The U.S. Book Show highlighted a slew of forthcoming books for young readers for Children’s Day. Held on May 24, both in-person at NYU’s Kimmel Center and virtually, guests were treated to author panels, conversations between authors and publishing professionals, and free galleys. We’ve rounded up a selection of photos from the event. All photos: Michelle York.


PW children’s reviews editor Amanda Ramirez (l.) and assistant editor Iyana Jones welcomed guests to the USBS.


“I feel like librarians and teachers are under enormous pressure, and anything I can do to support them, I will,” said National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Meg Medina (r.) as she opened the USBS Children’s Day with New York Times for Kids editorial director Amber Williams, as they discussed Medina’s writing career and her goals for her ambassadorship.


For the Big Books of Next Season panel, authors (from l.) Melissa de la Cruz, Karen M. McManus, Minerva editorial director and moderator Maria Russo, Candice Iloh, and Peter H. Reynolds spoke about crafting their highly anticipated fall titles.


“I feel a responsibility to my younger self, and by extension that’s a responsibility to all young people.” National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson (r.) appeared in conversation with Miwa Messer, host of the Barnes & Noble podcast Poured Over, for the lunchtime keynote.


Ryan La Sala (l.) and Scholastic editorial director David Levithan discussed La Sala’s forthcoming YA horror novel Beholder.


Wade Hudson (l.) and Calkins Creek Press editorial director Carolyn P. Yoder share the creative process behind Hudson’s forthcoming picture book Invincible: Fathers and Mothers of Black America.


Author Vichet Chum (r.) and PW’s BookLife editor Matia Query (l.) took to the stage to talk about Chum’s debut YA novel Kween and slam poetry.


Attendees checking out the free galleys of books that were featured throughout the USBS.


“I’ve been making books the same way since I was in kindergarten, and the only process you need is to love what you do”: actor and author-illustrator Matthew Gray Gubler closed out Children’s Day with an interactive presentation, discussing his picture book The Little Kid with the Big Green Hand while in costume as one of his favorite characters, Waldo.