When Words Collide Festival!

Held in Calgary, Alberta, every August, When Words Collide is Canada’s largest multi-genre, writer/reader/fan/ festival. Meet artists and publishers of commercial and literary fiction, including genre, YA, children’s books, poetry, and more, from across Canada and the world.

SUPER SPECIAL STORY TIME! Keenan Jones presents SATURDAY MORNING AT THE ‘SHOP

We can’t wait to welcome Keenan Jones to the green rug to read his “sharp and stylish” (Kirkus) book Saturday Morning at the ‘Shop! This upbeat, heartwarming story is an ode to the barbershop as a vital gathering place, where art, music, and life lessons abound. Thank You Bookshop is located in Birmingham, Alabama.

Uplifting Voices-A Racial and Social Justice Event (Education Minnesota)

At Education Minnesota’s Uplifting Voices racial and social justice conference, I will share my journey from an ADHD-labeled, struggling student to educator and author. This session explores how families, schools, mentors, and communities can disrupt harmful narratives about young Black boys and create pathways for success through the power of collective support.

Summer Events Schedule 2026

I’ll be traveling throughout the U.S. and Canada this summer for book festivals, library events, conferences, and community appearances. Join me at one of the stops below—I’d love to see you there!

Lakefly Writers Conference

The Lakefly Writers Conference and the Lakefly Book Fair are two exciting events taking place the same weekend at the Oshkosh Convention Center—something for writers and readers alike. Join Keenan in his session titled The Art of Lyrical Writing.   

Racine Local Authors Showcase 2026

Visit with our showcase of local authors from the Racine area. Check the line-up for your favorites, and make sure to stop in to their presentations and panels. Throughout the day, authors will visit with community members, sign autographs and sell their products.  

Young Writers and Artists Conference at Bethany Lutheran College

South Central Service Cooperative facilitates the Young Writers & Artists Conference (YWAC) for grades 3–8. The conference utilizes a number of authors, artists, educators, experienced writers, and business leaders as conference facilitators to inspire youth and encourage them to take their own talents to new levels. Keenan Jones will be a leading a session titled: […]

Hamline MFAC Winter Alumni Weekend

Join the Hamline MFAC Writing Program for an inspiring conversation with Keenan Jones, educator and debut children’s author of Saturday Morning at the Shop (Simon & Schuster). Keenan will share his unexpected journey from basketball standout to published writer, tracing how a career-altering injury and a creative writing class set him on the path to […]