Lea Redmond, Sabrina & Eunice Moyle, Nikki Shannon Smith, introduction by Bri Reads
Saturday, May 4 -
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Berkeley Public Library - Children's Nonfiction Area
This is exactly what your little ones want when they say “read me a story.” Delightful, beautifully illustrated board books, perfect for the youngest kids who love to be read to, bring to life the wonder and mystery of mommy’s pregnant belly, our wondrous solar system, the hilarious deliciousness of bananas, and a little girl’s day filled with love. With
Isabel Quintero (
Mama’s Panza), Lea Redmond (
Our Friend Earth), bestselling sisterly duo
Sabrina and Eunice Moyle (
A Seed Will Grow) and
Nikki Shannon Smith (
Love is All Around: A Brown Baby Parade Book).
Book signing information: Eastwind, 2nd floor
Grant Faulkner
Saturday, May 4 -
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Berkeley Public Library - Teen Room
As the director of the hugely popular worldwide phenomenon National Novel Writing Month,
Grant Faulkner knows a thing or two about making creative writing irresistible and accessible for aspiring writers of all ages—including the 100,000 youth served each year by NaNoWriMo’s Young Writers Program. This special workshop for tweens and teens, led by Grant, will focus on Flash Fiction: short prose pieces that pack a punch. Young writers will read inspiring examples in the genre, create and receive feedback on their own individual flash fiction pieces, and get inspired by one another’s creativity.
Hannah Moushabeck in conversation with Daniel José Older
Saturday, May 4 -
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Berkeley Public Library - Community Meeting Room
A brilliant Palestinian-American writer shares an enchanting picture book infused with the sights, sounds, traditions, and stories of her family’s ancestral home. In
Hannah Moushabeck’s
Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine, three young girls eagerly hear bedtime stories from their father about a beautiful land he knows well, but they have never seen: This talk will take us to a place of imagination and understanding that transcends borders.
Book signing information: Eastwind, 2nd floor
Deborah Hopkinson, Yamile Saied Méndez, Marissa Moss, moderated by Cinnamongirl Serena G and Cinnamongirl Taylor Sky
Saturday, May 4 -
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Berkeley Public Library - 5th floor Art and Music
So many books you won’t know where to start—and that’s a good problem to have, both for these prolific authors and their eager readers! Featuring the award-winning
Deborah Hopkinson, author of
Trim Saves the Day and sixty-nine other books for young readers;
Yamile Saied Méndez (author of
On These Magic Shores), and
Marissa Moss, who’s written over seventy books for children that include the popular
Amelia’s Notebook series and her latest, the nonfiction work
Spying on Spies: How Elizebeth Smith Friedman Broke the Nazis' Secret Codes. Moderated by festival MVPs from Cinnamongirl Inc, Serena G and Taylor Sky.
Book signing information: Books Inc, 2nd floor
Nikki Grimes in conversation with Mychal Threets
Saturday, May 4 -
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Berkeley Public Library - Mystery Room
Get ready for the powerhouse super-duo of Grimes and Threets. This exciting session brings together New York Times bestselling author and poet
Nikki Grimes (
A Walk in the Woods), who was inducted into the Black Authors Hall of Fame in 2023 and has won multiple awards, including the Children’s Literature Legacy Medal; and
Mychal Threets, who’s been profiled by the
Washington Post and
The New York Times for his infectious and delightfully “weird” social media content spreading “library joy” to thousands. This is sure to be a lively and laughter-filled conversation that’ll get your kids (and you!) even more excited about libraries, reading, and the magic of books.
Book signing information: Books Inc, 2nd floor
Michael Genhart, Mónica Mancillas, Joe Cepeda, MC'd by Bri Reads
Saturday, May 4 -
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Berkeley Public Library - Children's Nonfiction Area
Joe Cepeda (Best Worst Camp Out Ever and
Rafa Counts on Papa) an award-winning illustrator of more than thirty books for children;
Monica Mancillas (
How to Speak in Spanglish); and
Michael Genhart (
Spanish is the Language of My Family) come together to share Latinx-centered stories from the heart: the ideal experience to share with your little ones. MC'd by Bri Reads!
Book signing information: Eastwind, 2nd floor
Carina Ho, Hadley Davis, Malik Sickstein & Paige Mason, Margaret Chiu Greanias, MC by Cinnamongirl Laila and Cinnamongirl Serena P
Saturday, May 4 -
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Berkeley Public Library - Story Room
Joyful, unapologetic self-expression is the name of the game for this storytime session.
Carina Ho (
Mighty Mara) gives us a dauntless little girl determined to dance despite her disability and her classmates’ skepticism;
Hadley Davis introduces athe first figure staker to complete internationally in a hijab with
Not Yet;
Malik Sickstein and Paige Mason rock the house with
I Grab the Mic, the first in a picture book series featuring kids overcoming challenging scenarios and building confidence, all written through the lyrical hip-hop inspired verse; and
Margaret Chiu Greanias (
Hooked on Books) takes us to the deep blue sea, where a bookworm fish just wants a quiet place to read and be herself. You’ll love the message of this storytime, MCd by the talented young women of Cinnamongirl, Inc, Laila and Serena P!
Book signing information: Eastwind, 2nd floor
Mason Deaver, Abigail Hing Wen, Kalyn Josephson, moderated by Sharon Levin
Saturday, May 4 -
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Berkeley Public Library - Teen Room
Love is in the air, whether it's in our world or a fantastical one, with unforgettable characters and love stories from celebrated novelists. In
Mason Deaver’s
Okay, is the story of a cupid who thinks they know everything about love... until they fall in love themselves.. In
Abigail Hing Wen’s
Loveboat Forever, a sequel to her
New York Times bestselling, movie-adapted debut
Loveboat, Taipei, takes us on a whirlwind romantic adventure featuring young music prodigy Pearl Wong.
Kalyn Josephson's newest YA Fantasy
This Dark Descent includes magic, power struggles, and of course romance, with the backdrop of a treacherous horse race. Moderated by
Sharon Levin, founder of the Bay Area Children’s Literature List, this is sure to be an entrancing panel.
Book signing information: Books Inc, 2nd floor
Eunice Moyle, Shawn Harris, C.G. Esperanza, MC by Librarian Catherine
Saturday, May 4 -
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Berkeley Public Library - 5th floor Art and Music
If a picture’s worth a thousand words, is a whole book of pictures that tell a story worth a million? Here to show us the magic narrative power of the visual medium are
Eunice Moyle (
Captain Marvel Soars), who’s illustrated 28 books with her writer sister, Sabrina, that have gone on to sell over 1.3 million copies;
Shawn Harris, Caldecott Honor-winning author and illustrator (
Teeny Weeny Unicorn), and
C.G. Esperanza (My Daddy is a Cowboy).
Book signing information: Books Inc, 2nd floor
Sonya Renee Taylor, moderated by Cinnamongirl Kailynn and Cinnamongirl Symone
Saturday, May 4 -
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Berkeley Public Library - Mystery Room
An empowering conversation with one of the world’s most inspirational activists and thought leaders writing and speaking today. You’ll want to bring your daughters, sons, their friends, and
your friends to hear the radically powerful message of
Sonya Renee Taylor, revolutionary founder of
The Body Is Not an Apology, a global digital media and education company exploring the intersections of identity, healing, and social justice through the framework of radical self-love. The author of the bestselling book by the same name and six more, Taylor will be in conversation with the extraordinary young women of Cinnamongirl Inc, Kailynn and Symone.
Book signing information: Eastwind, 2nd floor
Sponsored by Black Teacher Project
Sophie Diao, Ying Compestine, Dr. Amita Roy Shah, Anna Wong, MC by Librarian Armin
Saturday, May 4 -
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Berkeley Public Library - Children's Nonfiction Area
Did you know that May is Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month? Celebrate the richness and diversity of AANHPI culture, history, talent, and tradition with dazzling illustrator
Sophie Diao (
We Are Golden: 27 Groundbreakers Who Changed the World); international authority on Asian cuisine
Ying Chang Compestine (Growing Up under a red Flag); Dr. Amita R. Shah (
Shanti & The Knot of Protection: A Rakhi Story);
Anna Wong (
Doubly Happy: ABCs for ABCs); and illustrator
Carl Angel (
Pedro's Yo-Yos: How a Filipino Immigrant Came to America and Changed the World of Toys, with Rob Peñas). Featuring a fun interactive activity for the kids!
Book signing information: Eastwind, 2nd floor
Sponsored by SACHI
Tiffany Yap, Alan Barillaro, Nikki McClure, moderated by Artist and Library person Coley
Saturday, May 4 -
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM
Berkeley Public Library - Story Room
Our kids are inheriting the earth, and it’s never too soon to start cultivating their appreciation, protectiveness, and love for the wild places and creatures that make it so magical. This dazzling session brings together Academy Award winning director and Pixar animator
Alan Barillaro (known for the Oscar-winning short animated film
Piper, about a hungry baby sandpiper learning to overcome her fear of water),
Tiffany Yap (author of the graphic novel
Tales of the Urban Wild: A Puma’s Journey), and
Nikki McClure, who illustrated a stunning picture book version of environmental pioneer Rachel Carson’s ode to clouds,
Something About the Sky.
Book signing information: Eastwind, 2nd floor
Pedro Martín, Nidhi Chanani, Jason Shiga, moderated by Elaine Tai
Saturday, May 4 -
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM
Berkeley Public Library - Community Meeting Room
Get a bird’s-eye view into the creativity, imagination, and process of some of the most acclaimed authors working in the hottest and fastest-growing literary genre today: the graphic novel/memoir. Since 2019, sales of graphic novels have jumped over 100%, and they’re an especially infectious way to introduce kids of all ages to the joy of reading and art.
Pedro Martín (
Mexikid),
Nidhi Chanani (
Super Boba Cafe), and
Jason Shiga (
the Adventuregame Series) are all brilliant creators of graphic novels/memoirs for middle-grade readers, and they’re here to share the magic. Moderated by
Elaine Tai, librarian and author of
Yes Means Yes: A Kid's Book about Consent, Boundaries, & Listening to Your Body.
Book signing information: Books Inc, 2nd floor
Sponsored by SACHI
LudoSport
Saturday, May 4 -
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Berkeley Public Library - Teen Room
Ever wish you could wield a lightsaber? Come see a sparring demonstration, and learn more about lightsaber combat competitions – because what's May the 4th without lightsabers? Plus there may be some [mock] lightsabers available for participants to try out responsibly. Since 2016, LudoSport San Francisco has offered classes in a supportive environment where students learn to have fun scoring points against their opponent. Founded in Italy in 2006, there is a global community of LudoSport athletes around the world.
Roxanne Chester, Booki Vivat, Robert Liu-Trujillo, DeMareon Gipson
Saturday, May 4 -
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Berkeley Public Library - 5th floor Art and Music
At a time when there’s so much separation and division in the world, a strong sense of community is more important than ever for kids’---and everyone’s—capacity to thrive and grow. These authors each take their own unique approach to telling the story of community.
Roxanne Chester’s
This is My Bag: A Story of the Unhoused shows us the realities of a diverse range of people living without shelter.
Booki Vivat’s
Meet Me on Mercer Street is a hilarious yet deeply perceptive portrait of a changing neighborhood. In
Robert Liu-Trujillo’s
Fresh Juice, a father-son grocery errand takes them all over their community: to downtown, the farmers’ market, the food co-op, and the West African grocery. And
DeMareon Gipson’s
Annalise’s Cough helps kids understand the impact of environmental racism. Come be part of something genuine, inclusive, and community-building.
Book signing information: Books Inc, 2nd floor
Vicky Fang, Tim McCanna, Deborah Hopkinson, Jen de Oliveira, moderated by Artist and Library person Coley
Saturday, May 4 -
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM
Berkeley Public Library - Story Room
If your little one is just starting to learn the basics of reading, this session will help make it even more fun, immersive, and irresistible.
Vicky Fang’s
Alphabot explores a simple A to Z roundup of robotics terms that’s a blast for beginners.
Deborah Hopkinson's
Trim Sets Sail follows a new ship cat on his adventures. Tim
McCanna’s
Peach and Plum: Double Trouble! is a hilarious rhyming graphic novel for early readers. And
Jen de Oliveira’s
Reggie: Penguin in Charge will delight beginning readers with boisterous illustrations and spunky kid penguin protagonist.
Book signing information: Eastwind, 2nd floor
Aida Salazar, Nikki Grimes, Mason Deaver, Dashka Slater, moderated by Mychal Threets
Saturday, May 4 -
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Berkeley Public Library - Mystery Room
From 2021 to 2023, PEN America’s Index of School Book Bans recorded 5,894 instances of book bans across 41 states and 247 public school districts. The bans show no sign of slowing down, and they’re disproportionately aimed at authors of color, LGBTQ+ authors, and women. Books about racism, sexuality, gender, and history are under particular attack. This conversation between some of today’s leading authors of books for young people—many of which tackle the subjects most often targeted for censorship—will examine how the issue impacts kids today and how we fight back. With
Aida Salazar (
Ultraviolet),
Nikki Grimes (
A Walk in the Woods),
Mason Deaver (
I Wish You All the Best) and
Dashka Slater (
Accountable). Moderated by celebrated public librarian and library advocate
Mychal Threets.
Book signing information: Books Inc, 2nd floor
Stephanie Seales, C.G. Esperanza, Seina Wedlick, Mc'd by Cinnamongirl Aden and Cinnamongirl Kamiyah
Saturday, May 4 -
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM
Berkeley Public Library - Children's Nonfiction Area
From boogying in the Bronx to riding horseback down the early morning streets, from visiting the moon and talking to the stars to choosing the perfect baby name and fighting for civil rights: these powerful expressions of Black joy, strength, and beauty are unforgettably brought to life in picture books by
C.G. Esperanza (
Boogie Boogie, Y'all and
My Daddy is a Cowboy),
Stephanie Seales (
My Daddy Is a Cowboy), and
Seina Wedlick (
Naming Ceremony). Mc'd by the fantastic young women of Cinnamongirl, Inc, Aden and Kamiyah.
Book signing information: Eastwind, 2nd floor
Robert Liu-Trujillo, Ying Compestine, Meera Sriram, MC'd by Librarian Catherine
Saturday, May 4 -
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Berkeley Public Library - Community Meeting Room
What more delicious and kid-friendly way to learn about culture and fellowship than through food? Three authors and foodies explore the intersections between food, fun, and belonging:
Robert Liu-Trujillo (author of the gorgeously wholesome picture book
Fresh Juice), leading national authority on Asian cuisine
Ying Compenstine (whose latest picture book,
Ra Pu Zel and the Stinky Tofu, is a feminist Chinese-cuisine take on Rapunzel), and
Meera Sriram, author of the highly acclaimed
A Garden in My Hands and
The Spice Box. This session will tickle your little ones’ ribs and warm their hearts.
Book signing information: Eastwind, 2nd floor
Sponsored by SACHI
Aya de León, Grace K. Shim, Dale Walls, moderated by Archaa Shrivastav
Saturday, May 4 -
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Berkeley Public Library - Teen Room
Love, family, suspense, glamor and female friendship abound in the work of these authors, all of whom explore the inner and outer worlds of girls with sensitivity, humor, and their own unforgettable voices. In
Aya de León’s Untraceable, the gripping prequel to her
Undercover Latina , a young plus-size Black teen goes on the run with her mom and learns that her parents are spies.
Grace K. Shim grew up as one of only two Korean students at school in her small Oklahoma town, and now she writes about the Korean girl protagonists she wishes she’d been exposed to as a kid. Like Riley Jo in
Not Your Average Jo, a Korean American teenager from Arkansas, attends a prestigious boarding school in Los Angeles to pursue her indie rock dreams. And
Dale Wells' The Queer Girl is Going to Be Okay, a
Publishers Weekly best book of 2023, is a touching and joyous story of queer friendship and girlhood set in Houston. Moderated by diverse children's literature expert and award-winning author
Archaa Shriastav .
Book signing information: Books Inc, 2nd floor
Jane Kuo, Mae Respicio, Kate O'Shaughnessy, Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, Yamile Saied Méndez, moderated by Anna Gabriella Casalme
Saturday, May 4 -
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Berkeley Public Library - 5th floor Art and Music
Home is a complex thing: sometimes it’s a physical space, sometimes a concept, sometimes a feeling, sometimes a person. And sometimes a blend of all these and more. These novelists explore the multiple meanings of home with poignancy and vividness.
Jane Kuo (
Land of Broken Promises) tells the story of Taiwanese immigrant Anna, whose family make a shocking discovery that puts their American dreams at risk. In
Mae Respicio’s middle grade novel
Isabel in Bloom, a girl discovers a connection between her home in the Philippines and her new home in the U.S. through a special garden.
Kate O'Shaughnessy’s
The Wrong Way Home tells the tale of a girl adjusting to the outside world after fleeing an “off the grid community” with her mother.
Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic’s
Hummingbird Season is a moving and necessary story about finding hope during difficult times, set in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. And
Yamile Saied Méndez’
On These Magic Shores features twelve-year-old Minerva Soledad who is determined to reach her goals, despite shouldering more responsibility than the other kids at school--like caring for her two sisters while her mom works two jobs. But one night, Minerva's mom doesn't come home, and Minerva has to figure out what to do.
Book signing information: Books Inc, 2nd floor
Ashley Benham-Yazdani, Helen Taylor, Kerry Aradhya, moderated by Library staff Micaela Clark
Saturday, May 4 -
2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
Berkeley Public Library - Story Room
We all know science is real. It’s also—surprise, surprise—fun and fascinating! This storytime brings the wonders and applications of science gloriously alive for young readers, featuring Ashley Benham-Yazdani (
Cosmic Wonder: Halley’s Comet and Humankind), Helen Taylor (
How to Eat in Space) and Kerry Aradhya (
Erno Rubik and His Magic Cube).
Book signing information: Eastwind, 2nd floor
Charlotte Cheng, J.P. Takahashi, JaNay Brown-Wood, PhD, Rev Valdez, Donna Lambo-Weidner, MC by Librarian Erica
Saturday, May 4 -
2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
Berkeley Public Library - Children's Nonfiction Area
Dragons, demons, bullies, curses, and…puppies, oh my. These picture-book authors and illustrators will tell spellbinding tales of the “monsters” among us—some of which aren’t so scary after all—and the love, courage, and cuddles that help us all pull through. With
Charlotte Cheng (
Roar-Choo!),
JaNay Brown-Wood, PhD (
Mahogany: A Little Red Riding Hood Tale),
J.P. Takahashi (
Tokyo Night Parade),
Rev Valdez (
Bunso Meets a Mumu), and
Donna Gwinnell Lambo-Weidner (
There Are No Dragons in This Book).
Book signing information: Eastwind, 2nd floor
Lori Sugarman-Li, Seina Wedlick, Michael Genhart, Hannah Moushabeck, MC by Librarian Jacob
Saturday, May 4 -
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
Berkeley Public Library - Community Meeting Room
Family is forever, and three picture-book authors show us exactly why and how, with heartwarming stories centered on the familial love and bonding to be found in everything from chores to spelling bees to bedtime stories. With
Lori Sugarman-Li (
Our Home: The Love, Work, and Heart of Family),
Michael Genhart (
Spanish Is the Language of My Family),
Hannah Moushabeck (
Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine) and
Seina Wedlick (
Naming Ceremony).
Book signing information: Eastwind, 2nd floor
Stephen Bramucci, Byron Graves, Pedro Martín, Aida Salazar, moderated by Peter Limata
Saturday, May 4 -
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
Berkeley Public Library - Teen Room
It’s never too early to encourage and nurture our boys to get in touch with and express their emotions in constructive, effective ways. Art and creativity are wonderful tools to access, model, and talk about emotions in a way that makes kids feel understood, seen, and heard. This session brings together authors
Stephen Bramucci (whose
Race for the Ruby Turtle is an adventure story that speaks to kids struggling with ADHD),
Byron Graves (whose award-winning
Rez Ball presents a deeply personal look at grief), Pedro Martin (author of the acclaimed graphic memoir
Mexikid), and
Aida Salazar (whose latest novel
Ultraviolet calls to mind Judy Blume crossed with Jason Reynolds). Each of these authors’ books features boy protagonists grappling with emotions any young reader can relate to. Moderated by beloved Oakland second-grade teacher and master storyteller
Peter Limata.
Book signing information: Books Inc, 2nd floor
Kalyn Josephson, Lisa Moore Ramee, Misa Sugiura, Kamilla Benko, moderated by Cinnamongirl Kamryn and Cinnamongirl Rosie
Saturday, May 4 -
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
Berkeley Public Library - 5th floor Art and Music
Fire up your middle graders’ imaginations with an enchanting session full of fantasy, intrigue, and the beauty of invented worlds. Featuring
Kalyn Josephson (author of
This Dark Descent, about a family that breeds enchanted horses),
Lisa Moore Ramee (author of the middle grade fantasy
Map Maker),
Misa Siguira (
Momo Arashima Breaks the Mirror of the Sun, the latest installment in a series filled with the gods and monsters of Shinto mythology), and
Kamilla Benko (
The Unicorn Legacy: Tangled Magic). Moderated by the talented young Cinnamongirls Kamryn and Rosie.
Book signing information: Books Inc, 2nd floor
Traci Chee, Darcie Little Badger, Sarah Lariviere, Brittany N. Williams, Sandra Proudman, moderated by Laura Gao
Saturday, May 4 -
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
Berkeley Public Library - Mystery Room
Sometimes, the darkness can illuminate the imagination—especially in these beautifully wrought novels for teen readers.
New York Times bestselling author
Traci Chee’s gut-wrenching fantasy
Kindling tells the tale of postwar “kindlings,” a corps of elite, magic-wielding warriors whose devastating power comes at the cost of their own young lives.
Darcie Little Badger’s
A Snake Falls to Earth, longlisted for the National Book Award and winner of the Newbery Award, is a breathtaking saga of Indigenous futurism that draws from the author’s knowledge of Lipan Apache storytelling.
Sarah Lariviere’s
Riot Act is an alternate history set in 1991 in which theatre kids fight for freedom of expression, while
Brittany N. Williams (
That Self-Same Metal) melds the world of fae with the grit and excitement of Shakespeare’s London acting troupe; and
Sandra Proudman’s anthology
Relit, featuring sixteen award-winning and bestselling YA authors, reimagines classic tales through fantasy and science fiction, anchored by a Latinx point of view. Moderated by Laura Gao.
Book signing information: Books Inc, 2nd floor
Megan McDonald, Shawn Harris, Mac Barnett, Nidhi Chanani, MCd by Librarian Erica
Saturday, May 4 -
3:30 PM - 4:15 PM
Berkeley Public Library - Children's Nonfiction Area
If your little ones love animals (and who doesn’t?), you can’t miss this storytelling session featuring some of the funniest, cutest, cleverest animal-centric picture books around that’ll have your kids entranced. With
Megan Mcdonald (
Bunny and Clyde, about a rabbit and chipmunk duo who walk on the wild side),
Shawn Harris (
The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn),
Mac Barnett (
The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza, in collaboration with Shawn Harris), and
Nidhi Chanani (author of the early-reader graphic novel series
Shark Princess).
Book signing information: Eastwind, 2nd floor
Sponsored by SACHI
storytime band
Saturday, May 4 -
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Berkeley Public Library - Community Meeting Room
At this special Musical Story Time session there will be exciting live music, lively movement activities, and entertaining participatory books read aloud that will engage children and their caregivers!
Saturday, May 4 -
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Berkeley Public Library - Teen Room
Cinnamongirl Inc’s Write Your Story program began in 2020 to amplify the voices of Black and Brown girls through writing, inspired in part by the African proverb, “Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter.” In recent years, words like representation, validation, and authentic storytelling have become so mainstream they threaten to lose their meaning before we’ve even begun to understand their power. Perhaps it is because the idea sounds so simple and achievable on paper: If we only hear one (usually the most dominant and powerful) person’s story over and over again for hundreds of years, everyone else will believe they don’t exist. Until – almost like a spell being broken – we start listening to those who have been silenced and suddenly that representation, validation, and authenticity show those people that, yes, they do exist, and they exist in complicated, beautiful, mundane, and devastating ways. This panel of young writers from Write Your Story will explore finding and staying true to your voice, overcoming your internal critic, writing as a form of empowerment, and the delight and liberation found in sharing your own unique story.
Presented by Cinnamongirl, Inc.
Mónica Mancillas, Marissa Moss, Kekla Magoon, Nicole Chen, moderated by Librarian Yesica Hurd
Saturday, May 4 -
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Berkeley Public Library - 5th floor Art and Music
These exciting novels about middle school go beyond the classroom, exploring kids’ talents, fears, strengths, home lives, and dreams.
Mónica Mancillas’ Salva (
Sing it Like Celia) finds a sense of belonging and closeness through her love of “salsa queen” Celia Cruz. In
Marissa Moss’
Talia’s Codebook for Mathletes, a sixth grader navigates a passion for math and a friendship that’s changing unexpectedly.
Kekla Magoon’s
The Blue Stars Series, Mission One: The Vice-Principal Problem introduces Riley and Maya, who move to Urbanopolis to live with their activist grandma. They join student council, but their school culture is threatened by an influential foe larger than the school. And
Nicole Chen’s
Lily Xiao Speaks Out follows a grunge-loving Taiwanese American tween who must use her voice to fight for ESL support at her school. Moderated by librarian Yesica Hurd.
Book signing information: Books Inc, 2nd floor
Daniel José Older in conversation with Thien Pham
Saturday, May 4 -
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Berkeley Public Library - Mystery Room
What is it like to be part of the Star Wars universe? How much pressure is it to become part of the cannon? Meet Daniel Jose Older, author of various
Star Wars: the High Republic titles and one of the
Young Jedi Adventures Free Comic Book Day offerings, plus original fantasies like
Shadowshaper and the
Outlaw Saints series. He'll be in conversation with graphic novelist Thien Pham (
Family Style) to talk about
Star Wars, comics, writing, and more - an amazing way to cap off Free Comic Book Day!
Book signing information: Books Inc, 2nd floor
