The Arizona Young Authors Conference and Young Readers Award are the culminating activities in a two-year cyclical program designed to expand the reading and writing of children throughout the state. During the 1975-1976 school year, elementary school students reproduced their writing in their own bound books; Young Authors Conferences were then held at individual schools, followed by mini-conferences at local junior high schools and then by a state conference to which children from each school were invited. The 1976-1977 Young Readers Award program, which involved elementary and junior high school students in reading activities, culminated with an autograph party and ceremony at which an award was presented to Judy Blume, the author of the book chosen by the students as their favorite. During the Young Authors Conference year, school district personnel worked closely with University of Arizona personnel, a state committee provided overall coordination, and liaison persons provided practical help and information about the program to teachers, librarians, and principals. District workshops on book making and creative writing were held for teachers, and principals took an active role in the program. A second biannual Young Authors Conference was planned for the 1977-1978 school year. (GW)