The Read Local Challenge is a reading incentive program featuring traditionally-published books by authors and illustrators who live in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Schools, classes, book clubs, and even individuals can win autographed books and free Skype visits from authors by reading picture books, middle grade, or young adult books by local authors between October 2017-May 2018. This fall, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is also offering schools the opportunity to host a FREE Read Local kickoff party with one or more of the authors featured in the challenge. For more information and a full list of the challenge books, please visit http://mddewv.scbwi.org/read-local/ or email mddewvpal@gmail.com.