| Program Opening Keynote Conversation
Bestselling authors Samira Ahmed (Love, Hate, & Other Filters and Internment) and Jasmine Warga (Other Words for Home) discuss the importance of honest storytelling and enduring hope. (HarperCollins & LBYR)
Eco-Activism and Environmental Adventures
As climate change and tween activism remain ever-relevant, this panel will discuss books that center middle graders fighting for the world around them.
Kim Dwinell, Surfside Girls (IDW)
Cylita Guy, Chasing Rats and Catching Bats: Urban Ecology, Community Science, and How We Share Our Cities (Annick)
Kate Reed Petty, The Leak (Macmillan)
Mary Alice Monroe, The Islanders (S. & S.)
Moderator: Caitlin McMahan, Youth Services Coordinator, Fern Ridge Public Library, OR Pre-tween: Early Middle Grade
Chapter books, perfect for readers new to middle grade.
Salima Alikhan, Soraya and the Dragon (Reycraft)
Annie Barrows & Sophie Blackall, Ivy & Bean Get to Work (Chronicle)
Liz and Lucy Lareau, Geeky Fab Five Series (Papercutz)
Moderator: Emily Beasley, Library Media Specialist, Franklin Elementary, Omaha, NE
Just the Facts?: Nonfiction and Factual Fiction
Authors talk about the importance of facts and nonfiction for tween readers.
Juno Dawson, This Book is Gay (Sourcebooks)
Trudi Trueit, Explorer Academy (Nat Geo)
Juliet Menéndez, Latinitas (Macmillan)
Moderator: Marybeth Kozikowski, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY The Power of SEL in Literature
The illustrious author trio discuss writing about social-emotional learning, grief, and empathy for young readers, in the pandemic and beyond
Ann Braden, Flight of the Puffin (Nancy Paulsen Books)
Joseph Bruchac, Rez Dogs (Dial)
Ann Hood, Jude Banks, Superhero (Penguin Workshop)
Moderator: Monisha Blair, School Librarian and SLJ Reviewer Afternoon Keynote Conversation
Coauthors Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan (Watch Us Rise) discuss how encouraging young students to write can empower ALL kids and ensure their voices have value and are heard. (Bloomsbury) Between Real and Fantasy: Tales with Magical Elements
How do creators infuse magic into the everyday in their upcoming fantasy titles?
Sangu Mandanna, Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom (Penguin)
Meaghan Carter & Lilah Sturges, Girl Haven (Lion Forge/Oni)
Mariah Marsden, The Secret Garden (Andrews McMeel)
Shakirah Bourne, Josephine Against the Sea (Scholastic)
Moderator: Myiesha Speight, Resident Librarian, Towson University, MD Author Spotlight: Debut Middle Grade Creators
A conversation with debut creators about the excitement and challenges of breaking into the realm of middle grade.
Kate Albus, A Place to Hang the Moon (Holiday House)
Marie Arnold, The Year I Flew Away (HMH)
Chrystal Giles, Take Back the Block (RHCB)
Luke X. Cunningham, Leo: Inventor Extraordinaire (Zonderkidz)
Pauline Vaeluaga Smith, Dawn Raid (Levine Querido)
Moderator: Kristin Brynsvold, Media Specialist, Tuckahoe Elementary School, V Middle Grade Mental Health: Embracing Neurodiversity
Join this panel to hear authors discuss the role mental health and neurodiversity play in their powerful middle grade titles.
Carol Cujec & Peyton Goddard, Real (Shadow Mountain Publishing)
Rebecca Caprara, Worst-Case Collin (Charlesbridge)
Amy Noelle Parks, Summer of Brave (Whitman)
Rosena Fung, Living with Viola (Annick)
Moderator: Taylor Worley, Youth Services Librarian, Springfield Public Library, OR Closing Keynote Conversation
Dynamic duo Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver ("Alien Superstar" and "Hank Zipzer" series) discuss the benefits of using humor in children’s literature to explore self-identity and respect individual differences. (Abrams). | 
