Come join SLJ and Kiera Parrott, SLJ/LJ reviews director, for cocktails, light refreshments, and great conversation with nine notable authors and illustrators of forthcoming titles for young readers. Meet the authors and grab their latest advanced reading copies/galleys.

This is a free event for library professionals with space available on a first-come, first-served basis.

5:45 PM - 6:15 PM | Guest Arrival\Reception
 

6:15 PM - 6:40 PM | Panel 1: Graphically Speaking

Two beloved and best-selling authors discuss what it’s like to write a graphic novel and play in the ever-expanding DC universe.
Meg Cabot, Black Canary: Ignite (DC Comics)
Ridley Pearson, Super Sons: The Foxglove Mission (DC Zoom)
 

6:40 PM - 7:10 PM | Panel 2: Tween Time: Must-Have Middle Grade Reads 

Three very different narratives—a fantastic sequel, a laugh-out-loud middle school bildungsroman, and a luminous novel in verse—offer hope and inspiration for young readers. Meet the authors and hear about the genesis of these exceptionally engaging titles. 
Cassie Beasley, The Bootlace Magician (Dial)
Rob Harrell, Wink (Dial)
Jasmine Warga, Other Words for Home (HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray)
 

7:10 PM - 7:45 PM | Panel 3: Informed & Empowered: Notable Nonfiction 

Science, history, social emotional learning, and self-acceptance are a few of the topics and themes explored in these informational works. Go behind the scenes with the creators and learn about their research and inspirations. 
Chris Barton, All of a Sudden and Forever: Help and Healing After the Oklahoma City Bombing (Lerner/Carolrhoda)
Holly Brochmann, “A Feel Better Book” series (Magination Press, Books for Kids from the American Psychological Association)
Rafael Lopez, Just Ask: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You (Philomel)
Jennifer Swanson, Astronaut-Aquanaut: How Space Science and Sea Science Interact (National Geographic Kids)

7:45 PM - 8:15 PM | Author Signings

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