ARCHIVE 2021 SCHEDULE

The 2021 U.S. Book Show featured a variety of keynote speakers, editor and author panels, and special timely and topical library and industry programming.

Attendees enjoyed a packed schedule and have a front row seat to seasoned, debut and emerging voices.

Editors’ Picks panels featured Fall 2021 (August–December) books, chosen and highlighted by Publishers Weekly‘s editors in selected categories. These panels will give attendees an up-close opportunity to hear the “story behind the story” from each book’s editor.

Author panels brought together some of the brightest and talented writers to discuss their upcoming books in depth with industry expert moderators.

9:30 – 10:45 AM

Exhibits open and virtual coffee hour

10:45 – 11:00 AM

Keynote: Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey will open the show discussing her newest book What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing, written with Bruce D. Perry, a child psychiatrist and neuroscientist. The book, just released by Flatiron, discusses how a person’s earliest personal experiences shape their entire lives and offers readers a new way to understand the way they behave. Winfrey, one of the biggest supporters of the book industry, will also offer comments on her love for books and authors, and offer her appreciation and encouragement for all those who support them.
Oprah WinfreyOprah Winfrey, author, What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing (Flatiron)

11:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Libraries Are Essential

Sponsored by

Libraries Are Essential will offer U.S. Book Show attendees a broader look at the challenges and opportunities libraries are embracing in 2021.

With Libraries Are Essential, the U.S. Book Show embraces a simple truth: public libraries are essential. More than just a key marketplace for publishers and authors, public libraries are anchors in their communities, key to democracy, and crucial supporters of the basic elements necessary for a strong literary culture: literacy, education, equal access to information, access to broadband, diversity and inclusion, and information literacy.

The program consists of two 90-minute seminars, featuring 20 influential library leaders from around the nation.

The morning session will explore the state of the profession, library education, and the future of library spaces following the pandemic and the nation’s social and racial justice awakening. Library leaders will discuss an array of key topics, including new programs and services, budget and economic concerns; worker safety issues; equity, diversity, and inclusion; and, crucially, how library buildings may need to change following this historic public health crisis. This session will include a discussion with IMLS director R. Crosby Kemper III.

The afternoon session will focus on digital developments. While the digital content market for libraries has been historically fraught, the pandemic led to an unprecedented jump in digital circulation. This session will explore what we have learned from this past year of forced experimentation in the digital space—and what comes next for libraries and publishers in a post pandemic world. This session will including a closing keynote from sociologist and critically acclaimed author Eric Klinenberg (Palaces for the People: How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life).

The complete Libraries Are Essential program and lineup is available here.

Hosts

Andrew Richard AlbaneseAndrew Richard Albanese, Senior Writer, Publishers Weekly
Sari FeldmanSari Feldman, Columnist, Publishers Weekly and former Executive Director, Cuyahoga
County Public Library (OH)

Special Guests

R. Crosby Kemper IIIR. Crosby Kemper III is the director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the independent federal agency that serves as the primary source of federal support for the nation's museums and libraries. Prior to his role at IMLS, he served as director of the Kansas City Public Library, where he established the library as one of the city's leading cultural destinations and a hub of community engagement.
Eric KlinenbergEric Klinenberg, Helen Gould Shepard Professor of Social Science and Director of the Institute for Public Knowledge at New York University and author of Palaces for the People: How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life

11:00 – 11:45 AM

The Future of the Publishing Office

INDUSTRY TRACK: THE FUTURE

Scores of publishing employees have been working remotely since the pandemic hit in early 2020. Now, mass vaccinations and declines in positivity rates have made returning to the office seem possible. But what does the return to office life look like? What should employers expect? How should employees—especially junior staffers—evaluate new flex schedules? Does face time matter anymore? Can you now live in a different state than your company? What does networking look like in this new landscape? Is the publishing lunch dead? We will talk with professionals handling their companies’ transitions to post-Covid life, as well as with experts studying the new post-pandemic office paradigm.

Panelists

Thad McIllroyThad McIllroy, Principal, The Future of Publishing
Tsedal NeeleyTsedal Neeley, Author, Remote Work Revolution
Lorraine ShanleyLorraine Shanley, President, Market Partners International
Adrienne VaughanAdrienne Vaughan, Executive Director & COO, Bloomsbury

Moderator

John MaherJohn Maher, News and Digital Editor, Publishers Weekly

12:15–1:00 PM

Hiring: How to Prioritize Inclusivity in Your Workforce

INDUSTRY TRACK: THE FUTURE

The publishing industry’s long-term inability to diversify its workforce is no secret. While publishers seem to be responding to renewed calls for more diversity and inclusion efforts, the industry’s struggle to hire and retain young people of color remains a frustrating constant. Why? Here we talk with a variety of industry executives about how new programs and initiatives can institutionalize workplace diversity and inclusion while tackling unconscious biases at the source. We will also hear from a diversity expert, working outside of publishing, who will point to what other industries are doing to bring about change.

Panelists

Carrie BloxsonCarrie Bloxson, head of diversity and inclusion, Hachette Book Group

Stacey A. GordonStacey A. Gordon, author, Unbias: Addressing Unconscious Bias at Work
Jason LowJason Low, publisher and co-owner, Lee and Low Books
Ayesha PandeAyesha Pande, proprietor, Ayesha Pande Literary

Moderator

Shelly RomeroShelly Romero, assistant editor, Scholastic

12:15 – 1:15 PM

Post Pandemic Bookselling: Hot Button Issues Facing Bricks-and-Mortar Bookstores

BOOKSELLING TRACK: THE CURRENT STATE OF BOOKSELLING

This panel will look at the challenges facing bricks-and-mortar bookstores as customers return to in-store shopping, and how current events—from the fight for social justice and fair wages to efforts to fight Amazon—are changing the way booksellers work and their prospects for the future.

Panelists

Nina BarrettNina Barrett, owner, Bookends & Beginnings (Ill.)
Danny CaineDanny Caine, owner, Raven Book Store (Kan.)
Bryanne HoegBryanne Hoeg, manager, Powell's City of Books (Ore.)
Kwame SpearmanKwame Spearman, co-owner, Tattered Cover Book Store (Colo.)

Moderator

Ed NawotkaEd Nawotka, Bookselling and International Editor, Publishers Weekly

1:30 – 2:15 PM

Political Books: What Does the Post-Trump Landscape Hold?

INDUSTRY TRACK: THE FUTURE

Former president Trump, hate him or love him, held the attention of the popular conscience like no politician in recent memory. He was also great for book sales, allowing publishers to pump the bestseller lists with titles either celebrating or demonizing him. So what does this category now hold, as we enter the post-Trump presidency? How has the market for political books changed? Will it inevitably soften? Will the explosion of interest in social justice titles reshape the category? Will the types of books the houses want—and feel they can publish—change? We will talk with agents and editors who specialize in the category to get a sense of what they think is coming next.

Speakers

Eamon DolanEamon Dolan, v-p and executive editor, Simon & Schuster
Tanya McKinnonTanya McKinnon, principal, McKinnon Literary
Eric NelsonEric Nelson, v-p and editorial director, Broadside Books
Keith UrbahnKeith Urbahn, president and cofounder, Javelin

Moderator

Jimmy SoJimmy So, editor, Columbia Global Reports, Columbia University

1:30 – 2:15 PM

Publishing’s Shift to Digital, Data, and Discovery

INDUSTRY TRACK: THE FUTURE

Presented by

In 2020 and 2021 it became increasingly clear that online discoverability is key to the marketing process for publishers. Search-engine optimized content brings consumers to books and acts as a catalyst to discovery at retail and in browsers. Learning how to reach more readers, understanding retail algorithms that improve discoverability, and developing a network affect, become almost limitless discovery engines for titles.

As consumers continue to shift to digital for discovery, consideration, and purchase the industry will need to adapt to the changing behavior. The publishing industry has largely been a curator or gatekeeper of content with the largest publishing houses controlling the pipeline to retail and hence consumers. As the market conditions move toward independent search and discovery, the industry becomes more democratized and scalable discovery and conversion methodologies become increasingly critical.

Open Road Integrated Media talks with publishers about how to reach consumers on books that don’t have a “built in” audience. How do publishers drive discoverability for debut authors, new frontlist, and midlist titles?

Speakers

Brad FarmerBrad Farmer, CEO, Gibbs Smith
Alexandra NicolajsenAlexandra Nicolajsen, Director of Social Media & Digital Sales, Kensington Publishing
Nick StewartNick Stewart, Digital Marketing Manager, Grove Atlantic
Kathy WiessKathy Wiess, Director of Sales, Marketing, and Business Development, Europa Editions

Moderator

Paul SlavinPaul Slavin, former COO of Everyday Health, CEO, Open Road Media

2:30–3:15 PM

Is Literary IP as Valuable in a Postpandemic Hollywood?

INDUSTRY TRACK: THE FUTURE

Books will never be out of style in Hollywood, but, well, what does the term "Hollywood" even mean these days? With the movie theater business on its knees after the pandemic, and Hollywood reeling from nearly a year without theatrical releases, the already fast-changing landscape of the West Coast industry is even more in flux. So, as questions multiply about the distribution models for movies and TV, the uncertainty surrounding options comes into play. What is the new landscape for literary IP in Hollywood? And how has the pandemic changed the kind of literary content that gets optioned?

Panelists

Angela Cheng CaplanAngela Cheng Caplan, president and CEO, Cheng Caplan Company
Mac HawkinsMac Hawkins, film/TV literary consultant and founder, Pragmatic
Erin HennickeErin Hennicke, director, film/TV, Franklin & Siegal Associates
Mary PenderMary Pender, media rights agent, United Talent Agency

Moderator

Zander BaumanZander Bauman, senior v-p , literary affairs, 20th Century Fox

2:00 – 3:00 PM

Editors' Picks: Comics and Graphic Novels (children's & adult)

BOOKS & AUTHORS TRACK: COMIC & GRAPHIC NOVELS

Editors’ Picks panel featuring PW editors in conversation with editors representing children’s and adult comics and graphic novels.

Panelists

John Jennings, editor of The Eightfold Path by authors Charles Johnson and Steven Barnes and illustrator Bryan Christopher Moss
The Eightfold Path by authors Charles Johnson and Steven Barnes, illus. by Bryan Christopher Moss (Megascope): editor, John Jennings
Kiara Valdez, Editor of Himawari House by Harmony Becker (Macmillan/First Second)
Himawari House by Harmony Becker (First Second): editor, Kiara Valdez
Michael Petranek, editor of Magical Boy by The Kao (Scholastic/Graphix)
Magical Boy by The Kao (Graphix): editor Michael Petranek
Eric Reynolds, editor of No One Else by R. Kikuo Johnson (Fantagraphics)
No One Else by R. Kikuo Johnson (Fantagraphics): editor, Eric Reynolds
Susan Rich, editor of Passport by Sophia Glock (Hachette/Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)
Passport by Sophia Glock (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers): editor, Susan Rich
Liz Frances, editor of Power Born of Dreams: My Story Is Palestine by Mohammad Sabaaneh
Power Born of Dreams: My Story Is Palestine by Mohammad Sabaaneh (Street Noise Books): editor, Liz Frances
Rebecca Taylor, editor of The Unfinished Corner by author Dani Colman and illustrator Rachel 'Tuna' Petrovicz (Vault Comics/Wonderbound)
The Unfinished Corner by author Dani Colman and illustrator Rachel "Tuna" Petrovicz (Vault Comics/Wonderbound): editor, Rebecca Taylor
Tracy Hurren, editor of The Waiting by Keum Suk Gendry-Kim (Drawn & Quarterly)
The Waiting by Keum Suk Gendry-Kim (Drawn & Quarterly): editor, Tracy Hurren

Moderator

Meg LemkeMeg Lemke, Reviews Editor, Publishers Weekly

2:30–3:15 PM

Backlist Strategies to Build Revenue

INDUSTRY TRACK: THE FUTURE

Presented by

According to NPD BookScan, backlist sales saw a huge boom in 2020, representing 67% of all book sales. Meanwhile, the New York Times recently reported that 98% of new titles published in 2020 sold fewer than 5,000 copies, thanks to difficulties posed by the pandemic—yet book sales continue to grow, with the Association of American Publishers reporting a 10% growth in publisher revenues year over year. How can marketers and sales reps at publishers both small and large leverage their backlist in a scalable way, in light of these trends? Join Annie Stone, head of business development at BookBub, for a panel discussion of these topics and more, featuring four book marketing and sales experts.

Panelists

Suzanne DonahueSuzanne Donahue, VP, Director of Backlist, Atria Books (S&S)
Matthew ShatzMatthew Shatz, VP Marketing, Penguin Random House Publisher Services
Mary UrbanMary Urban, Associate Director of Digital Sales, Hachette Book Group
Kavita WrightKavita Wright, Director of Online Marketing, Sourcebooks

Moderator

Annie StoneAnnie Stone, Head of Business Development, BookBub

3:00 – 3:30 PM

Spotlight: Author/Illustrator Discussion

Keanu Reeves (creator, co-writer) and Matt Kindt (co-writer), with Ron Garney (illustrator), of BRZRKR, vol. 1 (Boom! Studios) interviewed by Calvin Reid, senior news editor, Publishers Weekly

Keanu ReevesKeanu Reeves, creator and co-writer, BRZRKR Vol. 1 (Boom! Studios)
Matt KindtMatt Kindt, co-writer, BRZRKR Vol. 1 (Boom! Studios)
Ron GarneyRon Garney, illustrator, BRZRKR Vol. 1 (Boom! Studios)

Calvin Reid, senior news editor, Publishers Weekly

3:00 – 4:00 PM

How to Sell More Books Online in 2021

BOOKSELLING TRACK: THE CURRENT STATE OF BOOKSELLING

This panel will discuss the successful pivot of many bookstores to online bookselling during the pandemic and whether this shift might continue to benefit booksellers in the future. It will discuss best practices for booksellers and cover both the risks and rewards for bricks-and-mortar stores.

Panelists

Phil Davies, director of IndieCommerce, American Booksellers Association
Sarah HighSarah High, partnerships manager, Bookshop.org
Mark PearsonMark Pearson, CEO and cofounder, Libro.fm

Moderator

Ed NawotkaEd Nawotka, Bookselling and International Editor, Publishers Weekly

3:45 – 4:30 PM

Book Buzz: Graphic Novels (Adult)

Editors’ Picks panel featuring PW editors in conversation with editors representing children’s and adult comics and graphic novels.

Panelists

AndrewAydinAndrew Aydin, Run (Abrams)
EdBrubakerEd Brubaker, Friend of the Devil (Image Comics)
Roye OkupeRoye Okupe, Malika: Warrior Queen, Iyanu: Child of Wonder and E.X.O.: The Legend of Wale Williams (Dark Horse/YouNeek Studios)
Roye Okupe was unable to attend this panel; click here to learn more about his YouNeek line of graphic novels (Dark Horse, Fall 2021).
Brandon SandersonBrandon Sanderson, The Dark One (Vault Comics)

Moderator

Calvin ReidCalvin Reid, senior news editor, Publishers Weekly

4:00 – 4:30 PM

Special Discussion

INDUSTRY TRACK: THE FUTURE

Jim Milliot, v-p and editorial director, Publishers Weekly, sits down with John Ingram, chairman of Ingram Content Group, and Keel Hunt, author of The Family Business: How Ingram Transformed the World of Books (West Margin Press), for a discussion about how the company has managed to remain one of publishing's most important players and what is ahead for the industry.

Panelists

John IngramJohn Ingram, chairman , Ingram Content Group
Keel HuntKeel Hunt, author, The Family Business: How Ingram Transformed the World of Books (West Margin Press)

Moderator

Jim MilliotJim Milliot, v-p and editorial director, Publishers Weekly

4:30 – 5:00 PM

Bookseller of the Year & Rep of the Year announcement and reception

INDUSTRY TRACK: THE FUTURE

9:30 – 10:15 AM

Exhibits open

10:15 – 10:45 AM

Keynote: Ijeoma Oluo in conversation with Rakesh Satyal, executive editor, HarperCollins

Ijeoma Oluo will discuss her groundbreaking work, including So You Want to Talk About Race and Mediocre, as well as give viewers a sneak peek into her next book, Be a Revolution (HarperOne), a work detailing how people and communities are creating real systemic change—in areas like education, media, science, health, housing, and agriculture—with the goal of achieving intersectional racial equity.

Ijeoma OluoIjeoma Oluo, Author, So You Want to Talk About Race and Mediocre
Rakesh SatyalRakesh Satyal, executive editor, HarperCollins Publishers

10:45 – 11:45 AM

Editors' Picks: Mysteries and Thrillers

Panelists

Helen O'Hare, editor of The Apollo Murders by Chris Hadfield (Hachette/Mulholland Books)
The Apollo Murders by Chris Hadfield (Mulholland): editor, Helen O’Hare
Jen Brehl, editor of City on Fire by Don Winslow (HarperCollins/William Morrow)
City on Fire by Don Winslow (Morrow): editor, Jennifer Brehl
Juliet Grames, editor of Clark and Division by Naomi Hirahara (Soho Crime)
Clark and Division by Naomi Hirahara (Soho Crime): editor, Juliet Grames
Catherine Richards, editor of The Heron’s Cry by Ann Cleeves (Macmillan/Minotaur Books)
The Heron’s Cry by Ann Cleeves (Minotaur): editor, Catherine Richards
Esi Sogah, editor of Much Ado About Nauticaling by Gabby Allan (Kensington)
Much Ado About Nauticaling by Gabby Allan (Kensington): editor Esi Sogah
Wendy McCurdy, editor of Murder at Mallowan Manor by Colleen Cambridge (Kensington)
Murder at Mallowan Manor by Colleen Cambridge (Kensington): editor, Wendy McCurdy
Sarah McGrath, editor for A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins (Penguin/Riverhead)
A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins (Riverhead): editor, Sarah McGrath
Jennifer Monroe, editor of My Sweet Girl by Amanda Jayatissa (Penguin Random House/Berkley)
My Sweet Girl by Amanda Jayatissa (Berkley): editor, Jen Monroe

Moderator

Peter CannonPeter Cannon, Senior Reviews Editor, Publishers Weekly

12:00 – 1:00 PM

Editors' Picks: Bio/Memoir

Panelists

Lizzie Davis, editor, The Breaks by Julietta Singh (Coffee House)
The Breaks by Julietta Singh (Coffee House): editor, Lizzie Davis
Gerry Howard, editor, Madam: The Biography of Polly Adler, Icon of the Jazz Age by Debby Applegate (Doubleday)
Madam: The Biography of Polly Adler, Icon of the Jazz Age by Debby Applegate (Doubleday): editor, Gerry Howard
Megha Majumdar, editor, Made in China: A Memoir of Love and Labor by Anna Qu (Catapult)
Made in China: A Memoir of Love and Labor by Anna Qu (Catapult): editor, Megha Majumdar
Tracy Sherrod, editor of Miss Chloe and Good Negress: A Literary Friendship with Toni Morrison by A.J. Verdelle (HarperCollins/Amistad)
Miss Chloe and Good Negress: A Literary Friendship with Toni Morrison by A.J. Verdelle (Amistad): editor, Tracy Sherrod
Molly Walls, editor of Shelf Life: Chronicles of a Cairo Bookseller by Nadia Wassef (Macmillan/ Farrar, Straus and Giroux)
Shelf Life: Chronicles of a Cairo Bookseller by Nadia Wassef (Farrar, Straus and Giroux): editor, Molly Walls
Alison Callahan, editor of Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci (Simon & Schuster/Gallery Books)
Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci (Gallery): editor, Alison Callahan
Yvonna Cha, editor, Things I Have Withheld by Kei Miller (Grove)
Things I Have Withheld by Kei Miller (Grove): editor, Elisabeth Schmitz and Yvonne Cha
Three Girls of Bronzeville by Dawn Turner (Simon & Schuster)
Three Girls of Bronzeville by Dawn Turner (Simon & Schuster): editor, Christine Pride

Moderator

Carliann RittmanCarliann Rittman, reviews editor, Publishers Weekly

1:15 – 1:30 PM

Spotlight: Author Discussion

Pulitzer Prize–winning and New York Times bestselling author Anthony Doerr will discuss Cloud Cuckoo Land: A Novel (Scribner) with David Varno, reviews editor, Publishers Weekly

Anthony DoerrAnthony Doerr, author, Cloud Cuckoo Land: A Novel
David VarnoDavid Varno, reviews editor, Publishers Weekly

1:30 – 2:00 PM

Spotlight: Author Discussion

Stevie Van Zandt, author of Unrequited Infatuations (Hachette), will be in conversation with Ben Greenman, the book's editor; hosted by Stephanie Buschardt, reviews editor, Publishers Weekly. This session will be live, with audience Q&A.

Stevie Van ZandtStevie Van Zandt, author, Unrequited Infatuations
Stephanie Buschardt, reviews editor, Publishers Weekly
Ben Greenman, editor, Unrequited Infatuations

2:00 – 3:00 PM

Editors' Picks: Literary Fiction

Panelists

Mitzi Angel, editor of Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney (Macmillan/ Farrar, Straus and Giroux)
Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney (Farrar, Straus and Giroux): editor, Mitzi Angel
Nadxieli Nieto, editor, LA Weather by María Amparo Escandón (Flatiron)
L.A. Weather by María Amparo Escandón (Flatiron): editor, Nadxieli Nieto
Sarah McGrath, editor of Matrix by Lauren Groff (Penguin/Riverhead)
Matrix by Lauren Groff (Riverhead): editor, Sarah McGrath
Retha Powers, editor of My Monticello by Jocelyn Nicole Johnson (Macmillan/Holt)
My Monticello by Jocelyn Nicole Johnson (Holt): editor, Retha Powers
David Ebershoff, editor, Our Country Friends by Gary Shteyngart (Random House)
Our Country Friends by Gary Shteyngart (Random House): editor, David Ebershoff
Jonathan Lee, editor of Sankofa by Chibundu Onuzo (Catapult)
Sankofa by Chibundu Onuzo (Catapult): editor, Jonathan Lee
Sally Kim, editor of Still Life by Sarah Winman (Penguin/Putnam)
Still Life by Sarah Winman (Putnam): editor, Sally Kim
Jordan Pavlin, editor of The War for Gloria by Atticus Lish (Penguin Random House/Knopf)
The War for Gloria by Atticus Lish (Knopf): editor, Jordan Pavlin

Moderator

David VarnoDavid Varno, reviews editor, Publishers Weekly

3:15 – 4:00 PM

Book Buzz: Spotlight on Indigenous Voices

Panelists

Angeline BoulleyAngeline Boulley, Firekeeper's Daughter (Macmillan)
Christine DayChristine Day, The Sea in Winter and I Can Make This Promise (Heartdrum)
David A. RobertsonDavid A. Robertson, On the Trapline (Tundra)
Jesse ThistleJesse Thistle, From the Ashes: My Story of Being Indigenous, Homeless, and Finding My Way (Simon & Schuster)

Moderator

Cynthia Leitich SmithCynthia Leitich Smith, Indigenous children's and YA author

4:00 – 4:45 PM

Editors' Picks: Current Affairs

Panelists

Rakia Clark, editor of A Bigger Picture: My Fight to Bring a New African Voice to the Climate Crisis by Vanessa Nakate (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
A Bigger Picture: My Fight to Bring a New African Voice to the Climate Crisis by Vanessa Nakate (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt): editor, Rakia Clark
Riva Hockerman, editor of The End of Bias: A Beginning: The Science and Practice of Overcoming Unconscious Bias by Jessica Nordell (Macmillan/Metropolitan Books)
The End of Bias: A Beginning: The Science and Practice of Overcoming Unconscious Bias by Jessica Nordell (Metropolitan): editor, Riva Hocherman
Vanessa Mobley, editor of Learning in Public: Lessons for a Racially Divided America from My Daughter's School by Courtney E. Martin (Hachette/Little, Brown)
Learning in Public: Lessons for a Racially Divided America from My Daughter's School by Courtney E. Martin (Little, Brown): editor, Vanessa Mobley
Anton Mueller, editor of The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Age of Fentanyl and Meth by Sam Quinones (Bloomsbury)
The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Age of Fentanyl and Meth by Sam Quinones (Bloomsbury): editor, Anton Mueller
Bryn Clark, editor, The Power of Women: Learning from Resilience to Heal Our World by Dr. Denis Mukwege (Flatiron)
The Power of Women: Learning from Resilience to Heal Our World by Dr. Denis Mukwege (Flatiron): editor, Bryn Clark
Refugee High: Coming of Age in America by Elly Fishman (The New Press): editor, Ben Woodward
Refugee High: Coming of Age in America by Elly Fishman (The New Press): editor, Ben Woodward
Gayatri Patnaik, editor of Until I Am Free: Fannie Lou Hamer's Enduring Message to America by Keisha Blain (Beacon Press)
Until I Am Free: Fannie Lou Hamer's Enduring Message to America by Keisha Blain (Beacon): editor, Gayatri Patnaik
Brandon Proia, editor of The Vote Collectors: The True Story of the Scamsters, Politicians, and Preachers Behind the Nation's Greatest Electoral Fraud by Michael Graff and Nick Ochsner (University of North Carolina Press/Ferris and Ferris Books)
The Vote Collectors: The True Story of the Scamsters, Politicians, and Preachers Behind the Nation's Greatest Electoral Fraud by Michael Graff and Nick Ochsner (University of North Carolina Press/Ferris and Ferris): editor, Brandon Proia

Moderator

DaveAdamsDave Adams, reviews editor, Publishers Weekly

10:00 – 10:30 AM

Keynote: Senator Elizabeth Warren

Sen. Elizabeth Warren will discuss her forthcoming book, Pinkie Promises (Holt), inspired by the young supporters she met during her 2020 presidential run with Laura Godwin, vice president and publisher of Godwin Books.
Senator Elizabeth WarrenSenator Elizabeth Warren, author, Pinkie Promises (Holt)
Laura GodwinLaura Godwin, vice president and publisher, Godwin Books

10:30 – 10:45 AM

Spotlight on Bright Brown Baby (Scholastic)

Andrea and Brian PinkneyAndrea and Brian Pinkney, Bright Brown Baby (Scholastic)

10:45 – 11:30 AM

Editors' Picks: Picture Books

Panelists

Neal Porter, editor of Bright Star by Yuyi Morales (Holiday House/Neal Porter Books)
Bright Star by Yuyi Morales (Holiday House/Porter): editor, Neal Porter
Carla and the Christmas Cornbread by Carla Hall, illus. by Cherise Harris (Simon & Schuster/Millner): editor, Denene Millner
Carla and the Christmas Cornbread by Carla Hall, illus. by Cherise Harris (Simon & Schuster/Millner): editor, Denene Millner
Simon Boughton, editor of Dad Bakes by Katie Yamasaki (W. W. Norton/Norton Young Readers)
Dad Bakes by Katie Yamasaki (Norton Young Readers): editor, Simon Boughton
Anne Schwartz, editor of Dream Street by Tricia Elam Walker, illus. by Ekua Holmes (Random House/Anne Schwartz Books)
Dream Street by Tricia Elam Walker, illus. by Ekua Holmes (Random House/Schwartz): editor, Anne Schwartz
My Two Border Towns by David Bowles, illus. by Erika Meza (Kokila): editor, Joanna Cárdenas
My Two Border Towns by David Bowles, illus. by Erika Meza (Kokila): editor, Joanna Cárdenas
Nina: A Story of Nina Simone by Traci Todd, illus. by Christian Robinson (Putnam): editor, Stacey Barney
Nina: A Story of Nina Simone by Traci Todd, illus. by Christian Robinson (Putnam): editor, Stacey Barney
Alessandra Balzer, editor of The People Remember by Ibi Zoboi, illus. by Loveis Wise (HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray)
The People Remember by Ibi Zoboi, illus. by Loveis Wise (Balzer + Bray): editor, Alessandra Balzer
Ginee Seo, editor, What Is Love? Mac Barnett, illus. by Carson Ellis (Chronicle)
What Is Love? by Mac Barnett, illus. by Carson Ellis (Chronicle): editor, Ginee Seo

Moderator

Amanda Bruns, children's reviews editor, Publishers Weekly

11:45 AM – 12:30 PM

Book Buzz: Picture Books

Panelists

Ryan HigginsRyan Higgins, Norman Didn’t Do It and Thanks for Nothing (Disney)
Pat Zietlow MillerPat Zietlow Miller, Be Strong (Macmillan)
Nabela NoorNabela Noor, Beautifully Me (Simon & Schuster)

Moderator

Natasha GilmoreNatasha Gilmore, Publishers Weekly

12:30 – 1:00 PM

Spotlight: Author Discussion

Padma Lakshmi, bestselling author and host of Bravo's Top Chef, discusses Tomatoes for Neela (Viking Children's) with Tamar Brazis, editorial director, Viking Children's Books.
Padma LakshmiPadma Lakshmi, author, Tomatoes for Neela (Viking Children's)
Tamar Brazis, editorial director, Viking Children's Books

12:45 – 1:30 PM

Book Buzz: Middle Grade

Panelists

Sharon DraperSharon Draper, Out of My Heart (Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books)
Kim DwinellKim Dwinell, Surfside Girls (IDW/Top Shelf)
Gayle FormanGayle Forman, Frankie and Bug (Aladdin)
BonHyung JeongBonHyung Jeong, Kyle’s Little Sister (Yen)

Moderator

Natasha GilmoreNatasha Gilmore, Publishers Weekly

1:30 – 2:15 PM

Editors' Picks: Middle Grade

Panelists

Alvina Ling, editor of Amira & Hamza: The War to Save the Worlds by Samira Ahmed (Hachette/Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)
Amira & Hamza: The War to Save the Worlds by Samira Ahmed (Hachette/Little, Brown Books for Young Readers): editor, Alvina Ling
Andrea Tompa, editor of The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo, illus. by Sophie Blackall (Candlewick Press)
The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo, illus. by Sophie Blackall (Candlewick Press): editor, Andrea Tompa
Weslie Turner, editor, Call and Response: The Story of Black Lives Matter by Veronica Chambers (Versify)
Call and Response: The Story of Black Lives Matter by Veronica Chambers (Versify): editor, Weslie Turner
Phoebe Yeh, editor of Fast Pitch by Nic Stone (Penguin Random House/Crown Books for Young Readers)
Fast Pitch by Nic Stone (Crown Books for Young Readers): editor, Phoebe Yeh
How to Find What You're Not Looking For by Veera Hiranandani (Kokila), editor, Namrata Tripathi
How to Find What You're Not Looking For by Veera Hiranandani (Kokila), editor, Namrata Tripathi
David Leviathan, editor of Kaleidoscope by Brian Selznick (Scholastic Press)
Kaleidoscope by Brian Selznick (Scholastic Press): editor, David Leviathan
Caitlyn Dlouhy, editor, Stuntboy, in the Meantime by Jason Reynolds, illus. by Raúl the Third (Atheneum/Dlouhy)
Stuntboy, in the Meantime by Jason Reynolds, illus. by Raúl the Third (Atheneum/Dlouhy): editor, Caitlyn Dlouhy
Rosemary Brosnan, editor of Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero by Saadia Faruqi (HarperCollins/Quill Tree Books)
Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero by Saadia Faruqi (Quill Tree Books): editor, Rosemary Brosnan

Moderator

Gnesis VillarGnesis Villar, reviewer, Publishers Weekly

2:30 – 3:00 PM

Spotlight: Author Discussion

#1 New York Times bestselling author and Caldecott Medalist Brian Selznick will discuss his forthcoming book and PW Editors' Pick, Kaleidoscope (Scholastic). This session will be live, with audience Q&A.
Brian SelznickBrian Selznick, author, Kaleidescope (Scholastic)

3:15 – 4:00 PM

Editors' Picks: Young Adult

Panelists

All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman (Tor Teen): editor, Ali Fisher
All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman (Tor Teen): editor, Ali Fisher
Kendra Levin, editor of Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz (S&S/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers)
Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World by Benjamin Alire Sáenz (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers): editor, Kendra Levin
Dana Chidiac, editor, HUDA F ARE YOU? by Huda Fahmy (Dial)
HUDA F ARE YOU? by Huda Fahmy (Dial): editor, Dana Chidiac
Andrea Tompa, editor of Revolution in Our Time by Kekla Magoon (Candlewick Press)
Revolution in Our Time by Kekla Magoon (Candlewick): editor, Andrea Tompa
Nick Thomas, editor of A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger (Levine Querido)
A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger (Levine Querido): editor, Nick Thomas
Katherine Tegen, editor of Terciel and Elinor by Garth Nix (HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Books)
Terciel and Elinor by Garth Nix (HarperCollins/Tegen): editor, Katherine Tegen
Alexandra Hightower, editor, We Are Not Broken by George M. Johnson (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)
We Are Not Broken by George M. Johnson (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers): editor, Alexandra Hightower
Mary Kate Castellani, editor, We Light Up the Sky by Lilliam Rivera (Bloomsbury)
We Light Up the Sky by Lilliam Rivera (Bloomsbury): editor, Mary Kate Castellani

Moderator

Sanina ClarkSanina Clark, reviewer, Publishers Weekly

4:15 – 5:00 PM

Book Buzz: Young Adult

Panelists

Dhonielle ClaytonDhonielle Clayton, Shattered Midnight (Disney)
Crystal FlemingCrystal Fleming, Rise Up! (Macmillan)
Makiia LucierMakiia Lucier, Year of the Reaper (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
Shanna MilesShanna Miles, For All Time (Simon & Schuster)

Moderator

Idris GreyIdris Grey, Publishers Weekly

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