Schedule
Friday Keynote
Keynote with Kate DiCamillo
Friday, May 3rd, 5pm
Located at First Baptist Church of Decatur at 308 Clairemont Ave
(Tickets are sold out)
Saturday Children’s Stage
Art in Action with Elisha Cooper: Emma, Full of Wonders!
Saturday, May 4th, 9:30am–10am
Located in the dance studio at the Decatur Recreation Center at 231 Sycamore Street
We are so excited to welcome Caldecott award-winning illustrator Elisha Cooper (Emma, Full of Wonders) for his first visit to Decatur! In this sweet picture book that gently helps answer the question, “Where do babies come from?”, a big, fluffy dog named Emma awaits the arrival of her litter of puppies. Want to learn how to draw a dog? Elisha will lead us all in a simple drawing activity!
Story Time with Shelly Anand and Karen Good Marable: My Family is Special!
Saturday, May 4th, 10:15am–10:45am
Located in the dance studio at the Decatur Recreation Center at 231 Sycamore Street
From food, to dance, to family fun—we all have families and traditions that are unique to us! Come hear from Shelly Anand (In the Family) and Karen Good Marable (Yaya and the Sea) as they share stories that encourage us all to consider what makes our own families special. You’re invited to join us in a fun family tree activity!
Art in Action with Shamar Knight-Justice: Big Tune!
Saturday, May 4th, 11am–11:30am
Located in the dance studio at the Decatur Recreation Center at 231 Sycamore Street
We are so thrilled to welcome the brilliant Shamar Knight-Justice, illustrator of the book Big Tune: The Rise of the Dancehall Prince (authored by Alliah L. Agostini) to our festival! Allow Shamar’s vibrant, collage-style artwork to transport you into the lively atmosphere of the Jamaican-American neighborhood our main character Shane calls home…and find out if he can save Big Tune Saturday. Bop to the beat of the rhyming words, put on your favorite shoes, and dance your wiggles away!
Story Time with Kyle Lukoff: There’s No Such Things as Vegetables!
Saturday, May 4th, 11:45am–12:15pm
Located in the dance studio at the Decatur Recreation Center at 231 Sycamore Street
Think you know what a vegetable is? Think again! Author Kyle Lukoff (There’s No Such Thing As Vegetables) challenges readers to rethink how we use categories to shape our understanding of the world around us in his silly, only slightly serious new picture book. Help us decide once and for all: which foods are vegetables? Which are fruits? And which are beyond categorization?
Story Time with Yolanda King: We Dream a World!
Saturday May 4th, 12:30pm-1pm
Located in the dance studio at the Decatur Recreation Center at 231 Sycamore Street
At just 15 years old, Yolanda King (We Dream a World) advocates for social justice and shows the power young people have to make the world a better place. Come celebrate the work of her grandparents, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, and create a poster about something you’re passionate about!
POV: You’re A Kid Tasked With Saving the World
Saturday, May 4th, 1:15pm–2pm
Located in the dance studio at the Decatur Recreation Center at 231 Sycamore Street
Sometimes it feels like the world is ending – but what if it actually was? Adventure through strange, magical worlds with Terry J. Benton-Walker (Alex Wise vs. the End of the World) and Stacy McAnulty (Forever Twelve), as they unveil the first books in their brand new series! We’ll discover that 12-year-olds are perfectly capable of being the hero of their stories…with a little help from some unlikely friendships. Terry and Stacy will be joined by moderator Mark Oshiro, co-author of From the World of Percy Jackson: The Sun and The Star.
A Little Bit Super: With Small Powers Come Big Problems
Saturday, May 4th, 2:15pm-3pm
Located in the dance studio at the Decatur Recreation Center at 231 Sycamore Street
Have you ever wished you could shape-shift? What if you were granted that ability, but it only applied to part of your body, and only on Mondays…how on earth would you learn to deal with that? Discover your own little superpower with the renowned Gary D. Schmidt, Leah Henderson, Pablo Cartaya, and Kyle Lukoff, contributing authors of the recently-published A Little Bit Super. The authors will be joined by Shannon Balloon, moderator of the Middle Grade Matters podcast.
In My Granny’s Garden in concert with Alliance Theatre’s Bernhardt Theatre for the Very Young
Saturday, May 4th, 3:15pm-4pm
Located in the dance studio at the Decatur Recreation Center at 231 Sycamore Street
Join us for this engaging concert featuring a story time and original music from the Theatre for the Very Young production of In My Granny’s Garden.
Based on “In My Granny’s Garden” written by Pearl Cleage and Zaron Burnett Jr. and illustrated by Radcliffe Bailey, In My Granny’s Garden invites our youngest audiences to explore the glory of growing your own food.
Truth or Draw with Max Brallier and Pablo Cartaya
Saturday, May 4th, 4:15pm-5pm
Located in the dance studio at the Decatur Recreation Center at 231 Sycamore Street
Hey, graphic novel fans! Max Brallier (The Last Kids on Earth and The Last Comics on Earth series) and Pablo Cartaya (Curveball) are ready for a game of Truth or Draw! Are you? It’ll be kids vs. creators in this rousing spin on the popular game – are you brave enough to join in the fun?
Sunday Children’s Stage
Story Time with Angela DiTerlizzi: The Curious Why!
Sunday, May 5th, 10am-10:30am
Located in the dance studio at the Decatur Recreation Center at 231 Sycamore Street
Calling all curious kids! Come hear popular picture book author Angela DiTerlizzi share her new picture book, The Curious Why, follow up to her bestseller The Magical Yet! Create your own bucket list for all the things you want to do, see, and be! The possibilities are endless!
Art in Action with Cori Doerrfeld: Ready to Soar!
Sunday, May 5th, 10:45am-11:15am
Located in the dance studio at the Decatur Recreation Center at 231 Sycamore Street
Cori Doerrfeld is the creator of one of our favorite picture books – The Rabbit Listened! In her newest book, Ready to Soar, Cori encourages us all to never give up – even when faced with the doubt of others. We’ll make paper airplanes as we get ready to soar!
Story Time with Vicki Johnson and Allen Wells: I Gotta Be Me!
Sunday, May 5th, 11:30am-12pm
Located in the dance studio at the Decatur Recreation Center at 231 Sycamore Street
Join debut picture book authors Vicki Johnson (Molly’s Tuxedo) and Allen R. Wells (It’s Pride, Baby!) in their discussion about the exciting journey of queer self-expression and the power of unconditional family love. Then, we’ll all create a rainbow together!
Story Time with Lisa D. Brathwaite and Raakhee Mirchandani: HERstory!
Sunday, May 5th, 12:15pm-12:45pm
Located in the dance studio at the Decatur Recreation Center at 231 Sycamore Street
Whether your dreams include going to space, creating your very own fashion show, or anything in between, these books will help you reach for the stars! Come hear Lisa D. Brathwaite (Miles of Style) and Raakhee Mirchandani (Journey to the Stars) travel through time and space and inspire us all to never give up on our dreams! This conversation will be moderated by author Shelli R. Johannes (She Persisted: Florence Nightingale ) and will include a fun women’s history trivia game!
Story Time with Angela Pham Krans and Katrina Moore: Grandma, Grandpa, and Me!
Sunday, May 5th, 1pm-1:30pm
Located in the dance studio at the Decatur Recreation Center at 231 Sycamore Street
What happens when the grandparents come to town? Find out from authors Katrina Moore (Grandpa Grumps) and Angela Pham Krans (Words Between Us) as they engage in a meaningful dialogue about the power of intergenerational connection. Grandpa Grumps and Words Between Us embark on a heartwarming journey of grandchildren bonding with their grandparents, proving that the power of love (and food!) can bridge any generational gap. Draw a picture of how you’d spend a special day with your grandparent or another loved one.
Unusual Characters with Allie Millington, Laurel Snyder, and Anne Ursu
Sunday, May 5th, 1:45pm-2:30pm
Located in the dance studio at the Decatur Recreation Center at 231 Sycamore Street
We love it when an unexpected character helps drive a plot! Do you dream of mystical adventures with spellbooks, haunted houses, or typewriters that type back? Come hear middle grade authors Allie Millington (Olivetti), Laurel Snyder (The Witch of Woodland) and Anne Ursu (Not Quite a Ghost) talk about their brilliant, emotionally rich stories and experience the magic yourself. The trio will be joined by Shannon Balloon, moderator of the Middle Grade Matters podcast.
Graphic Novel Game Show
Sunday, May 5th, 2:45-3:30
Located in the dance studio at the Decatur Recreation Center at 231 Sycamore Street
If you are a kid who loves graphic novels, then you are a kid who will love the chance to play games like Pictionary and Minute to Win It with graphic novel illustrators Shadia Amin (Shiny Misfits, Spider Ham: A Pig in Time), Vera Brosgol (Plain Jane and the Mermaid, Be Prepared), Mike Lowery (The Gingerbread Man: Buttons on the Loose, Bug Scouts series), and Andy Runton (Owly series)!
My Parents Can’t Be Spies…They’re Not Cool Enough!
Sunday, May 5th, 3:45pm-4:30pm
Located in the dance studio at the Decatur Recreation Center at 231 Sycamore Street
Hear from master storyteller James Ponti (City Spies, Framed!), whose thrilling, twisty, plot-driven stories inspire young readers to embark on their own adventures. On hand to interview James will be popular middle grade author and FOJ (Friend of James) Laurel Snyder!
Saturday Young Adult Stage
Opening YA Event: Blood at the Root with LaDarrion Williams
Saturday, May 4th, 9am-9:45am
Located at The Chapel on Sycamore at 318 Sycamore Street
Hogwarts meets HBCUs in this highly anticipated debut by playwright LaDarrion Williams. Filled with mystical secrets, found family, and Black history and culture, Blood at the Root is a book everyone will be talking about! LaDarrion will be joined by Jill Tew, whose YA novel debuting this fall, The Dividing Sky, is a dystopian romance to add to your TBR pile!
Blank Space: Fantasy Worldbuilding in YA Lit
Saturday, May 4th, 10am-10:45am
Located at The Chapel on Sycamore at 318 Sycamore Street
Three masters of fantasy worldbuilding, Terry J. Benton-Walker (Blood Justice), F.T. Lukens (Otherworldly) , and C.J. Redwine (Return of the Vengeful Queen), will share their approaches to the craft. From unstable kingdoms, romantic adventures, and magical politics, they’ll offer a portal into your next magical read! Author Shakir Rashaan (Neverwraith) will lead the conversation.
Hope Is The Thing With Feathers
Saturday, May 4th, 11am-11:45am
Located at The Chapel on Sycamore at 318 Sycamore Street
Tough times call for tough teens who don’t give up. In their stories centering on chronic illness, Sierra Isley (In the Ring) and Maya Van Wagenen (Chronically Dolores) explore what it takes to fight for your life – sometimes literally. Their conversation will be moderated by YA author Terra Elan McVoy (Pure and Criminal).
Not Your Mom’s Rom-Com
Saturday, May 4th, 12pm-12:45pm
Located at The Chapel on Sycamore at 318 Sycamore Street
Like an ogre, a good YA romance has layers – and goes beyond the tropes. Jennifer Dugan (Playing for Keeps), Nashae Jones (Courtesy of Cupid), Christen Randall (The No-Girlfriend Rule), and Julian Winters (As You Walk On By) share stories about teens finding love – and themselves in the process. Kelly Quindlen, author of Late to the Party and She Drives Me Crazy, moderates the conversation.
Sunday Young Adult Stage
Oh, The Horror! Thrills And Chills
Sunday, May 5th, 10am-10:45am
Located at The Chapel on Sycamore at 318 Sycamore Street
Authors Desiree Evans (The Black Girl Survives in This One), Samantha Mabry (Clever Creatures of the Night), and Trang Thanh Tran (She Is a Haunting) are ready to discuss all things horror in this panel you won’t want to miss! With books filled with strong, courageous young women battling for survival against monsters, both human and supernatural, these authors will give you serious chills. This conversation will be moderated by middle grade and YA author Karen Strong (Eden’s Everdark and Cool. Awkward. Black.)
This Book Won’t Burn with Samira Ahmed
Sunday, May 5th, 11:00am-11:45am
Located at The Chapel on Sycamore at 318 Sycamore Street
This is fact, not fiction: book challenges are happening everywhere in our country. In conversation with writer and activist Kimberly Jones (I’m Not Dying WIth You Tonight and How We Can Win), Samira Ahmed will discuss her timely new book, This Book Won’t Burn, which tackles book banning, censorship, and finding your voice amidst a tense and turbulent political landscape.
Nothing Is But What Is Not: Speculative YA Fiction
Sunday, May 5th, 12pm-12:45pm
Located at The Chapel on Sycamore at 318 Sycamore Street
An enchanting storyteller who shifts between wise old man and jaguar, a town that is literally drained of all its mesmerizing colors, one boy on the move and another who can’t remember his past. Something strange is happening in each of these works of speculative fiction. Join Aisha Saeed (Forty Words for Love), Mark Oshiro (Into the Light), and Alexandra V. Mendez (What the Jaguar Told Her) as they tease out the magic and mystery of each of these stories. This conversation will be moderated by debut author Jill Tew, whose upcoming YA novel, The Dividing Sky, is a dystopian romance to add to your TBR pile!
Gonna Die in This Small Town
Sunday, May 5th, 1pm-1:45pm
Located at The Chapel on Sycamore at 318 Sycamore Street
Mount Orange; Rochester; Calico Springs. A double-murder; a disappearance; a deadly game. Something is trapping Tru, Jo-Lynn, and Willie in each of their small towns. Meredith Adamo (Not Like Other Girls), Samuel Miller (Dark Parts of the Universe), and Ginny Myers Sain (One Last Breath) explore the darker side of life in a small town. In the end…will their towns keep them there forever? This conversation will be moderated by everyone’s favorite YA author and Little Shop BFF, Julian Winters (As You Walk on By and Right Where I Left You).
O, When She’s Angry
Sunday, May 5th, 2pm-2:45pm
Located at The Chapel on Sycamore at 318 Sycamore Street
…she is keen and shrewd. Rachael Allen (Harley Quinn: Redemption), Joan He (Sound the Gong), and Zoe Hana Mikuta (Off With Their Heads) serve up some serious anti-heroines in these tales of secrets, betrayals, and revenge. Author Gilly Segal (Captain Marvel: Shadow Code) will moderate this conversation!
Letters of Enchantment with Rebecca Ross
Sunday, May 5th, 3pm-3:45pm
Located at The Chapel on Sycamore at 318 Sycamore Street
A story of two rival journalists finding love amidst a magical war, the New York Times bestselling Letters of Enchantment duology will have you reading well into the night! Join us as we close out our inaugural year at the Young Adult stage with Atlanta native and YA phenom Rebecca Ross. Be prepared to swoon!
This event is free to attend but registration is required. Register for Letters of Enchantment.