Chloe Gong at Auckland Writers Festival Schools Programme 2027
With literacy rates declining it has never been more crucial to get young people hooked on books. The Auckland Writers Festival is passionate about fostering a lifelong love of reading by giving students the chance to meet writers, hear their stories and discover new books and ideas, while supporting their learning through critical thinking and writing craft.
Described by a previous attendee as a 'rock concert for reading' the schools sessions see thousands of upper primary, intermediate and secondary students pour through the Festival venue, with the buzz and excitement proving that books are anything but quiet.
'There is an increasing awareness of the importance of reading for pleasure, and the programme is designed to showcase authors and illustrators that students will really connect with,' says Gabrielle Vincent, Family and Schools Programmer. 'At the same time, it also deepens curriculum learning by giving students opportunities to engage meaningfully with texts, explore diverse perspectives, think critically, and discover the power of reading, writing and storytelling.'
Long queues at the Schools Programme book signings attest to just how meaningful the connection between author and young reader can be.
'It has turned a whole group of boys into readers,' said a previous teacher attendee. “They were so stoked to have their own signed copies that they all read, and they have kept on reading. It has been life changing.'
Someone who understands the event’s life changing potential is 2027 attendee, New Zealand-raised Chloe Gong. Chloe is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of critically acclaimed fantasy and science fiction novels, including These Violent Delights. Her books have been published in over twenty countries, and she was named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 for 2024.
Chloe, who now lives in New York, attended the Schools Programme herself and can’t quite believe she will be back speaking to a new generation of eager readers.
Joining Chloe is Joseph Coelho OBE, a multi-award-winning children’s author and playwright from the UK. Joseph won the 2024 Carnegie Medal for The Boy Lost in the Maze, and has just released a new poetry book, Rapunzel is a Lettuce. He is a former UK Children's Laureate and will speak to students about poetry and how it is constructed in his interactive sessions.
A.F. Steadman grew up in the UK countryside, getting lost in fantasy worlds and scribbling stories in notebooks. Before focusing on writing, she worked in law, until she realized that there wasn’t nearly enough magic involved. A.F. is the author of the New York Times bestselling and hugely popular Skandar series. Primary and intermediate students will dive into this enchanting world and learn more about the creation of this epic series.
Aki Fukuoka is a bestselling, award-winning children’s book illustrator and graphic novelist, born in Japan and raised in New Zealand. She has illustrated over 80 books, including the internationally acclaimed Billie B Brown series, written by former Australian Children’s Laureate Sally Rippin. Her books have sold over 5 million copies worldwide and been translated into 14 languages. Aki’s sessions will focus on the new Billie B. Brown graphic novels and include live illustration.
'These four speakers are passionate, captivating orators who understand the important role reading and writing play in young people’s creativity, learning and wellbeing,' says Gabrielle. 'But this is just a tiny taste of what is to come and the full Schools Programme line-up will feature around 17 compelling authors from both Aotearoa and all corners of the world.”
Registrations and the rest of the attending authors will be announced at the beginning of Term 1, 2027. With the generous support of the Freemasons Foundation, the Festival team is working to make the 2027 Schools Programme accessible to more students. Ticket prices and details of support through the Schools Transport Fund will be shared when confirmed.
