Meet the Authors
Programming
AUTHOR PANELS
12:00 - 12:45 PM
Bringing the Chills to YA Literature: The boom in horror for teen readers
Kick off spooky season with young adult authors Jo Salazar and Brianna Jett, as they explore zombies, monsters, and why horror is seeing a boom in popularity, specifically in books for young readers.
1:00 - 1:45 PM
The Shape of Magic: Finding home in impossible worlds
Fantasy may transport us to enchanted libraries, frozen landscapes, and morally complicated kingdoms, but its stories often revolve around a deeply familiar longing: finding somewhere—and someone—to belong. Meg Anderson, Nicole M. Hewitt, and Ashley Hintermeyer discuss how they create distinctive magical worlds while exploring family, found family, community, identity, and the meaning of home.
2:00 - 2:45 PM
Creating Atmosphere: Igniting a sense of doom and gloom on the page
How do authors develop a sense of dread with just the written word? Authors Abby Geni, Rowan Beaird, and Janasha Prabhu talk about how they craft their stories to create the dark and ominous atmospheres thriller readers crave.
3:00 - 3:45 PM
Researching for Fact and Fiction: The work behind storytelling
What goes into telling a story? Whether it’s a piece of narrative nonfiction about the Green Bay Packers, or biographical fiction about Ruth Handler, the woman who created Barbie, the research behind a book can take years to complete. Join authors Thomas M Nelson and Renee Rosen as they talk about their processes, the challenges they hit while writing their books, and all the amazing stories they heard along the way.
CHILDREN'S WORKSHOPS
1:30 - 2:15 PM
Dream it! Plan it! Write it! A hands-on writing workshop for children with E. C. Quinn
Geared toward ages 8 to 14, middle grade author E. C. Quinn will guide children through the process of creating a story, and they will even begin writing it during the workshop!
2:00 - 3:15 PM
POW! BAM! BOOM! How Graphic Novels Make Learning History Cool with Kate Hannigan
Join Chicago author Kate Hannigan for a discussion of graphic novels as a learning tool for understanding historical events like the Great Chicago Fire and fascinating figures from World War 2. And bring your storytelling superpowers as we put pencil to paper to draw and create our own superhero graphic novels.
ACTIVITIES
10:00 - 11:30 AM
Panel for Educators: Little Hands, Big Science: STEM Play and Books for Young Children
Inspire curiosity with engaging books and play experiences. Explore key science concepts and learn simple ways to provide playful, hands-on opportunities for kids to create their own learning. Discover new books that build early literacy skills and science understanding. This is a continuing education workshop for early childhood educators. Wisconsin Registry credit available. Parents and caregivers are welcome.
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Blue House Bookmobile
Shop the bestselling titles and staff picks from your local indie bookstore at our Bookmobile!
12:00 - 3:00 PM
Spin Your Next Read
Spin the wheel. Let our librarians find your next great book!
12:00 - 4:00 PM
Used Book Swap
Take a book, leave a book
Vendors & Snacks
