The 24th annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books took place April 13 and 14 at the University of Southern California. The largest literary and cultural festival in the nation, this year’s event attracted more than 150,000 book lovers. We’ve gathered a selection of children’s and YA-related highlights from the festivities.

Authors Elizabeth Acevedo (With the Fire on High), Meg Medina (Merci Suárez Changes Gears), and Ibi Zoboi (My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich) before their signing.

Co-authors Ally Condie and Brendan Reichs signing copies of The Darkdeep in the Once Upon a Time booth.

Rosana Sullivan reading her picture book Mommy Sayang on the Children’s Stage.

Carlos Hernandez, author of Sal & Gabi Break the Universe, with Quinn Sosna-Spear, author of The Remarkable Inventions of Walter Mortinson.

Kid reporters from the Eagle News with the Very Hungry Caterpillar.

(From l.): Melissa de la Cruz, Julie Berry, moderator Sharon Levin, and Tonya Bolden signing after the YA Historical Fiction panel.

Author Adam Rubin demonstrating his High Five technique.

YA authors (from l.) Dhonielle Clayton, Jennifer A. Nielsen, Tahereh Mafi, and Veronica Roth appeared on the “Writing the Fantastic” panel.

Two fans receive a personal drawing from Peter H. Reynolds (Say Something!).

Author Kwame Alexander (r.) and illustrator Kadir Nelson (center) appeared in conversation with Claudette S. McLinn, executive director of the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature, about their new picture book, The Undefeated.

Hafsah Faizal (l.), debut author of We Hunt the Flame, meeting a fan.

Jeff Sweat (Mayfly) signing with Isabel Galupo (Maiden & Princess) at the Once Upon a Time booth.

The “A Matter of Life and Death!” panel featured moderator Amy Spalding in conversation with authors Daniel Acosta (The Iron River), Maureen Johnson (Truly Devious), Lamar Giles (Spin), and Megan Miranda (Come Find Me).

(From l): Jen Wang (The Prince and the Dressmaker), Cat Winters (The Raven’s Tale) and Alexa Donne (Brightly Burning) on reworking classic devices in fresh stories for young adults.

Adam Gidwitz, creator of the Unicorn Rescue series, has a Sasquatch sighting.

Author-illustrator David Shannon reads from his new book Grow Up, David.

Mother-daughter duo Rachel Renée Russell (r.) and Erin Russell, creators of the Dork Diaries series.