The ninth annual YALLFest took place on November 8–9 in Charleston, S.C. One of the largest teen book festivals in the world, the celebration brought together nearly 70 authors and more than 12,000 fans. Featured events included panels, signings, photo ops, and more. We’ve rounded up a selection of highlights from the festivities.
Roshani Chokshi (l.) (Aru Shah and the Song of Death, Disney-Hyperion/Riordan) and Kate DiCamillo (Beverly, Right Here, Candlewick) took part in an afternoon discussion presented by Disney and moderated by Ally Condie (The Last Voyage of Poe Blythe, Dutton). The authors discussed penning tales that children love, following their imaginations, and how to entertain and inspire readers.
YA fans gathered for the Fierce Reads Fan Meetup.
Mark Oshiro, author of Anger Is a Gift (Tor Teen).
Nic Stone (Shuri: A Black Panther Novel) and editorial director David Levithan at Scholastic’s I Read YA booth.
Heart-shaped sunglasses and a lollipop completed Sophie Jordan’s look as she showed off an ARC of her forthcoming YA novel, Kissing Lessons (HMH).
Alwyn Hamilton signed samplers of her fantasy novel The Notorious Virtues (Viking) and handed out sparkling cider to toast YALLFest.
Authors (from l.) Holly Black, author of The Darkest Part of the Forest and the Folk of the Air series (Little, Brown); Ronni Davis, author of When the Stars Lead to You (Little, Brown); Nandini Bajpai, author of A Match Made in Mehendi (Little, Brown); and Derek Milman, author of Swipe Right for Murder (Little, Brown/Patterson) at a pre-YALLFest event hosted by NOVL and Jimmy Patterson Books, held at Off Track Ice Cream.
Author Lora Beth Johnson signs galleys of her debut novel Goddess in the Machine (Razorbill).
HMH raffled off a custom-made dress created by Jacqueline Firkins, author of Hearts, Strings, and Other Breakable Things—who also happens to be a costume designer.
Tor Teen staff and authors after the “Lit & Lattes” reading: (from l.) Ali Fisher, senior editor; Isa Caban, marketing manager; Tochi Onyebuchi, author of Riot Baby; Charlotte Nicole Davis, author of The Good Luck Girls; Melissa Frain, senior editor; and Saraciea Fennell, senior publicist.
The I Read YA Author Breakfast featured Scholastic authors (from l.) Sharon Cameron (The Light in Hidden Places); Rosiee Thor (Tarnished Are the Stars); Kaitlin Ward (Lie to Me); Debbie Rigaud (Truly Madly Royally); and Mason Deaver (Wish You All the Best).
