Dine with acclaimed authors while supporting the future of the Fair
MIAMI, September 30, 2026 – Miami Dade College’s (MDC) Miami Book Fair will honor beloved author Judy Blume and the Nusbaum family at its Fourth Annual Next Page Dinner on Friday, Nov. 20, at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami. The Fair’s signature fundraising event offers guests the rare opportunity to dine with acclaimed authors at every table and receive signed copies of their books. Funds raised support the Fair’s year-round literary and educational programs for children.
The Next Page Dinner honors South Florida literary figures and community leaders who have helped shape Miami’s cultural story. This year, Miami Book Fair will recognize Judy Blume, one of the most influential authors of the past half-century, and the Nusbaum family for its longstanding commitment to books, literacy, and the South Florida community.
“I’m thrilled to be honored at this year’s Next Page dinner – Miami Book Fair is such an amazing event!” said Blume. “And this is personal for me, because its founder, Mitch Kaplan, is my guru. He met me as a writer, he taught me how to be a bookseller, and he showed me by example how a bookstore can become an integral part of the community.”
Blume grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and spent part of her childhood in Miami Beach, drawing on those early experiences for what she has described as her most autobiographical novel, Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself. For the past 30 years, she has lived in Key West. Her 29 books, including Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, and Deenie, have sold more than 93 million copies in 40 languages and helped define coming-of-age experiences for generations. Blume received the Library of Congress Living Legends Award and the National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. A longtime advocate against censorship and book banning, she has worked tirelessly to protect children’s access to books and support the teachers and librarians who defend the freedom to read.
The late Sandy Nusbaum moved to Miami from New Jersey more than 50 years ago and built a life here with his wife, Ellen, and their daughter, Jill. A devoted community champion, he supported Miami Book Fair, Museum of Miami, Actors’ Playhouse, Camillus House, UHealth and University of Miami athletics.
Speaking previously about why his family supports Miami Book Fair, Nusbaum pointed to the impact of Children’s Alley.
“My wife was a teacher in Dade County for 35 years in North Miami Beach, so we always gravitate to Children’s Alley to watch these kids who’ve never really had a chance to get books being given books, and enjoy all the activities there for them,” he said. “That kind of programming is a big reason why we’re involved.”
Continuing that commitment, the Nusbaums have pledged to support Miami Book Fair’s children’s programming. The gift will help introduce more young readers throughout Miami-Dade County to books, authors, and literary experiences.
“My father loved the Book Fair and what it meant to Miami, and our family is honored to be recognized as one of its staunchest supporters,” said Jill Nusbaum. “It’s a fitting way to remember him.”
“We could not ask for more deserving honorees,” said Lissette Mendez, executive director of Miami Book Fair. “Judy Blume has changed how generations of young people understand themselves and the world around them. Sandy Nusbaum and his family have helped Miami Book Fair bring books and authors to people throughout our community. We are proud to celebrate all of them at a dinner that will help us continue this work for years to come.”
The evening will also include a cocktail reception, live entertainment, a silent auction, and signed books from participating authors who will sit with at tables hosted by community supporters. Sit with a superstar author – buy your table or ticket today.
Authors joining guests at the Next Page Dinner include:
- Alicia Jo Rabins
- Anand Giridharadas
- Arthur Sze
- Debra McGuire
- Edwidge Danticat
- Hernan Diaz
- Kate Doerge
- Liaquat Ahamed
- Lisa Hostein
- Marlon James
- Matthew Quick
- Rabih Alameddine
- Rowan Jacobsen
- Susan Orlean
- Tayari Jones
- Yann Martel
- Dani Shapiro
- Galit Atlas
- Reza Aslan
Additional participating authors will be announced soon.
Miami Book Fair thanks the sponsors of the Fourth Annual Next Page Dinner, including Miami Dade College, JW Marriott Marquis Miami, and The Stacey and Eric Mindich Fund for Jewish Stories. Miami Book Fair also thanks the Next Page Dinner host committee: Brittany Buhler, Asha Elias, Cari Fund, Jessica Jonap, Sandra Rodriguez, Karen Safarik, Anick Vorbe, Rochelle B. Weinstein, and Mary Whitehead.
WHAT: The Next Page Dinner
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 20, 2026
Cocktail reception: 7 p.m.
Dinner & awards program: 8 p.m.
Attire: Miami Chic
WHERE: JW Marriott Marquis Miami, 255 Biscayne Blvd. Way
TICKETS AND TABLES: miamibookfair.com/nextpage
For questions regarding sponsorship at The Next Page Dinner, please contact Lisa Better, MBF senior development associate, at LBetter@mdc.edu and 305.790.7597.
For information about Miami Book Fair, visit www.miamibookfair.com, or call 305.237.3258 or email wbookfair@mdc.edu. Follow Miami Book Fair @miamibookfair on all social media platforms.
Miami Book Fair Media Contacts:
Rachel Pinzur, Pinzur Communications | 305.725.2875, rachel@pinzurPR.com
Cristina Fonseca, Pinzur Communications | 561.644.1726, cfonseca@pinzurPR.com
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