Readers, families and book lovers will have an opportunity to meet a diverse group of local and regional authors during the Second Annual Valleywood Publications Book Fair and Meet the Authors, hosted by The Mercedes Enterprise.

The event is scheduled for August 29 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or while supplies last, at the J.A. Garcia American Legion Post 172, located at 321 Ohio Avenue in Mercedes.

The book fair will bring together authors offering everything from children’s picture books and poetry to teen empowerment, devotionals, journals, history, sports and stories celebrating the Rio Grande Valley.

Come meet the authors, hear their stories, discover new books and take home a signed copy from some of the Rio Grande Valley’s talented writers.

Lupe Casares brings his books Blame the Sun: Light Your Path to Greatness and The Mesquite People, drawn from his own experiences growing up in a migrant farmworker family in South Texas. Casares traveled throughout the United States with his family as they followed seasonal agricultural work. His firsthand experiences with hard labor, family, education and the challenges faced by migrant workers became an important part of his life story.

Among the other featured authors will be Angela Rosko, author of Actually, I Slay, a confidence and leadership guide designed for teenage girls ages 13–18. Combining narrative storytelling with guided-journal activities, the book explores identity, self-worth, friendships, social media and finding one’s voice.

Rosko, an author and speaker and founder of The Real Ministries in the Rio Grande Valley, draws on her experiences in law enforcement and adult probation to address challenges facing young people. She is also the author of Draw Near: A 30-Day Devotional Journey Into the Heart of Prayer and the Adventures of Gracie & Grammy children’s series.

Children’s literature will be well represented by Patty York Raymond, M.Ed., a multi-award-winning children’s author whose books celebrate family, culture, heritage, language, music and movement.

Raymond’s works include It’s Too Windy / ¡Hay Mucho Viento!, The ABCs to Ranching, Aspire / ¡Aspirar! and There Was a Tenacious Teacher Who Scarfed Down a Sticker / Había una maestra tenaz que se tragó una calcomanía. Her books are designed to encourage children to read, write, sing, move and interact with language.

Raymond frequently visits schools to bring her books to life through interactive presentations designed to inspire young readers and encourage a love of storytelling.

Naivi Vera, a children’s book author born in Cuba and now living in Texas, will also participate in the event. Vera is a proud mother of two and grandmother of two and has spent nine years working in early childhood education.

Her passion for children, reading and education is reflected in stories that encourage imagination, learning and discovery while helping young readers develop curiosity and a lasting love of books.

Rosario Ozuna will  feature her newest release, Tech-Savvy Paws: The PawPad Detectives. The children’s picture book introduces young readers to online safety and responsible technology use through the adventures of the PawPad Detectives. The stories encourage children to navigate the digital world safely, responsibly and with kindness.

Two of Ozuna’s  books were also recently recognized at the 2026 International Latino Book Awards. Her Young Adult poetry book, Piece by Piece the Heart Understands, received two recognitions, while her children’s picture book, The Workshop That Sparked Change, also received recognition.

Zachary Guajardo represents a new voice in children’s literature, creating imaginative stories and heartwarming characters designed to spark creativity and curiosity in young readers. His recent books, No Dogs Allowed and Zach Explores the Ocean, will be available for display and purchase at the book fair.

Rene Guajardo will introduce his newest book, Remembering the Run: Mercedes Tigers 1986 State Finalists. The book takes readers back to a memorable chapter in Mercedes sports history and celebrates the Tigers’ 1986 baseball team and its run to the state finals.

Another featured author will be Raul Garcia Jr., publisher of The Mercedes Enterprise and a community journalist who has spent years documenting people, events, sports and culture throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Garcia will showcase his book RGV Hoops: Glimpses of Greatness on the Hardwood, featuring stories and coverage from the 2024 basketball season. He will also have past issues of Valleywood Magazine, a publication established in 2007 highlighting Rio Grande Valley community, culture and business.

Through his publishing work, Garcia has also helped several area authors bring their books to publication, with some of those works being featured at the book fair.

The event will also feature Vellichor Books and More, a Mission-based used bookstore owned by Samantha de la Garza. The bookstore proudly supports local authors and carries works by several area writers. It also hosts weekly community events, including presentations by local authors and organizations.

Vellichor Books and More will bring an assortment of books and locally made postcards to the book fair.

The Second Annual Valleywood Publications Book Fair is designed not only as a marketplace for books but as an opportunity to bring authors and readers together.

Also in attendance will be Marissa Longoria author of Bruce the Moose in Search of the Ten Commandments, an exciting childrens book about his journey through the forest as he discovers who God is and learns about the Ten Commandments.

Along the way, Bruce discovers that the Ten Commandments are important laws given by God for everyone to follow. Young readers can join Bruce on his adventure as he learns what each commandment means and how these timeless teachings can guide our everyday lives.

Come meet Al Leal the multi-award winning author and Jonathan Solis author of Camp Supernatural at the event.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the authors, hear readings, discover new stories and purchase signed copies of books written by area authors. The event will offer something for readers of all ages, from young children discovering their first stories to adults interested in local history, culture, sports and inspirational works.

Hosted by The Mercedes Enterprise, the book fair celebrates the growing literary community of the Rio Grande Valley and provides local authors with an opportunity to connect directly with the readers who inspire their work.

The public is invited to attend the Second Annual Valleywood Publications Book Fair and Meet the Authors on August 29 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at J.A. Garcia American Legion Post 172, 321 Ohio Avenue in Mercedes. Admission is open to the community.

To sign up to be a featured author, presenter or reserve a booth click HERE