Author entertains at Manawa Elementary

MANAWA - Students at Manawa Elementary School welcomed children’s author Stef Wade May 28.
Wade is known for her engaging and imaginative children’s books that often tackle important topics in a fun and accessible way.
Wade has five books total that she has published; some of her popular titles include “A Place for Pluto” and “The Very Last Leaf,” which has captivated young readers across the country.
Wade likes to call the books she writes “sneaky” fiction because although they are fictional stories that come from the author’s imagination, she also likes to include nonfiction facts that teach the reader something about the topic of the book.
Wade met with grade-level groups of students where she shared one of her books and added details not found in the book.

Throughout her presentations she actively involved the students and challenged their thinking. Jennifer Krueger, the district library media specialist for the School District of Manawa, said she was very excited for Wade to visit the elementary school and being able to share the experience with the students.
“I’m thrilled to have Stef Wade visit our school. Meeting a real author can inspire children to read more and even try their hand at writing their own stories and I’m grateful for this opportunity to bring literature to life for our students,” she said.
After her presentations, Wade took time to autograph books for those that had pre-purchased copies.
Krueger had purchased five additional copies, one of each of Wade’s books, which were signed and then given away to five lucky students.
Wade has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marquette University in advertising and a Master of Business Administration in integrated marketing communication from DePaul University.
Today she is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and continues to write children’s books. Her next book, “The Very Eager Evergreen” is set to be released in August 2026.