Welcoming two highly published authors, the Santa Fe Trail Children’s Literature Festival will take place Thursday, Sept. 17, at Sterling College. Author and illustrator Cheryl Harness and author David L. Harrison will speak to kindergarten through eighth grade students about writing and the creative process. There are currently over 1,400 students scheduled to attend the event.

“We are very excited to bring back the Santa Fe Trail Children’s Literature Festival and have been overwhelmed by the positive response of area schools. The Sterling Teacher Education Program sees it as a way to serve the communities that support Sterling College students participating in field experiences and clinical teaching. We view all educators, preschool through college, as a team working together to help students learn,” said Dr. Terri Gaeddert, director of the Sterling Teacher Education Program.

Harness is an award-winning author and illustrator who has produced over 30 books that focus on history. Her most recent book, “Flags Over America,” was released in September 2014. She has also written “Mary Walker Wears the Pants: The True Story of the Doctor, Reformer, and Civil War Hero,” “Abe Lincoln Goes to Washington: 1837-1865” and “George Washington.”

Harrison has written over 70 poetry publications and has won numerous awards for his books and contribution to education. His books include “Cowboys,” “Somebody Catch My Homework,” “A Monster is Coming!” and “Pirates.”

Students attending the Festival will attend one presentation by either Harness or Harrison. After the hour-long session, they will have a chance to ask questions and purchase the authors’ books. Books pre-ordered by September 10 will be autographed by the authors and available for pickup at the event. For information on ordering books or to reserve a seat, contact Nancy Hicks, 620-278-4245 or nhicks@sterling.edu.