Day 1: Friday, 1 May 2020
Welcome to Everywhere Book Fest!
Kick off the festival with a live welcome from authors Melanie Conklin, Ellen Oh, and Christina Soontornvat. Join in and let us know where you are, wherever you are! With live shout-outs to attendees and... Learn more
Melanie Conklin, Christina Soontornvat, and Ellen Oh
Opening keynote with Gene Luen Yang
Join Everywhere Book Fest’s special keynote speaker, Gene Luen Yang (AMERICAN BORN CHINESE, BOXERS & SAINTS), as he discusses his writing process and his highly-anticipated new graphic novel, DRAGON... Learn more
Gene Luen Yang
Jacqueline Woodson
National Book Award winning author Jacqueline Woodson (BROWN GIRL DREAMING, HARBOR ME) reads from her acclaimed adult novel, RED AT THE BONE, and talks about what she is doing to stay positive during the pandemic.... Learn more
Jacqueline Woodson
Dinosaurs, Ghosts, and Gods, Oh My!
Claribel A. Ortega (GHOST SQUAD), Daniel José Older (DACTYL HILL SQUAD series), and Kwame Mbalia (TRISTAN STRONG PUNCHES A HOLE IN THE SKY) will take readers along with them on a fantastical journey into the... Learn more
Claribel A. Ortega, Daniel José Older, and Kwame Mbalia
You Make a Difference: Activism in Picture Books
Even the youngest readers can make a difference! Authors Marcie Colleen (THE BEAR’S GARDEN), Mahogany L. Browne (WOKE: A YOUNG POET’S CALL TO JUSTICE), and author Carole Lindstrom and illustrator Michaela Goade (WE ARE WATER... Learn more
Carole Lindstrom, Mahogany L. Browne, Marcie Colleen, and Michaela Goade
Jason Reynolds
Award-winning author Jason Reynolds (STAMPED, MILES MORALES, THE LONG WAY DOWN) discusses his respect for young readers, what it means to be honest as an artist, and opens up about meaningful events in his... Learn more
Jason Reynolds
Picture Book Draw-Off!
In this intense draw-off, viewers can submit prompts for a panel of beloved illustrators with different styles to draw in 1 minute or 90 seconds intervals. Viewers get to see Tom Lichtenheld (WHEN MY BROTHER... Learn more
Tom Lichtenheld, Raúl the Third, and Chloe Bristol
Magic vs. Science: Children’s Authors Battle It Out!
Science and magic often collide in stories for children. Three authors–Anne Nesbet (DARING DARLEEN, QUEEN OF THE SCREEN), J. Anderson Coats (SPINDLE AND DAGGER), and Sayantani DasGupta (THE CHAOS CURSE)–of books that contain both scientific... Learn more
Anne Nesbet, Sayantani DasGupta, and J. Anderson Coats
Meg Medina
Newbery Award medalist Meg Medina (MERCI SUAREZ CHANGES GEARS) talks about finding silver linings during this tough time, persevering through difficulties in her childhood, and the books she’s excited about right... Learn more
Meg Medina
Putting the STORY in History: a historical-fiction panel
This present moment will become tomorrow’s history. What stories will YOU tell in the future? Three celebrated historical fiction authors–Anne Bustard (BLUE SKIES), Gail Carson Levine (A CEILING MADE OF EGGSHELLS), and Linda Sue Park... Learn more
Linda Sue Park, Gail Carson Levine, and Anne Bustard
Team Tropes: YA Fantasy Edition
3 Teams, YA Tropes, No Hold Barred Debate! Authors will battle it out for their favorite YA fantasy tropes. YA fantasy authors Swati Teerdhala (THE ARCHER AT DAWN), Kat Cho (WICKED FOX), Roseanne A. Brown... Learn more
Swati Teerdhala, Kat Cho, Katy Rose Pool, Roseanne A. Brown, Janella Angeles, and Christine Lynn Herman
Inspired by a True Story
What do a rock climber, an astrophysicist, and an actor have in common? They ‘re all picture book authors, too! Hear from three very different accomplished professionals: Kamen Edwards (THE ONE AND ONLY DYLAN ST.... Learn more
Kamen Edwards, Ray Jayawardhana, and Ashima Shiraishi
Write #HerStory
Bestselling authors explore how their stories speak to the bigger picture of feminism and what it means to champion this narrative for young adults. Presented by four authors dedicated to shaping stories for feminism today... Learn more
Samira Ahmed, Abigail Hing Wen, Gabby Rivera, and Libba Bray
Doodle Duel!
Author-illustrators will have a Doodle Duel! Remy Lai (FLY ON THE WALL) and Kayla Miller (ACT) will sketch out prompts submitted by young readers. And don’t worry, this intense duel will end in harmony as... Learn more
Remy Lai and Kayla Miller
It’s All Relative: Sibling Stories
Join a dynamic conversation between an award-winning team of celebrated authors, all of whom have books that explore the unique dynamics of sibling-hood. Find out how and why they chose to explore the special (and... Learn more
Erin Entrada Kelly, Renée Watson, Susan Muaddi Darraj, and Sarah Allen
Draw Me Like One of Your Graphic Novels
Meet some of the coolest creators in the biz making graphic novels for young adult readers! Join Gene Luen Yang (DRAGON HOOPS), Ngozi Ukazu (CHECK, PLEASE! 2: STICKS AND SCONES), and Lisa Brown (THE PHANTOM... Learn more
Gene Luen Yang, Ngozi Ukazu, and Lisa Brown
Take a Virtual Korean Vacation with Korean Authors!
Do you love K-Pop, K-dramas, Korean food, or any of the amazing books from Korean authors coming out this year? Well let’s take a virtual trip to South Korea! Authors Kim Hyun Sook (Banned Book... Learn more
Kim Hyun Sook, Robin Ha, and Erin Yun
Cynthia Leitich Smith
Award-winning Author Cynthia Leitich Smith gives insight into how real life inspired her YA novel (HEARTS UNBROKEN), reads from her groundbreaking picture book (JINGLE DANCER), and talks about what it’s like to write for many... Learn more
Cynthia Leitich Smith
Marvel: Heroes of Tomorrow
Marvel Editor Lauren Bisom moderates an unmissable panel of prose and graphic novel writers for super hero fans of all ages! Nic Stone takes you to the wonderful world of Wakanda in Shuri, as the titular genius... Learn more
Skottie Young, Preeti Chhibber, Nic Stone, Saladin Ahmed, and Lauren Bisom
Day 2: Saturday, 2 May 2020
To Create a STEAM Book You Must Fall in Love
This is a panel about art, math and yes—love. Author Amy Alznauer and illustrator Daniel Miyares (THE BOY WHO DREAMED OF INFINITY) share their backstory, their techniques in real-time (with a live-drawing demo), and finally... Learn more
Daniel Miyares and Amy Alznauer
Home and Belonging: Immigrant Stories in Middle Grade Literature
What does home and belonging mean to you? After a short reading of their work, celebrated kid lit authors will have a candid conversation about what home and belonging mean to them personally. Readers will... Learn more
Aida Salazar, Ernesto Cisneros, Yamile Saied Méndez, and Kelly Yang
Marie Lu
Bestselling author Marie Lu, (LEGEND Series, DC’s BATMAN), reveals how moments in history inspired her latest work, how she is staying hopeful during the pandemic, and talks about how she overcame the fear of... Learn more
Marie Lu
I Am My Own Hero
What happens when kids become the heroes of their own story? Authors Mike Jung (THE BOYS IN THE BACK ROW), Donna Barba Higuera (LUPE WONG WON’T DANCE), and Daniel Nayeri (EVERYTHING SAD IS UNTRUE) explore... Learn more
Mike Jung, Daniel Nayeri, and Donna Barba Higuera
Capturing a Life: Writing and Art about Real People
How does real life became art? Children get a glimpse of Jennifer Keelan-Chaffin’s daily life at home in her motorized wheelchair, followed by a short discussion by Annette Bay Pimentel about the process of interviewing... Learn more
Annette Bay Pimentel and Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins
Plot on the Spot!
What happens when kid lit authors have to create a plot on the spot? Find out when bestselling authors Sarah Mlynowski (WHATEVER AFTER), Max Brailler (LAST KIDS ON EARTH), Stuart Gibbs (TYRANNOSAURUS WRECKS), and Christina... Learn more
Sarah Mlynowski, Max Brallier, Stuart Gibbs, and Christina Soontornvat
Illustration Fight to the Death
Renowned picture book illustrators Adam Rex (UNSTOPPABLE), Molly Idle (CORAL), Juana Martinez-Neal (SWASHBY AND THE SEA), and Shannon Wright (TWINS) draw spontaneous suggestions made by YOU, the live viewing audience. A nail-biting no-holds-barred competition that... Learn more
Adam Rex, Juana Martinez-Neal, Molly Idle, and Shannon Wright
Writing with Furry Friends
Join authors as they feature their furry friends that inspire them, keep them company, and offer support when getting into the writing zone. Animal characters are a great way to learn about life and empathy,... Learn more
Jennifer Li Shotz, Karina Yan Glaser, and Melanie Conklin
Black Voices Matter
Karyn Parsons (HOW HIGH THE MOON and Hilary Banks on NBC’s The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) interviews #1 New York Times Bestselling author Jason Reynolds (STAMPED), Jewell Parker Rhodes (BLACK BROTHER, BLACK BROTHER), and #1... Learn more
Karyn Parsons, Jason Reynolds, Jewell Parker Rhodes, and Vashti Harrison
Magic in Queer YA
YA authors Andrew Eliopulos (THE FASCINATORS), Isabel Sterling (THIS COVEN WON’T BREAK), Anna-Marie McLemore (DARK AND DEEPEST RED), and Aiden Thomas (CEMETERY BOYS) come together to discuss the role of magic–witchy and otherwise–in queer narratives,... Learn more
Andrew Eliopulos, Isabel Sterling, Aiden Thomas, and Anna-Marie Mclemore
Totally True Stories: Nonfiction Books that Stick
These authors take fascinating facts and figures from American history and transform them into thrilling adventures for middle grade readers! From Teri Kanefield’s series on the founding of the nation, to Nathan Hale’s riveting historical... Learn more
Teri Kanefield, Tonya Bolden, and Nathan Hale
Out of the Box: Exploring the Boundlessness of Black Girlhood
Authors Brandy Colbert (THE VOTING BOOTH), Liara Tamani (ALL THE THINGS WE NEVER KNEW), and Bethany C. Morrow (A SONG BELOW WATER), and Jennifer Baker (EVERYDAY PEOPLE) produce stories introducing readers to a wide range... Learn more
Jennifer Baker, Liara Tamani, Brandy Colbert, and Bethany C Morrow
Truth or Dare with YA Authors Everywhere
YA Authors take on your TRUTH OR DARE LIVE! Let’s talk books and engage in funny shenanigans! Mayra Cuevas (SALTY, BITTER, SWEET), Ismée Williams (THIS TRAIN IS BEING HELD), I.W. Gregorio (THIS IS MY BRAIN... Learn more
Ismée Williams, Mayra Cuevas, Natalia Sylvester, and I.W. Gregorio
Middle Grade Lunch Bunch
Bring your lunch and join middle grade authors Mae Respicio (ANY DAY WITH YOU), Jessica Kim (STAND UP, YUMI CHUNG!), and Debbi Michiko Florence (KEEP IT TOGETHER, KEIKO CARTER) as they share what’s in their... Learn more
Mae Respicio, Jessica Kim, and Debbi Michiko Florence
Black Girl Magic, Resistance, and Hope
In a celebration of Black Girl Magic, contributors Danielle Paige (DOROTHY MUST DIE series), Amerie (BECAUSE YOU LOVE TO HATE ME), Somaiya Daud (MIRAGE series), and Karen Strong (JUST SOUTH OF HOME) join together to... Learn more
Danielle Paige, Amerie, Somaiya Daud, and Karen Strong
Grace Lin
Award-winning author and illustrator Grace Lin (WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON, A BIG MOONCAKE FOR LITTLE STAR) talks about her books, gives a tour of her home studio, and shares a sneak peek at... Learn more
Grace Lin
Closing keynote with Nic Stone
Bestselling and award winning author, Nic Stone (CLEAN GETAWAY), is Everywhere Book Fest’s special keynote speaker! Join her as she discusses her writing and her... Learn more
Nic Stone