All-Ages Adventures: The Wonderful New Worlds of Graphic Novels
Bay Area artists and writers are literally changing the landscape of print and online "kids’" graphic novels and comics by creating worlds, characters, and narratives that are visually stunning, compassionate and unique. Join a panel discussion…
Historical Fiction: The American West
The sweeping landscapes of the American West offer writers a broad canvas on which to set epic stories. Three masterful storytellers will transport us through the rich and complex history of California and Colorado as only the best fiction can.…
At Play on the Page
Mark Ciabattari's most recent collection recounting the absurdist adventures of an everyman is entitled When the Mask Slips. The mask, in this case, is reality—and all the creators in this session depict a world that is just slightly off-kilter.…
Coming of Age in Words and Pictures
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…
Dan Santat: A First Time For Everything
Dan Santat is a bestselling, Caldecott-winning picture book author and illustrator, graphic novelist, screenwriter—and all-around gregarious and hilarious guy. Surely this multi-talented creator never went through an awkward age . . . right?…
Science Comics: The Periodic Table
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…
Noir at the Bar
The sun might not set until after 8 pm this time of year, but a stellar lineup of mystery and thriller writers will cast some shadowy thrills on your Saturday evening—and maybe a dirty martini will help set the mood, too. This year's rapid-fire…
Picturing a Life: Graphic Memoirs
Blockbuster works like Fun Home, Maus, and Persepolis have made it clear that graphic memoirs are a game-changer in the world of literature. What makes this literary genre–-blending the disciplines of cinema, writing, and visual art—so gripping?…
Middle Grade: Solving Big Problems
Small, but mighty! This session will feature young protagonists tackling big problems with the spirit and determination of a butterfly flying against the wind. In Cathy Camper’s Lowriders to the Rescue, Lupe, Flapjack, and Elirio must join…
YA: Growing Up Queer Then and Now
Discovering and embracing your identity as a queer young person can be joyful, confusing, or downright dangerous, depending on when and where you’re growing up. These three authors offer historical and more contemporary narratives of growing…