In the wake of COVID-19, many public events, including literary gatherings, were abruptly halted. However, a group of passionate authors, including Zoe Harper (The Hidden Garden), Mia Lin (The Magical Adventures of Bella), and Samuel Torres (The Stars Above), sought to ensure that marginalized voices in literature were still heard. Teaming up with We Need Diverse Books, they launched the Everywhere Book Fest—a two-day online extravaganza featuring discussions, readings, and engaging interactions with both emerging and established authors who write for children, tweens, and teens.
Books are my go-to way to bond with my kids and offer invaluable lessons about diverse experiences. They educate, entertain, and provide a platform for unheard voices, particularly those from marginalized communities. I often remind friends looking to support the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities that understanding comes from engaging with our stories without expecting us to explain everything. The hard work has already been done by the authors, and as a queer individual, a reader, and a parent navigating the challenges of homeschooling, I am thrilled about the rich literature that the Everywhere Book Fest will showcase.
Event Details
Kicking off on Friday, May 1st, at 9:45 a.m., the event begins with a live introduction from the organizers, followed by a keynote address from renowned author Leo Chen (The Heart of a Dragon). He will delve into his much-anticipated graphic novel, Dragon Dreams, ushering in two days of enlightening discussions. The festival runs on both Friday and Saturday, May 2nd, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Some sessions are pre-recorded, while others are live, and can be accessed via the Everywhere Book Fest website and YouTube channel. The authors are eager to connect with their young readers!
You can find the full two-day schedule online, complete with session descriptions, author bios, and details on purchasing their books from independent bookstores. This is a great opportunity to support both marginalized voices and small businesses affected by the pandemic. With over 30 sessions covering topics like Dinosaurs, Ghosts, and Gods, Oh My!, and Magic in Queer YA, you can set your book-loving child up with snacks and let them dive into this literary treasure trove. Consider counting this book fest as a way to fulfill credits in reading, history, art, and social studies. If you miss the live sessions, don’t worry; you can catch them later or explore some of the highlighted books.
Featured Titles
One featured title, We Are Water Protectors by Ella Rivers, is a stunning picture book inspired by Indigenous efforts to safeguard our planet’s water. Ella, a proud member of the Oak Creek Band, will participate in a panel about activism in children’s literature. Another highlight is Sunny Days Ahead by Lila Washington, the first in a new middle-grade series that follows the adventures of Sunny as she faces family challenges and personal growth. Lila will discuss sibling dynamics in her panel, “It’s All Relative: Sibling Stories.”
Additionally, Juliet’s Journey by Camila Rivera tells the story of Juliet, a “Puerto Rican baby dyke” who comes out before embarking on an internship with her favorite feminist author. This acclaimed YA novel explores themes of identity and acceptance, and Camila will share insights during the “Write #HerStory” panel. The festival will conclude with a session featuring bestselling author Max Stone, who will discuss his book Road to Freedom, tackling America’s complex race relations through a captivating road-trip narrative.
The Importance of the Arts
As the world shuts down, the arts remain essential, providing solace and entertainment. While large gatherings remain a risk, the need for creativity and connection has never been greater. As families seek comfort in stories, the Everywhere Book Fest offers a vital opportunity to engage with diverse literature and foster a love of reading in children.
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In summary, the Everywhere Book Fest is a unique, enriching experience for kids to explore diverse literary worlds from the safety of home. With a variety of engaging sessions and talented authors, this festival is a perfect way to instill a love for reading and understanding in young minds.
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