The 23nd annual Texas Book Festival took place on October 27–28 at the State Capitol in Austin, drawing more than 40,000 book lovers and featuring more than 300 authors, including many acclaimed children’s book creators. We’ve gathered a selection of highlights from the presentations, signings, activities, and more.
(From l.): Julissa Arce, author of Someone Like Me; Yuyi Morales, author-illustrator of Dreamers; and moderator Larissa Davila, presenting in Spanish at the Latinx Tent.
Juana Martinez-Neal, author-illustrator of Alma and How She Got Her Name, with Mac Barnett, author of Mac Undercover.
The “How to Make a Graphic Novel” panel moderated by Jo Whittemore (l.), featured author-illustrators Raúl the Third (Lowriders Blast from the Past) and Kazu Kibuishi (the Amulet series).
Author Matt de la Peña (l.) and illustrator Christian Robinson, co-creators of Carmela Full of Wishes, inside the Kirkus Reviews Tent at the opening of the festival.
Authors Ransom Riggs (the Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children series) and Dhonielle Clayton (The Belles), after their conversation about writing YA.
Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly (r.), author of Hello, Universe, met festivalgoers.
Author Minh Lê (l.) and illustrator Dan Santat read from their picture book Drawn Together and signed copies for fans. The duo also took part in the Reading Rockstars program, which brought author and illustrators into schools prior to the festival.
Authors Elizabeth Acevedo (The Poet X), Sandra Cisneros (The House on Mango Street), and Meg Medina (Merci Suárez Changes Gears).
Students from Josephine Houston Elementary School in Austin, during a visit with Reading Rock Stars on October 26. Author Julissa Arce spoke with 200 fourth and fifth-grade students, and each child received a copy of her book, Someone Like Me.
Authors (from l.): Kate Beasley (Lions & Liars), Alex Gino (You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P!), and Diana López (Lucky Luna) during the “Lean on Me: Middle Grade Novels About Being an Ally” program.
National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Jacqueline Woodson distributing copies of her novel Harbor Me, as part of the Reading Rockstars program.
Authors (from l.): Nisha Sharma (My So-Called Bollywood Life), Ibi Zoboi (Pride), and Cynthia Leitich-Smith (Hearts Unbroken) took part in a panel titled “Love, When You Want It Least.”
Potato Pants! author-illustrator Laurie Keller with J. Houston Elementary School students and their teacher.
Authors (from l.): Pablo Cartaya (Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish), Varian Johnson (The Parker Inheritance), and Sharon Draper (Blended) appeared in conversation during the “Close to Home” panel.
Mary Pope Osborne presented the newest installment of her Magic Tree House series, Hurricane Heroes in Texas, to students during a ticketed event. Photo: Two Cats Communications.
