The fourth annual North Texas Teen Book Festival took place on April 21 at the Irving Convention Center in Irving, Tex. Winner of the ALA’s 2017 John Cotton Dana Award for outstanding library programming, the event featured more than 75 authors who spoke on panels, signed books, and met with teen readers. More than 13,000 fans braved the rain for this year’s NTTBF, which included publisher-sponsored booths and events, a presentation by middle grade author Dav Pilkey, and a closing keynote by YA authors Cassandra Clare and Angie Thomas.
In conjunction with the festival, Ed Day @ NTTBF was hosted by Sam Houston State University’s Library Science Department and the SHSU College of Education on April 20. The series brought together more than 700 educators for a professional development day, which featured panels and discussions with a number of authors. We’ve gathered a selection of highlights from the festival and Ed Day events. Photos by Christy Archibald at Christy Archibald Photography and Joon Koo at SJKoo Photography.
#1000BlackGirlBooks founder Marley Dias (center) shared life advice during the Girl Bosses session, with fellow panelists (from l.) Becky Albertalli, Ally Carter, Justina Ireland, and Jennifer Mathieu.
A young reader snagged a copy of Leigh Bardugo’s Wonder Woman: Warbringer.
We Need Diverse Books co-founder Dhonielle Clayton addressed an audience of more than 700 teachers and librarians about the organization’s mission, during NTTBF’s Educator Day.
2017 National Book Award winner Robin Benway (Far from the Tree) spoke with a fan.
SHSU library science professor Dr. Karin Perry (far l.) moderated the Stories of the Heart panel, featuring authors (from l.) Arvin Ahmadi, Mary K. Choi, Gayle Forman, Morgan Matson, Jennifer E. Smith, and Siobhan Vivian.
Penguin Teen got in the regal spirit for Rachel Hawkins’s new novel, Royals. NTTBF attendees had an exclusive opportunity to purchase the book before publication.
Authors Malinda Lo (l.) and Julie Murphy discussed the importance of LGBTQ+ representation during the Ed Day in Conversation series.
Books, books, and more books! Fans lined up to purchase titles provided by Barnes and Noble.
Captain Underpants and Dog Man creator Dav Pilkey signed and drew a picture for a fan.
(From l.): Authors Nicole Castroman, Melissa Albert, Emily X.R. Pan, and Ashley Woodfolk discussed their craft during the New Kids on the Block panel.
YA stretches the imagination.
Authors Cassandra Clare (l.) and Angie Thomas discussed YA storytelling, the importance of writing groups, and more during their closing keynote.
