A popular state book fair celebrates 20 years of commitment to local literacy next weekend.
About 100 of Ohio’s best writers, illustrators and photographers will convene at the annual Buckeye Book Fair, held from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 3 in Wooster. The event will take place in the Fisher Auditorium at Ohio State University’s OARDC campus.

Admission to the fair is $2, and free for students and children.

The fair, which began in 1987 as a fundraiser, has since given more than $194,000 to schools, public libraries and literacy programs around the state. Proceeds from book sales lead funding for the grants.

Whatever your taste — sports, fantasy, history, comics — the fair provides plenty of opportunities to stock up, and at up to 10 percent off the cover price.

Cinda Williams Chima of Strongsville writes fantasy fiction for young adults and also participated in the event last year. She said she enjoys attracting new readers at the fair.

“It’s fun to talk to them about the books they like to read,” Chima said. “It’s really fun to compare notes.”

Cartoonist Tom Batiuk of Medina agrees. “It’s nice to get out and interact with the public,” he said.

Thinking about picking up something new but not quite sure what to get? Here’s a quick look at some of the local talent before you go:

CINDA WILLIAMS CHIMA
“The Wizard Heir” (ages 11-16). In Chima’s follow-up to last year’s “The Warrior Heir,” 16-year-old wizard Seph McCauley is sent to a secluded boys’ school after causing one too many magical accidents. The headmaster there trains him in magic, which seems like a dream come true until he realizes there is a price to be paid for knowledge.

“The Wizard Heir,” $16.25. “The Warrior Heir,” $8 paperback.

DANDI DALEY MACKALL“Winnie the Horse Gentler” series (ages 9-12) and “Blog On!” series (ages 9-12). In addition to Mackall’s variety of picture books for children, these two series geared toward teens bring some old and new favorites.

“Winnie” series, $5.25 each; “Blog On!” series, $6.25 each. Other books: $6.25-$16.25.

BEV AND JOHN SHAFFER
“The Mustard Seed Market & Café Cookbook”

This cookbook combines more than 240 recipes using natural ingredients, and covers everything from soups and salads to drinks and sweets. Based on the popular market, café and cooking school with locations in Solon and Montrose, these eats will be sure to satisfy any craving. $22.50.

Also, “Brownies to Die For!” $22.50; and “No Reservations Required,” $19.75.

TOM BATIUK“Lisa’s Story: The Other Shoe.”

This collection of Batiuk’s comic strip, “Funky Winkerbean,” focuses on main character Lisa, who battles breast cancer and deals with its outcome. It also contains a grouping of resources on the disease. Hard copy, $25.25; paperback, $17.25.

JOHN GLADDEN“How to Elevate a Cow: Columns from The Medina County Gazette.”

In the first collection of readers’ favorite columns, Gladden touches on a variety of everyday subjects with warmth and humor. $16.25.

JOE MACKALL“Plain Secrets: An Outsider Among the Amish.”

Mackall and his family have lived among the Swartzentruber Amish, the most conservative order of Amish, for more than 16 years. In this book, Mackall shares his insights into their beliefs and everyday customs. $22.50.

Also, “The Last Street Before Cleveland: An Accidental Pilgrimage,” $22.50.

JAMES DUFFEY“Victim of Honor.”
Duffey tells the story of daring Captain John Beall, who attempted to rescue Confederate prisoners during the Civil War and was later arrested after a spy exposed his plot. $16.25.

DAN ANDREASEN
“The Giant of Seville: A ‘Tall’ Tale Based on a True Story” (ages 5-9).

This writer and illustrator brings to life the story of 7-foot-11.5-inch-Martin Van Buren Bates, of Seville. His other illustrations include “White Fang,” “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” and “The Story of King Arthur and His Knights” (all ages 5-7). “Giant of Seville,” $14.50.

Other books: $4.50-$14.50.