2023 Festival Schedule

• Environment/Nature
• Literary

Dave Eggers: The Eyes and the Impossible

Dave Eggers and Shawn Harris

Is there anything Dave Eggers can’t do? The multi-talented juggernaut’s latest project—a collaboration with artist Shawn Harris—is an illustrated novel for all ages. You’ll want to make it your next readaloud—no matter your age. All ages. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Green Apple Books, at the venue

Sponsored by Reading Group Choices.

Amerie: You Will Do Great Things

Amerie

Someone, somewhere, must have told Amerie to dream big, because she certainly has—this multi-talented dynamo has made a name for herself in the realms of music performance, songwriting, and book publishing. Inspired by her own family history and family stories, Amerie's debut picture book takes readers on a journey through the imagination, showing children how their identities can give them strength and singularity. This mesmerizing, uplifting reading is the perfect way to kick off your family's book festival weekend! Ages 4–8. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, at the venue

• History & Biography
• Race

Seen and Unseen: New Glimpses of Japanese Incarceration

Elizabeth Partridge in conversation with Maggie Tokuda-Hall

Photographs are a way of documenting the world—but what if they only capture part of the story? Or what if the things they show aren't allowed to be shared? Through stories, artwork, and illustration, Elizabeth Partridge and her illustrator Lauren Tamaki raise important questions about who's allowed to tell what stories, and how; about the ways in which history is shaped and remembered; and about how those in power shape narratives to suit their own ends. Partridge will be in conversation with Maggie Tokuda-Hall, who tells yet another story of Japanese incarceration—this one about her grandparents' courtship in Minidoka. All ages. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, at the venue

• Writing & Publishing

The Art of Brevity: A Flash Fiction Writing Workshop

Kim Culbertson, Grant Faulkner

If you've dreamed of writing fiction but don't know where to start, may we make a suggestion? Start with a (very) short story! Pack your pencils and your creativity—we can't wait to see what you dream up! Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, at the venue

Special All-Day Event: Where’s Waldo? Scavenger Hunt

That tricky Waldo has been hiding in plain sight for more than thirty-five years—now he's in Berkeley and sneaking around our book festival! Can you find him? Search upstairs, downstairs, and behind bookshelves to see if you can spot Waldo in the Berkeley Public Library! Fill out a card with your finds, and you might win a prize! Click here to read more.

Story Time: Imagine That!

Tiffany Golden, Mary Robinette Kowal, Nina LaCour, and Monica Wesolowska

Have you ever wished you could fly or live in outer space? In this story time session all about the power of the imagination, you can! Settle in to hear some great stories—and let your imaginations soar! Ages 3–7. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, at the venue

• Science Fiction & Fantasy

Middle Grade: Cast a Spell

Marti Dumas, Claire Kann, Claribel A. Ortega, and Alexandra Overy, moderated by Cinnamongirl Olivia and Cinnamongirl Serena

This one’s for the potion makers, spellcasters, and broom riders! In this session, a coven of bewitchingly talented authors gather over a bubbling cauldron of stories. Ages 8–13. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, at the venue

• Romance
• Science Fiction & Fantasy

Maurene Goo: Throwback

Maurene Goo, moderated by Cinnamongirl Serena and Anastasia Kim

What would you do if you traveled back in time to the 1990s…and met your mother when she was a teenager? Maurene Goo’s heartfelt exploration of family, identity, and love across the decades is the perfect choice for your next mother-daughter book club! Ages 14+. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Sausalito Books by the Bay, at the venue

• Food
• International

Cooking the Books: A Celebration of Picture Books and Food

Charlotte Cheng, Ying Chang Compestine, Shuli de la Fuente-Lau, Katherine Pryor, and Aliza Sokolow

Come hungry for this appetizing array of story time readings by authors whose new books are all about everyone's favorite topic: food! This mouthwatering, supersized session will also feature cooking demos—stop by any time for a taste (and maybe a tasty tidbit or two), or settle in and enjoy a veritable smorgasbord of great stories! Ages 4–10. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, at the venue

• Native American

Middle Grade: The Magic of Story

Brandon Hobson, Misa Sugiura, and Brian Young, moderated by Cinnamongirl Neve and Cinnamongirl Laila

From breathtaking magic to adrenaline-pumping action, this session will take readers on a heart-pounding excursion through the thrills of adventure and the power of story. Ages 8–12. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, at the venue

With support from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria

• History & Biography

Picturing Lives: Picture Book Biographies

Angela Dalton, Marni Fogelson, Susan B. Katz, and Emma Bland Smith, moderated by Amy Midanik-Blum

At a 2018 NYU symposium specifically devoted to the rise of children's picture book biographies, critic Leonard Marcus called the recent wave of new biographies "a vibrant publishing phenomenon," doing important work to address historical imbalances in representation—all while telling vital, surprising stories! In this session that's appropriate for parents, teachers, and young readers alike, we'll delve into this exciting world of picture book biographies, where early readers can learn about the lives of trailblazing artists and revolutionaries through a marriage of colors, shapes, and prose. All ages. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, at the venue

• International
• Native American
• Race

Story Time: Family and Heritage

Lisa Ferneyhough, Minnie Phan, Sandhya Prabhat, and Meera Sriram

Come one, come all for a cozy picture book story time centered on family relationships and self-discovery! Bring your whole family to meet the creators of these touching tales. Ages 3–8. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, at the venue

With support from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and SACHI

• Horror

YA: Haunts and Horrors

Sara Farizan and Andrea L. Rogers, moderated by Cinnamongirl Bella and Cinnamongirl Mariah

If screams of fear and lurking monsters are right up your (dark and spooky) alley, you’re in luck—this YA session is all about the heebie-jeebies and goosebumps! With plenty of bone-chilling fun to go around, you won’t want to miss this haunted hour! Ages 12+. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Sausalito Books by the Bay, at the venue

With support from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria

• Children & Families

Musical Story Time

Local celebrities (and librarians!), Berkeley Public Library's Story Time Band will entertain the youngest festivalgoers and their grownups with a lively mix of live music, movement, and stories. Ages 2–6. Click here to read more.

Bay Area Children’s Theatre

Join Bay Area Children’s Theatre and internationally beloved “edutainer” Bri Reads for an afternoon of reading, music, and games! Ages 3–8. Click here to read more.

• Romance

YA: Falling for Love

Elise Bryant, Lio Min, Alisha Rai, and Amy Spalding, moderated by Tiffany Golden

Wrap up your book festival day with this celebration of young love, offering the perfect swirl of coming-of-age sweetness and teenage awkwardness with a guaranteed happily-ever-after for all. Get ready to swoon! Ages 12+. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Sausalito Books by the Bay, at the venue

With the support of SACHI

• Mystery, Crime & Thrillers
• Outdoor

Spies, Sleuths, and Secrets: Middle-Grade Mysteries

Katryn Bury, Aya de León, and Hayley LeBlanc, moderated by Cinnamongirl Talia and Cinnamongirl Aden

Undercover missions, jewel thieves and cryptic ransom notes excite your inner sleuth? Join us for a whodunit session of all things detective three authors of new middle-grade mysteries. We’ll talk about their recent releases and meet their fan-favorite characters. Ages 7–12. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, in the park

• Comics & Graphics
• Outdoor
• Science

Science Comics: The Periodic Table

Jon Chad

In the popular Science Comics series, some of the world's most talented cartoonists bring to life the most amazing scientific and engineering topics, from bats to bridges! In the latest (and perhaps most ambitious) volume, Jon Chad's hero must use her knowledge of the periodic table to stop a madman's evil schemes! Then, don your lab coats as the education team from The Lawrence Hall of Science offers a chance to try your hand at the chemistry of color! Ages 8–12. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, in the park

In partnership with The Lawrence Hall of Science

Special All-Day Event: Where’s Waldo? Scavenger Hunt

That tricky Waldo has been hiding in plain sight for more than thirty-five years—now he's in Berkeley and sneaking around our book festival! Can you find him? We got a tip that he's made his way to the Outdoor Fair! Search in and around the Family Fun Zone to see if you can spot Waldo—fill out a card with your finds, and you might win a prize! Click here to read more.

• Outdoor

Meena Harris: A Is for Ambitious

Meena Harris

Meena Harris is back with a bold, assertive new adventure for Ambitious Girl. Bring your loud, emotional, intense selves to this celebration of the alphabet—and ambition! Ages 4–8. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, in the park

• Native American
• Outdoor

A New Thanksgiving Story (Story Time)

Alexis Bunten

This is the inclusive Thanksgiving story today's parents, teachers, and children have been waiting for. Join Alexis Bunten for a Story Time Circle reading followed by a hands-on project for kids and families in Creativity (on) Center that will reinforce the story's powerful themes of history and connection. Ages 3–7. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, in the park

• Outdoor

Stories that Let You Choose!

Amy Seto Forrester, Andy Musser, Lily Simonson, and Rana Tahir, moderated by Jessica Lee

If you like science, turn to page 27; if you like adventure, turn to page 19; if you like spy novels, turn to page 32. And if you like all of the above? Stick around, because you're in exactly the right place to meet authors whose books let you make all the important choices! Ages 7–12. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, in the park

• Outdoor
• Women/Gender

Cinnamongirl: Write Your Story

A cohort of girls spent the year honing their voices and their visions, with encouragement and instruction from a wonderful faculty of women authors of color, and now they are ready to present their work and read at the Bay Area Book Festival. Cinnamongirl mentors and teaching artists will share the stage with these new rising literary stars as they share stories, insights, and nuggets of inspiration. Ages 10+. Click here to read more.

• Native American
• Outdoor

A New Thanksgiving Story (Activity)

Alexis Bunten

This is the inclusive Thanksgiving story today's parents, teachers, and children have been waiting for. Join Alexis Bunten for a Story Time Circle reading followed by a hands-on project for kids and families in Creativity (on) Center that will reinforce the story's powerful themes of history and connection. Ages 3–7. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, in the park

• Outdoor
• Science

Copycat: Nature-Inspired Design (Story Time)

Christy Hale

How is a housing development like a honeycomb? How is a bullet train like a bird? Join Christy Hale for a Story Time Circle reading of her new picture book on biomimicry, followed by a Creativity (on) Center activity for kids and families interested in dreaming up their own nature-inspired designs! Ages 5–9. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, in the park

• Outdoor
• Science

Copycat: Nature-Inspired Design (Activity)

Christy Hale

How is a housing development like a honeycomb? How is a bullet train like a bird? Join Christy Hale for a Story Time Circle reading of her new picture book on biomimicry, followed by a Creativity (on) Center activity for kids and families interested in dreaming up their own nature-inspired designs! Ages 5–9. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, in the park

• Mystery, Crime & Thrillers

YA: Thriller Superstars

Angeline Boulley, Nick Brooks and Marie Lu, moderated by Cinnamongirl Clover and Cinnamongirl Kamryn

This gathering of YA authors is nothing less than an event. If you're already looking ahead to summer (reading), don’t miss this chance to hear from some of YA's hottest superstars and stock up on their scorching new thrillers. Ages 14+. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Sausalito Books by the Bay, at the venue

• Comics & Graphics
• Outdoor

Dan Santat: A First Time For Everything

Dan Santat interviewed by Sharon McKellar

Surely this multi-talented creator never went through an awkward age . . . right? Well, adolescence happens to the best of us, and, as Santat bravely recounts in his new graphic memoir, even he was not immune. Santat's chronicle of his transformative middle-school study abroad has already racked up multiple starred reviews, but more importantly, his hilariously honest account offers a relatable guidebook for young people on the cusp of discovering their own whole new world. Ages 10–14. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, in the park

• International
• Outdoor

In the Neighborhood (Story Time)

Rocio Bonilla

Author, artist, and educator Rocio Bonilla joins us all the way from Catalonia, in Spain. She'll first read to us from her new picture book in the Story Time Circle and then lead kids and families in Creativity (on) Center through a fun art activity related to her book! Ages 3–7. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, in the park

With the support of Institut Ramon Llull

• Native American
• Outdoor

Native Voices: Essayists from the 2023 Graton Student Writing Program

Emceed by Greg Sarris

The Graton Writing Project is a series of writing workshops open to middle- and high-school Native students from Sonoma, California, that culminates in a published youth anthology. This year, students were asked to write on the theme of imagining a hopeful vision of the future, led by today's tribal youth. Come hear the students read powerful, sometimes surprising excerpts from their pieces and share their insights. Ages. 12+. Click here to read more.

With support from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria

• International
• Outdoor

In the Neighborhood (Activity)

Rocio Bonilla

Author, artist, and educator Rocio Bonilla joins us all the way from Catalonia, in Spain. She'll first read to us from her new picture book in the Story Time Circle and then lead kids and families in Creativity (on) Center through a fun art activity related to her book! Ages 3–7. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, in the park

With the support of Institut Ramon Llull

• Outdoor

Bay Curious

Olivia Allen-Price, interviewed by Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight, introduced by Emilio Garcia-Ruiz

From Grace Cathedral to the Marin Headlands, why are there so many labyrinths in the Bay Area? Why did the state capitol almost move to Berkeley? Should Monterey Jack cheese really be called Pacifica Jack? These are just a few of the wild, wonderful, and endlessly fascinating questions Olivia Allen-Price and the team at KQED's Bay Curious podcast set out to answer each week. In this sure-to-be-lively session, Allen-Price will chat with two fellow journalists whose curiosity about and love for the Bay Area rivals Allen-Price's own: Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight of the San Francisco Chronicle's Total SF podcast. Bring your burning questions, or the Bay Area secrets you've been dying to share! Click to read more.

Book signing information: Pegasus Books, in the park

• Outdoor

Grounded: Exploring Muslim Identities

S.K. Ali, Huda Al-Marashi, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, and Aisha Saeed, moderated by Cinnamongirl Samaiya and Cinnamongirl Taylor Sky

In the wake of a fierce thunderstorm that forces an airport to ground all of its flights, four seemingly different Muslim kids-—Feek, Sami, Hanna, and Nora—are thrust together for an unforgettable night that irrevocably changes their lives. Their individual and collective stories unfold through alternating viewpoints as the four learn about themselves and their Muslim identities, finding their voices in the process. Ages 8–13. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, in the park

With the support of SACHI

YA: What’s Your Inspiration?

Jennieke Cohen, Francesca Flores, Marie Myung-Ok Lee, moderated by Cinnamongirl Kamiyah and Cinnamongirl Lea

What do a fairy tale, a Broadway musical, and a classic twentieth-century social realist novel have in common? They all served as inspiration for the latest works by the talented authors featured in this session, who took those classic works and ran with them, creating new, exciting, and entirely original novels that truly stand on their own. Ages 12+. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Sausalito Books by the Bay, at the venue

• Outdoor

Big Inspiration for Little Activists

Taimani Emerald, Aida Salazar, John Stith, and Shaunna Stith, moderated by Monica Wesolowska

What are you passionate about? Whether you hope to protect endangered species, protest book banning, or make your city's streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists, this session's storytellers are here to show you that even the littlest activists can make a big difference! Young changemakers-in-training—and their grownups—will find plenty of inspiration in this session of interactive picture book readings. Ages 6–10. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, in the park

• Outdoor
• Science

Search for a Giant Squid (Activity)

Amy Seto Forrester, Andy Musser

It's time to set off on a voyage to the great unknown—in search of the elusive giant squid! Pick your pilot, your submersible, and your dive site, and see what happens . . . no matter what choices you make, you're bound to find something amazing and surprising. Young readers and their families can create their own deep sea adventures! Ages 6–9. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, in the park

• Outdoor
• Race

You Are Here: Stories of Asian American Identity

Traci Chee, Mike Chen, Ellen Oh, and Randy Ribay, moderated by Shanthi Sekaran

When a TSA security incident at a teeming Chicago airport impacts twelve young Asian Americans, rumors and chaos wreak havoc on their journeys—and their lives. In their brave efforts to regain their footing, they collide and reconcile with fellow travelers, discovering the challenges and triumphs of friendship, courage, and identity along the way. Four superstar contributors will discuss this exciting new collaborative exploration of contemporary Asian American identity. Ages 8–12. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, in the park

• Outdoor

Some of These Are Snails (Story Time)

Carter Higgins

If you've seen one picture book about letters, numbers, colors, or shapes, you've seen them all . . . right? Think again (and again . . . and again). Join Higgins for a Story Time Circle reading, followed by a Creativity (on) Center activity for kids and families inspired by her book! Ages 3–5. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, in the park

• Native American
• Outdoor

What’s New in Native American Literature for Kids

Angeline Boulley, Alexis Bunten, Brandon Hobson, Andrea L. Rogers, and Brian Young, moderated by Melissa Stoner

The publishing industry is finally starting to catch up to the dazzling talents of Native American creators of books for children. In this session, we'll hear from six award-winning authors writing picture books, middle-grade novels, and YA fiction. They'll discuss their own journeys toward publication, the state of publishing for Native American creators, and the audiences they hope to reach with their work. All ages. Click here to read more. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, in the park

With support from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria

• Outdoor

Some of These Are Snails (Activity)

Carter Higgins

If you've seen one picture book about letters, numbers, colors, or shapes, you've seen them all . . . right? Think again (and again . . . and again). Join Higgins for a Story Time Circle reading, followed by a Creativity (on) Center activity for kids and families inspired by her book! Ages 3–5. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Folio Books, in the park

• Comics & Graphics
• Memoir

Coming of Age in Words and Pictures

Jarrett Krosoczka, Patrick Ness, and Victoria Ying moderated by Elaine Tai

The transition from childhood to adolescence and beyond is a perennial theme in fiction—and for good reason. How many of us still have cringe-worthy moments from our teenaged years seared as indelible images in our brains? Here, three creators take their coming-of-age tales one step further—providing readers with images to make their stories of transition, maturation, and self-discovery that much more vivid. Click here to read more.

Book signing information: Sausalito Books by the Bay, at the venue