Young people have to grapple with the hard stuff in life too—sometimes the really hard stuff. Join the authors of these sensitive books about kids facing hardship and tragedy, learn why and how they handled these topics, and see how sometimes stories themselves can offer healing and hope.

Moderator: Greg Leitich Smith, award-winning author of middle grade comedy adventures, including Little Green Men at the Mercury Inn and Chronal EngineDavid Bowles, Evan Griffith, Liz Garton Scanlon, Jennifer Ziegler, They Call Her Fregona, Manatee Summer, , Worser, Lolo’s Light