The annual YALLWEST book festival kicked off with a preview event on May 2 and welcomed an estimated 35,000 guests for the festival on May 3. Santa Monica High School in Santa Monica, Calif. hosted attendees for a day of panels, book signings, and keynote addresses from big-name authors such as Tricia Levenseller, Tahereh Mafi, Adam Silvera, and more. “It was wonderful to see so many enthusiastic readers even in the rain!” said festival director Melissa de la Cruz. “Margaret [Stohl, fellow director] and I are so thrilled to bring this event to the young readers of Los Angeles every year. We call it the happiest day of the year!” Check out some photo highlights from the event.
(From l.): Opening Keynote presenters Melissa de la Cruz, Tricia Levenseller, and Hayley Dennings welcome the audience to YALLWEST.
(From l.): authors Tracy Deonn, TV producer and screenwriter Akela Cooper, Margaret Stohl, author Ransom Riggs, and filmmaker and producer Eric Heisserer after their “The Future of SFF: Building Worlds That Matter” panel.
Siblings and first time authors Julia Riew (l.) and Brad Riew with their book poster for The Last Tiger.
Becky Albertalli (r.), author of Amelia, If Only, greets fans.
For the “Putting a Spin on the Recipe” panel, (from l.) authors Fonda Lee, Allison Saft, Shannon Lee, Chloe Gong, and Morgan Matson discuss how to craft reimaginings and retellings.
Tahereh Mafi (l.) and Adam Silvera delivering the afternoon keynote.
Audience members get involved for the YALLWEST Smackdown, the annual closing event featuring a slate of authors playing games.
(From l.) Smackdown hosts Lane Lyle and Dani Lyle celebrate a successful event with authors Zakiya N. Jamal, Lily Braun-Arnold, Brittany N. Williams, Jill Tew, and Amalie Howard.
