Photo credit: www.publishersweekly.com
On April 12, young adult (YA) literature enthusiasts and authors congregated at Alief Taylor High School in Houston for the much-anticipated TeenBookCon, celebrating the vibrant world of YA literature. Over 800 participants attended, enjoying book signings and a variety of panels covering themes from character development and plot construction to graphic novel creation. The event featured keynote addresses from notable authors Nic Stone and J. Elle. Valerie Koehler, the owner of Blue Willow Bookshop, expressed her enthusiasm about the event: “It was such a joy to collaborate with educators in the greater Houston area to host TeenBookCon. Witnessing teens interact with authors and connect with each other highlighted the significant role that books play in reflecting our lives and broadening our perspectives. It was a fantastic experience, and we eagerly look forward to next year!”
The event brought together a diverse group of writers for a day of celebration: in the back row, attendees included TeenBookCon committee member William Schaller and renowned authors such as Sharon G. Flake, Neal Shusterman, Kasie West, Nic Stone, Emily J. Taylor, Alexis Castellanos, J. Elle, Tobias Madden, and Hafsah Faizal. In the center, notable figures like R.M. Gray, Emma K. Ohland, Kendare Blake, and Ibi Zoboi gathered, while in the front row, authors Laura Gao, Justine Pucella Winans, Leslie Lutz, and Victoria Aveyard posed together with TeenBookCon co-chair Lisa Nguyen.
The event highlighted collaborative discussions, such as the keynote conversation featuring J. Elle and Nic Stone, who engaged attendees with their insights.
Panels like “Fighting Fate” showcased dynamic conversations between authors Victoria Aveyard and Kendare Blake, while Hafsah Faizal and R.M. Gray also contributed to the vibrant discussions.
The “Wordslingers: The Power of Storytelling” panel featured Neal Shusterman and Sharon G. Flake, focusing on the significance of narrative in contemporary literature.
“The Chemistry of Connection” panel highlighted romance in literature, with panelists Alexis Castellanos and Kasie West sharing their perspectives.
During this panel, Tobias Madden captivated the audience with a reading while Laura Gao joined him in the discussion.
Throughout the event, authors took time to interact with their fans, as Justine Pucella Winans warmly greeted attendees.
In addition to interactions, Trang Thanh Tran engaged with readers during her book signing, while Rex Ogle signed copies for his fans.
Ibi Zoboi also took a moment to capture memories with her guests, emphasizing the community spirit that defined TeenBookCon.
Source
www.publishersweekly.com