George Shannon

Award-winning author of more than 30 books for young people, George Shannon began writing stories in elementary school. His novel Unlived Affections was a 1989 ALA Best Books for Young Adults. Among his picture books are Lizard's Song trilogy:Heart to Heart, Climbing Kansas Mountains and Sea Gifts. Recently published Rabbit's Gift was a Junior Library Guild Premier Selection Fall 2007. George's years as a children's librarian and professional storyteller continue to influence his writing, whether it is a collection of folktales such as Stories to Solve or stories such as Dance Away and April Showers in which the rhythm of the language provides as much emotion as the words themselves. He has lectured about writing internationally, including at the Arctic Circle and in Thaliland.  www.georgeshannon.org

Pam Withers

Pam Withers is the author of 13 best-selling young adult novels (three nominated for awards) and two nonfiction books. Prior to her fiction-writing career, she was a journalist for the Seattle Times, Seattle P-I and other publications; magazine editor; nonfiction book editor and newspaper associate publisher. Each year she speaks to more than 15,000 schoolchildren. She also speaks at librarians' and writers' conferences. Pam's books include the 10-book Xtreme series in which 15-year-old best friends Jake and Peter share a burning desire to excel at extreme sports, inevitably leading them into adrenaline-pumping adventure.  www.takeittotheextreme.com