After moderator Ness Shortley went through the four pages of the nomination list, she asked participants to come to the podium if they had any feedback about the titles. The teens were not shy: making lines of 10 or more, they discussed the ins and outs of why they did, or did not, think a particular … Continue reading Teens Voice Their Opinions on YA Titles
The program, titled “Tough topics in YA: How the 2019 debuts are tackling the dark—but real—issues teens care about,” featured authors Erin Stewart, Deborah Maroulis, Nikki Barthelmess, Sarah J. Carlson, C. H. Armstrong, James Brandon, Alexandra Villasante, and Laura Sibson. Each author brought a different slant to the notion of what is considered a tough topic … Continue reading Tough Topics In YA
Comprising authors Tracey Garvis Graves, Linda Holmes, Tif Marcelo, Hope Ramsay, and Sheila Roberts, the group discussed their latest works. Garvis-Graves, author of The Girl He Used to Know, let the audience in on two secrets: First, the novel’s premise originated from the well-known song Auld Lang Syne. And second, in order to write it, … Continue reading Isn’t It Romantic
Cummins was gracious and thankful for all of the librarians in the audience, noting that she mentioned librarians in her novel 12 times. The novel was born of intense research and placing herself in her protagonist’s shoes. After she spoke, audience members clamored for their own copy at in the back of the conference room. … Continue reading Happy Hour for Books
The panel included Carson Block, Kyle L .Courtney, Sarah Houghton, Janie Hermann, and Djaz F. Zulida, who all hold various roles in librarianship. One panel member was missing, Sarah Houghton who needed her own self care. She sent in a video that told her story, stating “Self care takes priority, as it should … take … Continue reading Self Care Is Not So Selfish
