On April 11, 27 YA authors and hundreds of readers gathered in Houston, Tex., for the 2015 Greater Houston Teen Book Convention. The event is organized by a committee of local librarians, chaired by Lisa Stultz and Aria Tatelman, and Blue Willow Bookshop pitches in to provide authors. The day was packed with author talks, readings, panels, signings, and even a musical interlude from one author. See highlights from the event below.

Justine Larbalestier (l.) and Jason Reynolds with moderator Jenn. Photo: Lisa Stultz

Authors Kevin Emerson and Scott Westerfeld with committee member Donna. Photo: Lisa Stultz

Sarah Criss and Ally Carter with committee members Kim and Michelle. Photo: Lisa Stultz

Aisha Saeed with committee member Kim getting pumped for #TeenBookCon. Photo: Lisa Stultz

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All the authors gathered on stage. Photo: Ann Nguyen

The authors take photos of the crowd. Photo: Ann Nguyen

Audience members show off their new books. Photo: Ann Nguyen

(From l.) Kevin Emerson, Gayle Forman, Jason Reynolds, Aisha Saeed, and Elizabeth Wein. Photo: Ann Nguyen

Author Gayle Forman addresses the crowd. Photo: Ann Nguyen

Attendees check out the tables of books. Photo: Ann Nguyen

A large crowd gathers for new books. Photo: Ann Nguyen

Author Tommy Wallach serenades attendees at the piano. Photo: Ann Nguyen

The audience listens in on the “Reality Need Not Apply” panel, featuring (from l.) Lydia Kang, Tommy Wallach, Kristen Simmons, Scott Westerfeld, and Megan Miranda. Photo: Ann Nguyen

“The Truth About Love” panel featuring (from l.) Joy Preble, David Leviathan, Alexis Bass, Susane Colasanti, and Jennifer Mathieu. Photo: Ann Nguyen

(From l.) Jen Wang, Lindsay Cummings, Tommy Wallach, Scott Westerfeld, and Justine Larbalestier make their way to sign books in the Alief Taylor High School gym. Photo: Ann Nguyen

Author Rachel Hartman. Photo: Ann Nguyen

Author Leslye Walton. Photo: Ann Nguyen

Cartoonist, illustrator, and writer Jen Wang. Photo: Ann Nguyen

The authors gather to say farewell at the end of TeenBookCon. Photo: Ann Nguyen