Mesa Book Festival: 2025 Vendor List

Jacob Hubbard is a neurodivergent writer and college writing teacher. With a Bachelors in English and a Masters in Rhetoric from San Diego State University, Jacob has developed a love of writing in all its forms, being drawn to stories about very real human experiences, even ones rooted in the fantastical.

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♥ FESTIVAL SUPPORTING ORGANIZATION

Founded with a passion to improve the lives of disadvantaged children by providing inspiring book collections and engaging literacy programs to underfunded schools, libraries, and organizations across the nation, Kids Need to Read aspires to empower and embolden every last child through a culture of reading.

For many of the children it serves, Kids Need to Read represents a crucial link to a strong literacy education, and its programs help build and nurture support systems for the development of literate minds. By immersing children in an integrated world of literary experiences that teaches them, firsthand, the impact of reading on every aspect of life, imagination is ignited and confidence is built for a prosperous future, regardless of race, economic status, or personal capabilities.

Residing in the Phoenix Metro area, Keith Thomas LaSpaluto is a local fantasy and sci-fi author who loves to blur the line between imagination and reality. Known for his gripping storytelling and vivid world-building, Keith writes thrilling fantasy adventures that blend heart, humor, and high-stakes action. His books transport readers to realms filled with unlikely heroes, magical creatures, and epic journeys that keep you turning the pages.

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Hi, I'm M.S.V. Walker, a teen and young adult fantasy writer with a passion for storytelling that will not only fire the imaginations of Arizona kids but everyone who loves adventurous mythic type magic, and the wonder of it all! I live in Arizona near the Superstition Mountains, with my family. After I retired from my career as a corporate webmaster I decided to pursue my dream of using the written word to tell fantasy adventure stories.

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Diane (aka Trixie) brings the voice of experience and compassion in her five books. The author, having worked with individuals with special needs for 35 years, has developed a passion for the most overlooked . Her books will enlighten, educate, and yes even make you laugh at times. All can benefit her easy style of writing. After you read Look IN Me, The UP-side of Down, Living with LDS Alcoholics, Tethered to Christ, and children's book Spreading Branches of Kindness, you will want to share.

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Determined with a mutual desire to open the doors to a new world of publishing for authors while inviting a whole new generation of bibliophiles to discover magical new worlds and ideas through books, Paperclip Publishing was created.

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Yolanda Pigatt is a children’s book author whose stories inspire self-love, hope, and courage. Born in Virginia, she discovered writing at age ten as a way to turn pain into purpose. After facing bullying, homelessness, and Alopecia, Yolanda found her calling helping children embrace their uniqueness. Through heartfelt books like Tommy’s Magical Wheelchair and Dreaming To Be, she reminds readers that kindness and self-belief can change the world.

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Tali Lehavi is a prolific inventor, writer, illustrator, jewelry and room décor designer, game inventor, nutrition educator, creator of the ballet-yoga-pilates fusion class HeartMark Yogalates, to name a few of her titles. She also cooks original recipes for her three daughters and then contributes these recipes to Iguana Magazine for children in Spanish.

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SandDancer Publications is a creative collaboration between Tony Fuentes and C.S. Kading, two accomplished authors who have been recognized for their ability to weave captivating narratives for over twenty years. As partners in both mischief and cherished memories, they skillfully blend real-life adventures with their extensive knowledge to craft imaginative stories that will not only mesmerize your mind but also warm your soul, providing a comforting escape from the everyday.

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Kyle Stephens and Michael Saunders are local authors from the valley who enjoy reading, writing and playing video games. You can almost always find them surrounded by their friends and family who have provided them with encouragement and support in their creative journey. They recently released their first book together, in which they intend to be a series; The Dreadful Days of Danny: The Shattered Summer.

Parris lives in Mesa, Arizona with her husband and two dogs. She discovered her love for reading when a middle school reading assignment led her to the fantasy section of the library. This passion sparked stories of her own imagination, yet she never put pen to paper until after college. When she’s not consumed in her writing, she enjoys weightlifting, playing Dungeons & Dragons, and coaching color guard.

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Jared Siler is an American author and storyteller drawn to emotionally rich narratives about identity, resilience, and the quiet transformations that shape us. Born in Oregon and trained as a licensed child, family, and school psychologist, Jared brings a mental health professional’s depth and compassion to his fiction, exploring the inner lives of characters seeking truth amid the chaos of modern life.

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Sisters in Crime Desert Sleuths members come from Phoenix, throughout Arizona, and beyond. We serve bestselling, award-winning authors; emerging and aspiring writers; fans of mysteries and crime stories; and writers of other genres. Regardless of your gender, writing experience, or genre, join us for our monthly virtual programs, annual conference, monthly newsletter, workshops, and biennial anthology.

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The Arizona region covers a large geographic area with a diverse membership of individuals at all stages of writing, illustrating and publishing in the children’s book marketplace.

The Bilingual Experience is an initiative led by Yazmin Venegas, former journalist, to promote reading—especially within the Spanish-speaking community—by increasing literacy, spotlighting Spanish authors, creating engaging events, and producing accessible formats such as audiobooks. Through festivals, book clubs, podcasts, curated collections, and inclusive programs, our mission is clear: to empower communities, preserve cultural heritage, and celebrate the joy of reading across generations.

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Tucson Author Alliance is here to support local authors on their publishing journey, and to introduce readers to amazing local talent. With over 40 members writing in a wide variety of genres, we have books for almost every reader!

We Help Authors™ empowers interesting people to write interesting books that change the world. Founded by award-winning author and strategist Dave Streen, the company helps clients turn ideas into published works through expert writing, editing, publishing, and marketing services; all designed to make becoming an author simple, successful, and unforgettable.

Natalie is an award-winning author of fantasy and sci-fi for adults and teens. Her most recent release is a first in series epic fantasy, Season of the Dragon, a Publisher’s Weekly BookLife Editor’s pick. She’s also co-host of the Tipsy Nerds Book Club podcast, and judge in the NYC Midnight international short story competition. She lives in Tucson with her husband and two cat overlords, and visits her college-age son frequently in NYC.

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