The 13th annual AJC Decatur Book Festival took place August 31–September 2 in Decatur, Ga. The festival brought together more than 600 authors, including a diverse lineup of children’s and YA writers for panels, readings, signings, and more. We’ve gathered a selection of photo highlights from the event.
Author-illustrator Angela DiTerlizzi (Just Add Glitter!) leads a parade of festivalgoers. The theme of this year’s procession was “Let It Shine.” Photo: Richard Phillips.
Co-authors Eoin Colfer (center) and Andrew Donkin (r.) discussed their new graphic novel, Illegal, with moderator Justin Colussy-Estes (l.).
Author Victoria Schwab signing copies of City of Ghosts.
Jennifer Cervantes (l.), author of The Storm Runner, and Roshani Chokshi, author of Aru Shah and the End of Time, spoke about their fantasy novels during a panel hosted by Rick Riordan Presents.
Sourcebooks marketing specialist Stefani Sloma (l.) and author Laura Silverman at the Little Shop of Stories kick-off party.
Authors (from l.) Jeff Giles (The Brink of Darkness), Tracy Banghart (Grace and Fury), Becky Albertalli (Leah on the Offbeat), Nic Stone (Dear Martin), and moderator Gilly Segal (Mass Disturbance) before their “Lane Change: Writing POVs That Aren’t Your Own” panel. The authors talked about writing characters who are different from themselves.
Author Mac Barnett (l.) and illustrator Mike Lowery signed copies of their new middle grade adventure, Mac B., Kid Spy, and answered calls. Could they have a new assignment from the Queen?
(From l.): Author Lesa Cline-Ransome, Frank Morrison, R. Gregory Christie, and James E. Ransome took part in a conversation about crafting timely picture books, during the “Making History” panel.
During a panel titled “Sidekickin: When Secondary Characters Shine Bright,” Scott Reintgen (l.) appeared in conversation with fellow authors Laura Silverman, McCall Hoyle, Mary H.K. Choi, and moderator Stefani Sloma.
Aisha Saeed, Amal Unbound, speaks with readers.
The “You Go, Girl!” panel featured authors (from l.) Anica Mrose Rissi (moderator; Anna, Banana, and the Friendship Split), Ebony Glenn (Mommy’s Khimar), Shanda McCloskey (Doll-E 1.0), and Tom Angleberger (Origami Yoda), who discussed their smart and spunky picture-book heroines.
Henry Lien, author of Peasprout Chen, Future Legend of Skate and Sword, attended a school visit sponsored by the Decatur Book Festival.
