What an incredible start to December 2023! The St. Louis Teen Book Festival was an absolute delight, beginning with a visit to my beloved local independent bookstore, The Novel Neighbor, in Webster Groves. The event kicked off with a special educator night, where I enjoyed a 20% discount on merchandise. I took advantage of the offer, grabbing a couple of books and meeting a few authors who would be featured during the festival. Autographs were a bonus!
A little later that evening, I had the privilege of sharing a table with some authors, relishing their captivating stories about their diverse lives while enjoying dinner at a nearby restaurant.
The following day, the excitement continued as I went to the venue. I found myself in the green room, surrounded by eighteen authors, many of whom were best-selling. It was amusing to overhear a group of writers discussing their feelings about books when addressing a room full of students compared to entering a room of unfamiliar faces, where conversations could cover various topics. It dawned on me that, just like them, I sometimes feel uneasy in such situations, which I was currently in. However, being a fly on the wall and absorbing their discussions was a joy in itself.
As the breakout sessions began, I discovered an unexpected ease on stage alongside five accomplished authors, including Neal Shusterman (National Book Award Winner and author of over 50 books), Justin A. Reynolds (recipient of School Library Journal Best Book and Kirkus Reviews Best YA Book of the Year), Sharon Cameron (International Bestseller, Reese’s Book Club pick, and recipient of YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults, among other awards), Doan Phuong Nguyen (a local St. Louis debut author), and Kim Johnson (Bestselling debut book author).
Surprisingly, any nervousness I may have anticipated melted away, primarily due to the panelists’ ability to handle my questions gracefully and honestly. The discussion tackled weighty topics, such as navigating the writing of stories that may delve into controversial history and the importance of showcasing allies in literature for our teens and young adults—advocates for groups that have been marginalized and oppressed.
The engagement between the panelists and the audience was palpable as we collectively explored, discussed, and affirmed the questions at hand. While I dream of being on the other side of the panel as a featured speaker in the future, moderating this session was an incredible and fulfilling opportunity—one that will undoubtedly remain etched in my memory as I continue my quest as an aspiring author.
