The highlight of the event was undoubtedly opportunity to hear from authors. Karen McManus was the keynote speaker, and friend and fellow YA author Samira Ahmed joined her in the conversation about McManus's new book Such Charming Liars.
More than 20 panel sessions, each featuring a unique group of authors discussing a variety of engaging topics, were held throughout the day. One panel, "Fresh Perspectives," featured authors Kristin Nilsen, Brittany Cavallaro, Jeff Zentner, Lexi Underwood, and Kristen Simmons, who all shared their experiences writing from mulitple perspectives or POVs.
Another panel, "The Weight of Words," struck a powerful chord as authors like Rex Ogle (author of Free Lunch and Punching Bag) and Jordan Sonnenblick (author of Stepping Out and Drums, Girls, & Dangerous Pie) delved into the importance of addressing heavier subject matter through YA literature. They and their fellow panelists discussed the impact of writing about topics such as mental health, identity, abuse, and poverty emphasizing the role of literature in fostering empathy and understanding among readers.
One panel conversation with Neal Shusterman, Kekla Magoon, Aimee Carter, and June CL Tan related to the impact movement and travel have related to the writing process. Who knew?! Neal Shusterman likes to write on cruise ships and in crowed, bustling settings!
History--not only a writer's personal history but also American and world history--was a focus that another panel addressed. Kekla Magoon, debut author Hayley Dennings, and Kim Johnson joined other authors to share how human history and personal experience can become the basis for YA books.
The event concluded with an author signing session, allowing attendees to meet their favorite writers and get their books signed. How exciting to see the excitement and joy on the faces of attendees as they interacted with the authors they admire! (Eeeek! It's Neal Shusterman!)
These signed copies are now available in the library, along with two more signed copies from Zentner and Cavallaro's new book Silent Nights and Samira Ahmed's This Book Won't Burn. Stop by to take a look when school resumes!
