generosity, proceeds from the Gala fund:
🆓 Free access to the Festival for 45,000+ attendees
🧒 Visits from award-winning children’s authors to Title I schools statewide
📚 Free books in the hands of more than 16,000 Texas students
💸 $150,000 in grants to Texas public libraries
🖊️ Free year-round literary programming
Because of you, wonderful books and stories are shared, imaginations are sparked, and access to literature remains free and open to all! Secure your spot at this can’t-miss event and join us in our efforts to build a strong and sustainable literary community today.
