North Texas Teen Book Festival

North Texas Teen Book Festival

March 3-4, 2017

Irving Convention Center

How many unwanted emails to do we get in one day? I had seen the email about a book festival come across my inbox several times. I was just about to send the latest one to trash when one of my learners began his book talk on Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson. As I reviewed the email one more time, her name appeared as one of the authors attending. I was going.

Converging with thousands of book lovers, I recently attended the North Texas Teen Book Festival. Authors shared their views on writing, life struggles, and teen issues. R. L. Stine of the Goosebump series was a keynote speaker. There were hourly moderated author panels with the likes of Veronica Roth, author of the Divergent series, Laurie Halse Anderson, and other authors (some of whose books are soon to be released as movies).

On the Educator’s Day, the first day of the Festival, I arrived to hear Jack Gantos speak. I had heard of his books but had never read any. He was sharing how his stories were pulled from bits of his life’s experiences. Not only has he written the Joey Pigzby series, but he has also written young adult books one of which I had bought for my classroom library, Hole in My Life. I was quite impressed he had written books for all ages. He was funny and charismatic. He shared his new book that will be out in the fall on how to write your story from your life’s events. My cogs are already in motion for the lessons I will create from his book.

One of the panels of authors I heard speak included Laurie Halse Anderson. Her support of the plight of African Americans in America was clear in her comments. I had always picked up, but never read her trilogy about the Revolutionary War as told from the perspective of the African American slaves. It is now on my to-read-list. In addition, I was impressed by the Black authors at the festival. Jason Reynolds, Renee Watson, and Ibi Zoboi. I knew these authors could inspire some of my reluctant readers find the right book for them.

Another highlight of the festival was its use of Twitter. This was the first time I actively tweeted during an event. Each author had Twitter handles at the bottom of their nameplates, and I could interact with them through their social media. Laurie Halse Anderson replied to one of my tweets. I felt like a teen girl during Beatlemania.

On the second day of the festival, I brought four of my high school students with me. I don’t know how excited they were, but I did my best to guide them to certain panel discussions which included identity issues, mental health concerns and, of course, Black themes and characters. Veronica Roth of the Divergent series said something I had to tweet @therealdonaldtrump. “Free press should be at constant struggle with our government. This makes our democracy stronger and fortifies our checks and balances.”

Watching students from around the Metroplex filled with exhilaration about reading and meeting their favorite author gave me proud for the future of America. I heard things like, “He is my favorite author,” and “I can’t wait for that book to come out.” Kids were crying when they met the authors they loved.

All in all, it was a great experience. I look forward to connecting with more YA bloggers and learning about BookTube. I recommend the Festival for any educator or parent who wants to expand the passion for reading (and writing) in children.