NCAAL

We will kick off the opening of the Authors/ Illustrators Pavilion, a favorite conference destination that brings authors and illustrator together with attendees.  Get a first look the all the talent as we feature the renowned illustrator Jerry Pinkney.

Authors/ Illustrators Pavilion will showcase some of the best and the brightest from the literary community. The authors and Illustrators will have the opportunity to meet fans, sign books, present a book reading or participate in a panel within the Pavilion. Immediately, following their presentations book signings will take place.

Sharon Draper, Nikki Grimes, Sharon Flake and Lamar Giles are successful young adult authors.  Teenagers of all colors gravitate to their books.  They speak in a voice that is real; they speak in a voice ground in truth, they speak in a voice teens understand.  Aren’t we fortunate that young black teens can turn to their books to help them make a way out of no way?  Hear these authors tell why they do what they do and are so successful at it.

Young black males think the world of books is not for them. It is crucial to get our young males reading.   Jason Reynold is doing just that.  He is crazy about cool real life stories and he has promised not to write boring books.   Here's what I know says Jason “I know there are a lot — A LOT — of young people who hate reading.  I know that many of these book haters are boys. I know that many of these book-hating boys, don't actually hate books, they hate boredom.”   It is not surprising that main characters in his books are young black males.  Using some of his own personal experiences, he wants to tell stories about people, families and neighborhoods that not everyone knows, or even considers. Jason Reynolds reveals his personal journey from poet to novelist.  He also tells us about his inspiration and desire to write books that reflect young black lives.  

Gil Robertson is the author of a new book “Book of Black Heroes: Political Leaders Past & Present” published by Just Us Books.    This collection of biographies on game-changing and pioneering elected political leaders is intended to introduce young readers especially to not only dynamic personalities but to the concept of individual and political leadership.   Robertson will lead a conversation with members of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus on how literature can be used as a source for leadership development in the Black Community.

 R. Gregory Christie came to Atlanta more than a decade ago to care for his ailing father. Atlanta shares Cauvin Ramsey with New York.  Atlanta gladly claims them both.  Christie's career has flourished in Atlanta’s nurturing artistic environment.   Ramsey divides his time between Atlanta and New York.  The  Ruth abd Green Book author has staged live performances of the book.

 

 

These ladies are not only authors but activists demanding diversity in children’s literature.  They walk the walk and talk the talk.  Learn how they have improved access to minority characters in children’s books through their own might.

 

Atlanta authors write about a variety of topics both fiction and non-fiction.  Hear these authors and get whisked away into their exciting stories often set right here in the South. We are proud to present authors Anthony Grooms, Akinyele Umoja and Penny Mickelbury.  Join us as we highlight authors from Atlanta who are contributing to the evolving landscape of African American literature.