Join School Library Journal on March 6 for our seventh annual Middle Grade Magic virtual event, a day-long celebration of authors and creators dedicated to crafting literature for kiddos ages eight through 12. Get a first look at some of the most anticipated new titles for your young readers, from modern coming-of-age tales to eye-popping graphic novels to immersive fantasy.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to check out the virtual exhibit hall, chat directly with booth reps, download educational resources, and enter to win prizes and giveaways.

EVENT HOURS: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET

#MiddleGradeMagic

All live sessions will be on Zoom. Make sure to log in to your work or personal Zoom account before the day starts to avoid having to log in for each session.

The Virtual Environment is optimized for 1024 X 768 screen resolution. Joining the environment with a cell phone is not recommended. Please make sure your computer and browser are up to date. Chrome tends to work best. The event platform does not support IE11 + Windows 7 or older versions.

CE certificates are available in the event environment for all keynotes and panels, whether you view them live or on-demand. Certificates are not provided for sponsored content.

If on the day of the event you find that you are unable to access the environment or join a session, please know that sessions will be available for on-demand viewing within 24 hours, and the entire event will be accessible for three months from the event date.

By registering for this event or webcast, you are agreeing to School Library Journal Privacy Policy and Code of Conduct Policy and agreeing that School Library Journal may share your registration information with current and future sponsors of this event.

Having trouble registering? Contact the Event Manager.

10:00 – 10:30 AM ET | Exhibit Hall Opens / Visit the Booths
 

10:30 – 11:00 AM ET | Opening Keynote with Ibram X. Kendi, Malcolm Lives!: The Official Biography of Malcolm X for Young Readers (Macmillan Children's)
Moderator: Brandi Grant, Teacher-Librarian, Frisco ISD (TX)

THREE CONCURRENT PANELS

11:05 – 11:50 AM ET | Fantastical Comics               
Explore thrilling graphic novels that transport readers to vibrant worlds filled with magic, adventure, and unforgettable heroes.

Bev Johnson, Flash Gordon: The Girl from Infinity Volume 1 (Papercutz)
Marz Jr., Transformers: Worst Bot Ever - Meet Ballpoint (Skybound Entertainment/Image Comics)
Nnedi Okorafor, The Space Cat (Macmillan Children's)
Brian "Smitty" Smith, Transformers: Worst Bot Ever - Meet Ballpoint (Skybound Entertainment/Image Comics)
Moderator: Maegen Rose, Director of Library Program And Upper School Librarian, Brooklyn Friends School (NY)

11:05 – 11:50 AM ET | Finding Yourself
Navigate the journey of self-discovery through unique voices and diverse perspectives.

Pablo Cartaya, Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation (Penguin Young Readers)
Steph Cherrywell, Unboxing Libby (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)
H.E. Edgmon, Defanged (Macmillan Children's)
Tori Tadiar, Daybreaker (Disney)
Moderator: Ashley Rayner, Librarian at NORC, University of Chicago (IL)

11:05 – 11:50 AM ET | Voices of Change
Even the smallest voice can ignite sparks that light a journey to a better world.

Maria Jose Fitzgerald, Turtles of the Midnight Moon (Random House Children's Books)
Mikaela Loach, Climate Is Just the Start (Random House Children's Books)
Danny Ramadan, Salma Speaks Up (Annick Press)
Jamie Sumner, Please Pay Attention (Simon & Schuster)
Moderator: Dr. Grace Gipson, PhD, Assistant Professor of African American Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University

THREE CONCURRENT SPOTLIGHTS
 

11:55 AM – 12:15 PM ET | Author & Editor Spotlight with James Bird, Wolf Club (Macmillan Children’s)

11:55 AM – 12:15 PM ET | Author & Editor Spotlight with Jeanne Birdsall, The Library of Unruly Treasures (Random House Children's Books) and Michelle Frey, Senior Executive Editor, Alfred A. Knopf Boof for Young Readers.

11:55 AM – 12:15 PM ET | Author & Editor Spotlight with Amy Schneider, Who Is Amy Schneider? (Simon & Schuster) and Celia Lee, Executive Editor, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

12:15 – 12:55 PM ET | Break / Visit the Exhibit Hall

12:55 – 1:25 PM ET | Afternoon Keynote with Nina LaCour, Ella Josephine: Resident in Charge (Chronicle)

TWO CONCURRENT PANELS
 

1:30 – 2:15 PM ET | True Stories, Bold Voices
Real-life stories prove that the truth is often stranger—and more inspiring—than fiction.

Nicole Melleby, Athelete Is Agender (Christy Ottaviano Books)
Daniel Miyares, How to Say Goodbye in Cuban (Random House Children's Books)
Stephanie Sinclair & Sara Sinclair, You Were Made for This World: Celebrated Indigenous Voices Speak to Young People (Tundra Books)
Moderator: Roxanne Hsu Feldman, Middle School Librarian, The Dalton School (NY)

1:30 – 2:15 PM ET | Turning Points
Thoughtful stories capture the ups, downs, and unexpected turns that help young readers find their path in the world.

Dusti Bowling, Holding on for Dear Life (Bloomsbury Children's Books)
Jasminne Paulino, The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez (Penguin Young Readers)
Heidi E. Y. Stemple, The Poetry of Car Mechanics (Astra Books for Young Readers)
Jill Tew, Kaya Morgan's Crowning Achievement (Disney)
Moderator: Alea Perez, Youth Services Manager, Roselle Public Library (IL)

TWO CONCURRENT PANELS
 

2:20 – 3:00 PM ET | Newbery Authors: Memorable Characters
Newbery winning authors discuss the art of creating unforgettable stories and the characters that have inspired generations of readers.

Andrea Beatriz Arango, It's All or Nothing, Vale (Random House Children's Books)
Karen Cushman, When Sally O'Malley Discovered the Sea (Random House Children's Books)
Rebecca Stead, The Experiment (Macmillan Children's)
Lauren Wolk, Candle Island (Penguin Young Readers)

AND                                                    

Katherine Applegate, Pocket Bear (Macmillan Children's)
Derrick Barnes, The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze (Penguin Young Readers)
Shannon Hale, Dream On (Macmillan Children's)

3:00 – 3:40 PM ET | Break / Visit the Exhibit Hall

TWO CONCURRENT PANELS
 

3:40 – 4:25 PM ET | Friendship Across the Page 
From laugh-out-loud adventures to heartfelt moments, life is better with a friend on your side.

Ha Dinh, Ly-Lan and the New Class Mix-up (Zonderkidz)
Cornelia Funke, The Green Kingdom (DK)
Aubrey Hartman, The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)
Leah Stecher, A Field Guide to Broken Promises (Bloomsbury Children's Books)
Moderator: Monisha Blair, Head Librarian, Key Middle School, Fairfax County (VA)

3:40 – 4:25 PM ET | Young Sleuths
These mystery and adventure tales will keep young detectives hooked until the very last page.         

Taylor Banks, Billions to Burn (Disney)
Anastasia Garcia, Creepy Campfire Stories: Frights to tell at Night (Gibbs Smith)
Stuart Gibbs, Spy School Blackout #13 (Simon & Schuster)
Jason Platt, Paw & Order Volume 1: The Grilled Cheese Caper (Papercutz)
Moderator: Ashley Leffel, Librarian, Frisco (TX)

4:30 – 5:00 PM ET | Closing Keynote with Paul Tremblay, Another (HarperCollins Children’s)
Moderator: Jessica Agudelo, Youth Collections Coordinator, BookOps (NY)