Tucson Festival of Books | Willeena Booker

Willeena Booker

Willeena Booker is an inspiring educator, powerful poet, and passionate advocate of social justice. Her poetry speaks back to hunger and systems of oppression. She writes poetry for adults and young readers and her poems have appeared in "Food Ways and Social Justice" and have been published by Pomelo Books and Haiku 2025 Moonstone Arts Center.

Communities: African American

Scheduled events:

Award-Winning Poetry and Verse Novels

The 2025 list of Notable Books in Poetry and Novels in Verse will be presented by the NCTE Excellence in Poetry committee. The committee will discuss ways poetry can invite children to share their perspectives and experiences through language, imagery and format.

Education Room 333: Parent Educator (Seats 44, Wheelchair accessible)

Sun, Mar 15, 10:00 am - 10:55 am
Children
Signing area: No Signing for this Panel (following presentation)

Panelists: Willeena Booker, Junko Sakoi, April Halprin Wayland, Jongsun Wee
Moderator: Junko Sakoi
Sponsor: Session made possible courtesy of Southside Community School

Fostering Hope and Persistence through Story

This engaging interactive workshop explores inspiring methods to cultivate hope, strength and perseverance in students and families. Learn practical strategies to support families, inspire youth to dream and build a community culture. Challenges can reveal hidden strengths and become opportunities for collective growth.

Education Room 333: Parent Educator (Seats 44, Wheelchair accessible)

Sun, Mar 15, 2:30 pm - 3:25 pm
Children
Signing area: No Signing for this Panel (following presentation)

Panelist: Rosalinda Rodriguez
Moderator: Willeena Booker
Sponsor: Session made possible courtesy of Southside Community School