Today's post on Dr. Bickmore's YA Wednesday gives a glimpse of about two thirds of the authors who will be visiting in Balitmore this Novemember 25 and 26 2019. Don't worry, we will be announcing the rest soon. Take some time to look over these authors. Browse their web pages (most photos are linked to the author's web page). Go ahead, buy a book to read on the plane. You might even look at one that has been on your shelf, but neglected.
Share this page with people who might be interested in the ALAN Workshop. If you are a publisher make sure your author knows we are promoting them in advance of the workshop.
The keynote authors are tremendous. Padma is one of my favorites. If you don't know her, catch up, now! I still consider Climbing the Stairs to be one of my all time favorite historical YA novels. The Bridge Home is taking the reading world by storm as a middle school selection for the global read aloud program.
Sure, there are a good number of good African American woman writing young adult literature who have had an impact during the last 30 years. Sharon Draper, Sharon Flake, Nikki Grimes, Jacqueline Woodson, Rita Williams-Garcia and Angela Johnson and Sheila P. Moses all come to mind. I would love to hear from any or all of them. However, when I consider that we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Coretta Scott King Award, I can't think of anyone more uniquely placed to review this history and talk about the impact of the award that Andrea Davis Pinkney. She is a winner of the award an editor, and a writer of both children's and YA literature. Her reputation as a writer is significant and important. Add that to her influence and knowledge as an editor and there is little more one could ask.
I am sure that you will find both speaker engaging and inspirational. Both are authors I admire and I asked for them. I was thrilled that they were available and willing to do it.
Share this page with people who might be interested in the ALAN Workshop. If you are a publisher make sure your author knows we are promoting them in advance of the workshop.
The keynote authors are tremendous. Padma is one of my favorites. If you don't know her, catch up, now! I still consider Climbing the Stairs to be one of my all time favorite historical YA novels. The Bridge Home is taking the reading world by storm as a middle school selection for the global read aloud program.
Sure, there are a good number of good African American woman writing young adult literature who have had an impact during the last 30 years. Sharon Draper, Sharon Flake, Nikki Grimes, Jacqueline Woodson, Rita Williams-Garcia and Angela Johnson and Sheila P. Moses all come to mind. I would love to hear from any or all of them. However, when I consider that we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Coretta Scott King Award, I can't think of anyone more uniquely placed to review this history and talk about the impact of the award that Andrea Davis Pinkney. She is a winner of the award an editor, and a writer of both children's and YA literature. Her reputation as a writer is significant and important. Add that to her influence and knowledge as an editor and there is little more one could ask.
I am sure that you will find both speaker engaging and inspirational. Both are authors I admire and I asked for them. I was thrilled that they were available and willing to do it.
Keynote Speakers
Monday | Tuesday |
One of the benefits of being the ALAN President is talking with Publishers and listening to them pitch authors for the ALAN workshop (granted, most of that takes place through emails, not through passionate conversations). Once they pitch them, I get the primary responsibility of deciding who gets individual speaking slots. I have to admit that it was hard to contain my excitement when these authors were offered.
From the day I was nominated, I knew I was going to try to include Jo Knowles. I have been a long time admirer and I just don't think enough people read her works. I wanted to do my part. The other five authors are emerging stars. I don't believe any of them been featured solo speakers at the ALAN workshop. True to my promise to host a workshop focused on the theme of identity and diversity, I think these authors deliver on that score in terms of who they are and based on the themes and characters that inhabit their novels.
Hang on, this workshop is going to be a wild ride.
From the day I was nominated, I knew I was going to try to include Jo Knowles. I have been a long time admirer and I just don't think enough people read her works. I wanted to do my part. The other five authors are emerging stars. I don't believe any of them been featured solo speakers at the ALAN workshop. True to my promise to host a workshop focused on the theme of identity and diversity, I think these authors deliver on that score in terms of who they are and based on the themes and characters that inhabit their novels.
Hang on, this workshop is going to be a wild ride.
Other Individual Speakers
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
A Special Conversation
Elizabeth Acevedo (winner of the Walden Award) in conversation with Susan Groenke (Editor of the The ALAN Review)
Yes, one of the rocketing stars of the YA world, Elizabeth Acevedo will be there. When she won the Walden Award her publisher helped her stay through NCTE and into the ALAN workshop. What a wonderful opportunity to hear her in conversation with our current lead editor of The ALAN Review, Susan Groenke.
 |  |
Conversations
Check out the pairings for conversations. There will be some great exchanges going on. Is your favorite author attending? If not, don't despair, maybe your new favorite is in one of these conversation.
Kwame Mbalia and Kimberly Gabriel
 |  |
Breeana Shields and Brigid Kemmerer
 |  |
Ibi Zoboi and Lawrence Goldstone
 |  |
Spencer Hyde and Angie Manfredi
 |  |
Katia Raina and J. L. Powers
 |  |
Sarah Deming and Chris Meyer
 |  |
Alan Gratz and Sharon Cameron
 |  |
Raina Telgemeir and A. S. King
 |  |
Josh Allen and Steve Banks
 | Coming soon, I promise. |
Helene Dunbar and Leah Thomas
 |  |
Alex London and Lauren Shippen
 |  |
Suzanne Young and Becky Wallace
 |  |
Silva Aguilar-Zeleny and Maria Padian
 |  |
K. A. Holt and Julia Drake
 |  |
S. K. Ali and Abdi Nazemain
 |  |
Does this look a great group of authors? You bet it does. Some of them are debut authors and have never been to an ALAN Workshop, some have been a couple of times, and few might be called veterans. Whatever their stituation they will be welcomed by 500 excited YA fans. Once again, will you be there? Make sure to visit this link right away. We sell out every year!
You didn't see someone you are expecting? Hold on there is one more release coming in a few days.
You didn't see someone you are expecting? Hold on there is one more release coming in a few days.
Until next week.
RSS Feed