The stages and event rooms are chock-full of bestselling authors Saturday and Sunday—here’s a look at where to go to hear what they have to say. Click here for a companion guide to BookExpo children’s events.
Saturday, June 2
Dangerous Characters and Dangerous Themes: Facing the True Danger in Novels
Time: 10:45–11:30 a.m.
Location: Room 1E14
Readers drawn to fiction in which the thrill of danger and excitement lurks around every corner will want to tune into this panel featuring YA novelists Charlaine Harris, Neal Shusterman, and Holly Black. Jamie Secor, author and The Geekiary editor, moderates.
Horror! Thrills! Murder! Oh My!
Time: 11–11:50 a.m.
Location: Downtown Stage
Readers beware! Kiersten White (The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein), Kara Thomas (The Cheerleaders), and Marisha Pessl (Neverworld Wake) discuss the craft of building suspense within different genres and writing intensely chilling scenes for young adults. Cristina Mari Arreola, Bustle senior books editor, moderates.
Power Moves
Time: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Main Stage
Four bestselling YA authors—Victoria Aveyard, Tahereh Mafi, Kendare Blake, and Melissa de la Cruz—chat about the fierce heroines who occupy the pages of their novel and about writing narratives that portray characters’ confidence, strength, and resilience. Moderating the discussion is author, podcaster, and journalist Sarah Enni.
Defying Borders
Time: 11:45 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
Location: Room 1E16
Authors Sara Farizan, Erika Sánchez, Diane Guerrero, Tommy Orange, and Thi Bui, who have either faced cultural or ethnic challenges to truly feel “American” or have family members who have, share their perspectives on how the path to the American dream can be complicated and difficult.
Marching Along with Congressman John Lewis
Time: 12–12:45 p.m.
Location: Downtown Stage
This program focuses on Run, a new graphic novel that continues the life story of civil rights activist Lewis, which he and Andrew Aydin began in the March trilogy. Aydin and Run illustrator Afua Richardson will participate in the discussion.
The Magic of World Building
Time: 12:45–1:30 p.m.
Location: Room 1E14
What makes a world complete? Authors Renée Ahdieh (Smoke in the Sun), Sabaa Tahir (A Reaper at the Gates), Scott Westerfeld (The Uglies), Leigh Bardugo (Six of Crows), and Marie Lu (Warcross) discuss the fantastical worlds they’ve created and the trials and tribulations of their characters. Sarah Enni serves as moderator.
Magic and Power
Time: 2:15–3:15 p.m.
Location: Main Stage
Magic and power are two elements that make fantasy thrive. In a panel discussion moderated by Daniel José Older, Cassandra Clare (The Mortal Instruments), Brandon Sanderson (Skyward), Marissa Meyer (Renegades), and Tomi Adeyemi (Children of Blood and Bone) talk about the power struggles their characters face and the conflicts that lead to the fights of their lives.
Social Justice Warriors: Redefining Youthful Rebellion
Time: 3–3:45 p.m.
Location: Room 1E10
In this panel presentation, YA authors Jason Reynolds (Long Way Down), Angie Thomas (The Hate U Give), and Jacqueline Woodson (Harbor Me) join activist DeRay Mckesson (On the Other Side of Freedom: The Case for Hope) to explore social justice and positive representation in young adult literature. Newbery Medalist Kwame Alexander moderates.
Wonder Women: Kid Lit Stars Pack Power in Prose
Time: 3:45–4:30 p.m.
Location: Room 1E16
Kate DiCamillo, Shannon Hale, Meg Medina, T.R. Simon, and Jessica Spotswood will discuss strong girls in contemporary children’s literature, the literary heroes who have inspired them, and their own journeys as writers, crushing gender stereotypes one page at a time. Hale will moderate.
Sunday, June 3
We Need Diverse Books
Time: 10:15–11 a.m.
Location: Room 1E10
During this panel discussion sponsored by We Need Diverse Books, the following authors contribute their voices and viewpoints: Dhonielle Clayton, Tomi Adeyemi, Tracey Baptiste, Zoraida Córdova, Anna-Marie McLemore, and Rebecca Roanhose.
Middle Grade Blowout!
Time: 10:45–11:45 a.m.
Location: Room 1E14
Middle grade authors step into the spotlight during this panel presentation featuring Dork Diaries author Rachel Renée Russell, screenwriter John August, novelist Daniel José Older, and YouTube magician and author Zach King. Novelist Soman Chainani (of The School for Good and Evil fame) will moderate.
Fierce and Fabulous: Find Your Inner Beyoncé!
Time: 1–1:45 p.m.
Location: Room 1E14
Four YA luminaries will discuss the joys of and power in crafting stories featuring strong female protagonists: Nicola Yoon (Everything, Everything), Kiersten White (The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein), Marie Lu (Batman), and Nic Stone (Odd One Out).
The Real Reel
Time: 1:15–2 p.m.
Location: Room 1E10
With or without popcorn, come listen to four authors—Angie Thomas, Becky Albertalli, Soman Chainani, and Lauren Oliver—chat about seeing their books come to life on the big screen.
Yet-to-Be: Bravery
Time: 3-3:45 p.m.
Location: Room 1E14
During this panel discussion, authors Brendan Kiely, Jason Reynolds, Kody Keplinger, Stephanie Garber, Adam Silvera, and Jen Doll will weigh in on the importance of bravery and fearlessness in the writing process.
Jeff Kinney Live
Time: 3:15-4 p.m.
Location: Room 1E10
Wimpy Kid fans will want to turn out for this session starring mega-bestselling series author Kinney.
Beyond Books
Time: 3:30-4:15 p.m.
Location: Room, 1E16
A trio of authors—Tiffany Jackson, Zach King, and Elizabeth Acevedo—share their insights into how such media forms as slam poetry, stories ripped from the headlines, and YouTube sensations can serve as fodder for books.
