While we’re bummed we won’t see you all in person this year, we’re so excited for our ALA Annual line up of authors, awards to celebrate, and new books we’re promoting. Below you’ll find info on our featured speakers at this year’s conference along with some hints at advance eARCs and other things to look out for!

Nikole Hannah-Jones (BORN ON THE WATER)

BORN ON THE WATER by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renée Watson, and illustrated by Nikkolas Smith is a picture book from The 1619 Project chronicling the rich history of the enslaved African people who built America into a story that begins when a Black girl gets a class assignment that makes her ashamed that she doesn’t know what native country her people come from.
Find out more about Nikole’s talk!

Amanda Gorman and Loren Long (CHANGE SINGS)

The author and illustrator of the picture book CHANGE SINGS will be in conversation with Dr. Carla Hayden.
Find out more about Amanda and Loren’s program!

Joseph Bruchac (REZ DOGS)

The critically acclaimed, award-winning author will be talking about his books including his latest middle grade novel. REZ DOGS is a middle-grade novel-in-verse, set during the COVID-19 pandemic about a Wabanaki girl’s quarantine on her grandparents’ reservation and the local dog that becomes her best friend.
Find out more about Joseph’s program!

Eve L. Ewing (MAYA AND THE ROBOT)

A sociologist of education whose research is focused on racism, social inequality, urban policy, and the impact of these forces on American public schools and the lives of young people, Eve L. Ewing’s middle grade debut MAYA AND THE ROBOT is about a forgotten homemade robot who comes to life just when aspiring fifth-grade scientist Maya needs a friend—and a science fair project.
Find out more about Eve’s program!

Padma Lakshmi & Juana Martinez-Neal (TOMATOES FOR NEELA)

Tomatoes for Neela, the debut picture book aimed at readers ages 4-8 years old and available August 2021, lovingly affirms how we can connect to other cultures, as well as to our own, through food.
Find out more about Padma and Juana’s talk!

Kyle Lukoff (TOO BRIGHT TO SEE)

Kyle will be speaking at the Intellectual Freedom Awards Presented during a Collaborative Virtual Celebration. The author of CALL ME MAX and WHEN AIDAN BECAME A BROTHER will speak about censorship and his middle grade debut, TOO BRIGHT TO SEE.
Find out more about Kyle’s talk!

We’ll also have eGalleys, author videos, book club guides, and more! Psst. Go here for a sneak preview.