The Young Adult HQ Tent is back this year, giving readers of all ages a chance to dive into fantastic worlds, epic quests, unique situations, star-crossed love stories, and some with happy endings, too. Join young heroes and heroines as they solve the world’s problems, save the adults and the planet, and find how to love themselves and others. Test your YA lit knowledge with the Austin Public Library’s Teen Library Council for YA trivia, and stick around for their book recommendations! Check below for details on all panels and check out our full schedule of all there is to discover at year’s Festival!
YA HQ: Saturday, October 27:
Saturday, October 27, 10:30 am – 11:15 am
Ngozi Ukazu, Mary H.K. Choi, and Claire Legrand
YA Buzz Books
Catch our annual Buzz panel and get a first look at these exciting titles from your new favorite Young Adult authors! Whether you’re looking for a graphic novel about teamwork and baking; epic fantasy with prophecy, assassins, and time travel; or hilarious and heartfelt stories about starting somewhere new, these authors have you covered!
**
No matter what the movies tell you, being a teenager isn’t all fun and games and falling in love. In these stories of betrayal, loss, and terrible secrets, these authors tackle how it feels when the world is against you, and the systems and adults meant to protect you fail.
**
Saturday, October 27, 12:30 pm – 1:15 pm
Traci Chee, Julie Kagawa, and Claire Legrand
The Revolution Will Not Be Prophesied
When the future seems written in advance, is any choice you make—love, loyalty, sacrifice—truly your own? Bestselling authors Traci Chee, Julie Kagawa, and Claire Legrand bring us stories of courageous, resourceful young women caught between fulfilling the roles set out for them and striking out on their own.
**
Saturday, October 27, 1:45 pm – 2:30 pm
Mary H.K. Choi, Sandhya Menon, and Ngozi Ukazu
Odd One In
In this loud, busy world, when everyone around seems to scroll past you at a mile a minute, finding your voice can be a tricky prospect. Join Mary H.K. Choi, Sandhya Menon, and Ngozi Ukazu as they discuss stories of finding your medium, finding confidence, and, just maybe, finding love along the way.
**
Saturday, October 27, 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm
Traci Chee and Scott Westerfeld
For Love or Country
Tough choices, tougher teens. In these in these epic novels by bestselling authors Scott Westerfeld (Imposters) and Traci Chee (The Storyteller), young women face conflicted love and divided loyalties —don’t miss this thrilling conversation between two giants of the Young Adult genre.
**
Saturday, October 27, 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Austin Public Library’s Teen Library Council
Gather up at YA HQ for a round of teen book trivia, led by Austin Public Library’s Teen Library Council! Plus, while you’re searching your memory for obscure YA Lit facts, the Teen Library Council will discuss their current fave books and recommended reads.
YA HQ: Sunday, October 28
Sunday, October 28, 11:00 am – 11:45 am
Cynthia Leitich-Smith, Nisha Sharma, and Ibi Zoboi
Love, When You Want It Least
High school: classes, tests, school newspaper, dance lessons, film club, drama club, family drama—nobody has time for love, right? Especially not when it isn’t the sort of love you ever wanted or planned for. Bestselling authors Cynthia Leitich-Smith (Hearts Unbroken), Nisha Sharma (My So-Called Bollywood Life), and Ibi Zoboi (Pride) present their newest novels, full of true-to-life struggles and follow-your-heart feelings.
**
Sunday, October 28, 12:00 pm – 12:45 pm
Mackenzi Lee, Amy Rose Capetta, and Carolyn Cohagan
Real World Issues, New World Rules
In these fantasy adventure stories, intrepid young heroines battle some familiar issues—such as the patriarchy—as well as crooked rulers, secretive cults, and the occasional monster. Join Mackenzi Lee (The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy), Carolyn Cohagan (Time Next) and Amy Rose Cappetta (The Brilliant Death) as they talk about rewriting the rules in the worlds they create.
**
Sunday, October 28, 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Kendra Fortmeyer, Carrie Fountain, and Maureene Goo
Not Your Everyday Teen Problems
Exiled to a summer of food-truck servitude for a prank gone wrong, following a missing friend’s single clue while trying to move on with life, showing the world your biggest secret and facing the fallout—these are not your everyday teen problems. Maurene Goo (The Way You Make Me Feel), Kendra Fortmeyer (Hole in the Middle), and Carrie Fountain (I’m Not Missing) introduce us to their unique characters and offbeat stories.
**
Sunday, October 28, 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm
Dhonielle Clayton, Ransom Riggs
Beneath the Surface
These magical worlds are strikingly beautiful, but underneath this lovely facade lie dark secrets and darker forces at work. Join us for a conversation between Dhonielle Clayton (The Belles) and Ransom Riggs (Map of Days), two major bestselling YA authors, as they present their new work and talk about writing, fame, and the fantastic worlds of words they create.
__________________________
The 23rd annual Texas Book Festival takes place October 27-28, 2018 in and around the State Capitol grounds in Austin, Texas. 300 authors, 80+ exhibitors and two days of book signings and conversations as big as Texas. The Festival is FREE and open to the public! View the author list, browse the books and check out the full schedule of events.