It's March in Tucson, and while that means spring has sprung, the Tucson Festival of Books has also. The annual Festival will take over the UA campus this Saturday, March 11 and Sunday, March 12 and features more than 200 events, according to my calculations. I'm a journalist, so don't take that number for gospel, but trust me—the Festival hosts a lot of readings, discussions, panels, and petting zoos, among other things. 
Hitting up every single ones of these is pretty exhausting, so if you're not looking to really delve into all the Festival has to offer, but still want to stop by for a taste, be sure to check out these five events. 

1. Becoming María: From the South Bronx to Sesame Street
Remember María from Sesame Street? Well, her real name is Sonia Manzano, and she's going to talk at the Festival about her memoir, Becoming María. In an open discussion, Manzano will talk about how her trying childhood influenced her womanhood, as well as touch on how "hope and love overcome fear and violence," according to the Festival of Books' website. Watch her presentation at the Nuestra Raíces Presentation Stage. Starts at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. 
2. Bordertowns and Other One-Sided Arguments
Consulting producer of Fox's comedy Borderlands Lalo Alcaraz, satirist and political cartoonist extraordinaire, will "open a proverbial can of worms" at his Festival talk about border controversies, according to the Pima County Public Library's event Facebook page. Moderated by our managing editor, Mari Herreras, Alcaraz will tackle the hard issues encompassing the border. He openly invites his audience to take his opinions with a grain of salt. Listen to what he has to say at 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Nuestra Raíces Presentation Stage. 
3. Southwest Women of Mystery
A slew of women mystery writers including Wind River author Margaret Coel, NYT best-selling Anne Hillerman and Joanna Brady writer J.A. Jance will discuss their respective works in the Student Union North Ballroom on Saturday at 10 a.m. Show up to learn what the mystery behind mystery writing is.  
4. Goosebumps: Horror Meets Humor
Lowkey horror genius and best-selling children's author R.L. Stine will discuss his Fear Street and Goosebumps books, their inspirations and the Goosebumps movie adaptations at 10 a.m. on Saturday in the Education building's Kiva Room. Get ready to be spooked, fourth-grade style. 
5. One Tamal, Two Tamales; The Ancient Art of Mexican Cuisine
Learn about Mexican cuisine from its roots—or grains, rather. It all started with corn. World chef Margarita Carrillo Arronte will "seduce your tastebuds" when she discusses her book, Mexico: The Cookbook, according to the Festival's website. Presentation starts on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at the Nuestras Raíces Presentation Stage. Prepare for lots of mouth-watering, and be sure to check out one of Tucson's many delicious Mexican restaurants after the talk—you'll need it. 

Check out the Festival of Books event calendar for more information.