Island Readers & Writers was honored to be selected as one of five sites nationwide for National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Mac Barnett’s 2026 tour. We had the opportunity to host two public events with Mac at the beautiful Jesup Library, as well as take him on a school visit to Milbridge Elementary School…. Read more
This spring, Island Readers & Writers brought picture book and middle-grade author Evan Griffith on a three-island tour, with visits at Islesboro Elementary School, North Haven Elementary School, and Vinalhaven Elementary School. Nature, science, and discovery are at the heart of author Evan Griffith’s books for children. During the spring 2026 semester, IRW featured his… Read more
IRW was honored to receive a mini-grant from the Maine Association for the Education of Young Children (MaineAEYC) to attend their event, “Where Play Meets Policy” at the Maine Statehouse in Augusta on Wednesday, April 22! IRW’s Literacy Coordinator, Celine Martin, and Director of Communications, Kelsey Buckley, went to advocate for the importance of early… Read more
Each month in 2026, we’ll feature one of IRW’s Explore More Book Guides (EMBGs). These freely available guides offer everything you need for a deep dive into a book we love. From author/illustrator biographical information to ideas for writing prompts, art projects, further research & text-to-text connections, our embgs have it all. In keeping with… Read more
IRW’s spring semester begins in mid-March, when Maine’s winter begins to thaw and makes travel to the rural parts of the state we serve less of a challenge. Each year, we’re eager to return to schools and see familiar, excited faces. Where will the spring semester take us? Read on! Read more
Following the national theme for each month of the year is a fun way to take a deep dive into a subject. Last month, we offered a showcase of picture book biographies for Black History Month. Whether you want to talk about art movements, musical achievements, discoveries in science, contributions to civil rights or simply learn… Read more
Each year, IRW onboards new authors and illustrators of books for children to participate in our programs. Books and their makers are chosen by our School Programs team through a process that ensures they’re well matched to our partner schools. We always look forward to introducing new friends to creative, curious kids, talented teachers, and… Read more
Each month in 2026, we’ll feature one of IRW’s Explore More Book Guides (EMBGs) or Storytime Guides (for pre-K readers). These freely available guides offer everything you need for a deep dive into a book we love. From author/illustrator biographical information to ideas for writing prompts, art projects, further research & text-to-text connections, our book… Read more
National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Mac Barnett will Visit Maine this Spring! IRW was overjoyed this winter when we learned that we had been chosen as one of just five organizations in the country to host National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature (NAYPL), Mac Barnett! Apart from being big fan’s of Mac’s work, we… Read more
Picture book biographies are a great, accessible way to explore big topics. They can bring eras of history, artistic and political movements, or scientific discoveries and inventions to life by delving into the stories of the real people who lived them. Often, they include rich back matter for further reading and learning. We’ve rounded up… Read more
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P.O. Box 227
Mount Desert, ME
04660
(207) 244-5111
info@islandreadersandwriters.org