2025 Schedule
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Map of Events

Busy Bookworm Place

Sponsored by KidsOutAndAbout.com

Book-themed crafts for younger children all day here!

Presentation Place

Sponsored by Wegmans

Learn about so many aspects of how a book becomes a book here. Writing, illustration, research, imagination, revision. We’ve got it all at Presentation Place.

  • 10:30-10:50am
    G. G. McQueen

    G. G. McQueen will regale attendees with the BIG MAGIC of how she got the idea for Squash and Pumpkin: #SquashGoals and show them the notebook pages where she captured all her initial thoughts for the book using the 8-minute story exercise from Viki King's How to Write a Movie in 21 Days. We'll read #SquashGoals and circle back to those initial notes to see how much ended up in the book. What story questions did I answer in those notes? We'll try to do the 8-minute exercise in half the time and we'll find once you start, you can keep going! G. G. will provide prompts in case kids need a jumping off point.

    Recommended for all ages. Age 7+ for story writing exercise, Age 6 and under with the help of a grown-up. You don't need to be able to write, you can quietly record a voice memo!

  • 10:55-11:15am
    Heidi Stemple

    Authors are super heroes! So, you know they all have an origin story. Her entire life, Heidi EY Stemple heard her mom, author Jane Yolen, tell the story of her 1st grade play. She waited patiently for Jane to write the story. But, she never did... (Spoiler alert--Heidi went ahead and wrote it.) Heidi talks about the beginnings of a writing career that led to 450+ books!

  • 11:20-11:40am
    Kathleen Blasi

    Kathy Blasi will discuss how we can all tap into our "inner writer." Using her personal experience and the power of connection, she will show that everyone has a special authenticity that lends itself to story-telling.

    Recommended for ages 5-9.

  • 11:45am-12:05pm
    Andrea Page

    Come learn about the life of Wilma Mankiller—activist, community builder, and first woman elected as principal chief of the Cherokee Nation. Wilma's wisdom, words, and fun facts to brighten your day!

  • 12:10-12:30pm
    London Ladd

    This presentation will provide various examples of how research and photo references enhance the depth and understanding of a story. By exploring diverse sources of information, illustrators can enrich their narratives, making them more compelling and meaningful for readers.

  • 12:35-12:55pm
    Jeanmarie Courtney

    Do you know that special African giant pouched rats work at APOPO using scent detection technologies? Come learn about what is in those rat-sized backpacks and how these animals are working with people to make a difference in the world.

    Recommended for ages 8-12.

  • 1:00-1:20pm
    Yuko Jones

    Join author-illustrator Yuko Jones for a fun and creative workshop designed for elementary school students (ideal for grades 2–5). Young storytellers will explore how to turn short stories into four-panel illustrations, learning how pictures can show emotion, action, and story in different ways. Through examples, kids will practice capturing key story moments with their own unique style. No drawing experience needed, just imagination and a pencil!

  • 1:25-1:45pm
    Judy Bradbury, Kevin Kurtz, and Brian Yanish

    Like science? Mysteries? Makerspaces? This is the place for you! Join authors Judy Bradbury, Kevin Kurtz, and Brian Yanish as they talk about how things they enjoy doing helped them write their books. Discover how you can turn your own likes to your advantage in choosing books to read or writing your own stories.

    Recommended for ages 7-10, independent readers coming into their own.

  • 1:50-2:10pm
    Bruce Coville

    This presentation begins with an "annotated storytelling" where Bruce Coville will tell the first two chapters of THE MONSTER'S RING while explaining the how and why the story is constructed the way it is. This will be followed by some concrete tips on writing fantasy for young readers.

    Recommended for ages 8 and up.

  • 2:15-2:35pm
    Doogie Horner

    A multimedia presentation that shows, step-by-step, how the author writes and draws a graphic novel, plus clear demonstrations of the five most important elements of visual storytelling—elements that kids can use to create their own comics!

    Recommended for kids grades 3-6, but suitable for all ages, including adults.

  • 2:40-3:00pm
    Sally Valentine

    Audience members will contribute as they join poet Sally Valentine in writing a group poem. Then we’ll work on individual poems.

    Recommended for elementary school ages.

  • 3:05-3:25pm
    Rose O'Keefe

    Let author Rose O'Keefe introduce you to Frederick and Anna Douglass, from their early days in rural Maryland, to Baltimore, Massachusetts, and Rochester. Get a glimpse of their life with five children, all active on the Underground Railroad.

The Mall

Sponsored by Monroe Community College

Come talk to your favorite authors and illustrators here. And while you’re at it, buy a book or two and get it signed.

Read to Me Corner

Sponsored by WXXI

In the morning, hear authors read stories for our younger visitors here. In the afternoon, this space hosts workshops, special presentations, and theater groups.

10:45am Jessica and Christopher Ottnod

11:05am Elizabeth Zunon

11:25am John Parra

11:45am Ellen Stoll Walsh

12:05pm Tracey Baptiste

12:25pm Matt Phelan

12:45pm Arlene Schenker

1:05pm Michelle Knudsen

1:25pm Cat Min

1:45pm Peggy Thomas

2:05pm Will Hubbell

2:25pm Robin Flanigan

2:45pm Nikki Grimes

3:05pm Stages Theater Group

The Teen Scene

Sponsored by FFRPL

Our newest space dedicated to all things teen and tween. Attend panels and presentations featuring your favorite authors, join illustrators at drawing workshops, take time to do a craft or two and help us with our graffiti wall. A space for tweens and teens to read, relax, eat, and socialize.

    • Station 1 – Make a beaded bracelet, phone charm, or key chain to keep, share, or trade.

    • Station 2 – Design a bookmark to keep your place during those moments when life interrupts your reading.

    • Station 3 – Create a manga, manhwa, manhua, or graphic novel page.

    • Station 4 – Workout your book brain with word games.

    • Station 5 – Post it! Share your doodles, book recommendations, favorite quotes, and memorable lines on our graffiti wall.

    • Station 6 – Selfie Station - Grab a prop! Snap a selfie! Tag us on social media!

Conversation Station at the Teen Scene

  • 10:35-11:15am
    Saadia Faruqi, Torrey Maldonado, and Kate Messner

    Authors Saadia Faruqi ,Torrey Maldonado, and Kate Messner discuss books about overcoming life’s obstacles. Panel discussion and Q&A.

  • 11:20-11:40am
    Kory Merritt

    Join graphic novelist Kory Merritt for a drawing workshop about tools (traditional and digital), trying new things, and developing your own drawing style.

  • 11:45am-12:25pm
    Julie Berry, Katherine Harbour, Vivian Vande Velde

    Authors Julie Berry, Katherine Harbour and Vivian Vande Velde talk fantasy. Panel discussion and Q&A.

  • 12:30-12:50pm
    Nilah Magruder

    Join Nilah Magruder as she talks about the process of making Creaky Acres, a middle-grade graphic novel. Nilah will show the various steps of the art process and talk about making comics, with a brief Q&A at the end. Best for ages 8-14.

  • 12:55-1:35pm
    Carolyn Mackler, Dee Romito, and Jackie Yeager

    Carolyn Mackler, Dee Romito, and Jackie Yeager discuss books about family and friendships. Panel discussion and Q&A.

  • 1:40-2:00pm
    Brian Young

    Brian Young tells the traditional Navajo story of the Hero Twins. Recommended for all ages.

  • 2:05-2:45pm
    Leah Henderson, Keely Hutton, Linda Sue Park

    Leah Henderson, Keely Hutton, and Linda Sue Park talk about using real people, times, and places to inspire fiction. Panel discussion and Q&A.

  • 2:50-3:30pm
    Kate Karyus Quinn, Mackenzie Reed, and Sandi Van

    Kate Karyus Quinn, Mackenzie Reed, and Sandi Van talk mysteries and thrillers. Panel discussion and Q&A.