Conference for Young Writers - January 6, 2026
Celebrating the 34th year of authors connecting with students
This conference brings authors and students in grades 3-8 together to learn different ways to create stories. They will help students figure what works best for them and their story. Whether it is a song, a poem, fiction or nonfiction, news stories, comic story, everyone has a story to tell. Students will be able to receive feedback on their drafts from presenters and their peers and reflect on how to make their writings better. Writing can open a lifetime of opportunities for students.
This activity is funded in part by a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council made possible by the voters of Minnesota thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund and an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the state's general fund.
Overview
Date: January 6, 2026
(Snow date January 7, 2026)
For students in grades 3-8
Student Fee: $40
Adult Fee: $10
Adult Fee: $10
- Schools can register groups of students and their chaperones.
- Parents can register their students and themselves.
Brochure
Registration
Deadline: November 25, Midnight
Form to Collect Student Registrations - Optional
Evaluation Links
Logistics
Keynote Speaker: Daniel Bernstrom, Author
Daniel Bernstrom, an acclaimed picture book author, overcame early reading struggles—even repeating first grade—to become a celebrated voice in children's literature. His books have garnered numerous accolades, including nominations for state reading awards in Illinois, Iowa, and Arizona. Daniel shares his passion for storytelling and literacy as a full-time English instructor at Minnesota West Community and Technical College, where he teaches Children’s Literature, College Writing, and Developmental English.
Daniel R. Bernstrom is the critically acclaimed author of seven picture books, including the beloved One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree. His work has received widespread recognition, most notably winning the Minnesota Book Award for Big Papa and the Time Machine. His books frequently appear on prestigious lists such as the Banks Street College of Reading Best Books of the Year and the CCBC (Cooperative Children’s Book Center).
Further cementing his literary impact, Daniel has earned the Skipping Stones Award for Goodnight Little Man, an NCTE Notables Award, and boasts two Junior Library Guild selections. His book Song in the City was chosen as an NEA Read Across America selection and nominated for the Minnesota Star of the North Award, while Big Papa and the Time Machine was featured in the PBS virtual "Let’s Learn" program. He's also been nominated for the Cybils Award and several state awards across Iowa, Arizona, and Illinois.
Daniel holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University. He currently serves as an English Faculty member at Minnesota West Community and Technical College in Worthington, Minnesota, teaching Literature and English Composition. He lives in Worthington with his wife, Heather, and their six children.
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