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The INCTE and the NIWP are joining forces with the University of Idaho's College of Education to sponsor a Fall Literacy Conference on Friday, October 3, 2008, on the UI campus.

Dr. Judy Mitchell, dean of the College of Education at Washington State University is our keynote speaker for this year.

The Northwest Inland Writing Project is sponsoring a fall campout and writing retreat on Friday, October 10 through Sunday, October 12 at Field Springs State Park, near Anatone, Washington. The state park is about 50 miles from Pullman and Moscow, and even closer to Lewiston and Clarkston.

Chris Crutcher's fast-paced fiction -- heavily influenced by his work as a therapist and child protection advocate -- is known for its expert balance of comedy and tragedy, as well as its unflinching honesty and authentic voice. He has been honored with dozens of awards and honors including the CLA's 2005 St. Katharine Drexel Award, Writer Magazine's 2004 Writers Who Make A Difference Award, the ALA's 2000 Margaret A. Edwards Lifetime Achievement Award, the NCTE's 1998 National Intellectual Freedom Award and the ALAN Award.

A popular columnist (Voices from the Middle, Family Energy Magazine, the Signal Journal, iParenting) and public speaker, Crutcher lectures at universities, conferences, libraries, schools and bookstores across the United States, roughly 50 to 60 times a year. He makes his home in Spokane, Washington.

Grades 6-12 are invited to attend, and each student will receive an autographed copy of King of the Mild Frontier.