Meet the World’s Best Children’s and YA Authors in Gaithersburg

No exaggeration, no hyperbole: This is one of the greatest lineups of children’s and teen authors you’ll ever find in one place on one day!

Think about it: Jon Scieszka, legend and former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature,  is actually going to be speaking twice!  First, he’ll be joining superstar Mac Barnett in our Picture Book Fun panel.  And then he’ll do a solo slot in the afternoon, where he’ll talk about his middle-grade work and his Guys Read initiative.

You’ll meet Maggie Stiefvater, one of today’s most popular authors of teen/YA fantasy novels, and winner of the prestigious Printz Honor.

We’ve told you about Walter Dean Myers, beloved author of more than 100 books for children and teens, and current National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature.  But did you know, his son, Caldecott Medal winning author and illustrator, Christopher Myers, will also be joining us? 

You’ll meet Sheila Turnage, whose middle-grade book “Three Times Lucky” just earned a Newbery Honor.

Fred Bowen, best known for the Kids Post sports column, and Tommy Greenwald, the author of the hilarious Charlie Joe Jackson series, will be teaming up for our Books Boys Love panel.

Your kids will be excited to meet Katy Kelly, author of the popular Lucy Rose and Melonhead series.

For the real young ones, you don’t want to miss Mary Quattlebaum, who is well-known to dress up as one of her pirate characters and be endlessly entertaining!

Chris Healy is an up-and-coming author of middle-grade fantasy books, such as “The Hero’s Guide to Storming the Castle.”  These books are getting great reviews.  He’s one you’ll want your kids to discover.

Young adult novelist Adele Griffin is a two-time finalist for the National Book Award.  She’ll be starting in our Books Girls Love panel with Courtney Sheinmel.

Not only are Julia Devillers and Jennifer Roy a couple of terrific authors for middle-grade and teens; they’re twins! Don’t miss their Double Feature: Twin Authors for Teens and Tweens panel.

Dave Roman is the author and illustrator of graphic novels for young kids.  He’ll be talking about his book, “Astronaut Academy.”

And fans of YA Fantasy absolutely need to meet rising stars Ellen Oh and Jessica Spotswood, part of our YA Fantasy panel.

Bottom line: Bring the kids, and their friends to the GBF on May 18th.  This is a lineup you just can’t miss.