Recently, publishing staffers supported an author with matching outfits; a drag queen made his YA debut; Rhode Island authors gathered for a book launch; an author celebrated the sequel to her #BookTok sensation; an imprint’s staff enjoyed a serendipitous fair; and authors discussed their newest books featuring queer characters.
Think Pink
In honor of the release of Vashti Harrison’s (c. in black) new picture book, Big, Harrison made a visit to the Little, Brown Books for Young Readers offices, and staff matched the cover by wearing all pink. Big follows a girl’s journey to accepting her body the way it is. See our interview with Harrison here.
A Queen’s Debut
On April 28, author and drag queen Dan Clay (aka Carrie Dragshaw) celebrated his debut YA novel Becoming a Queen (Roaring Brook) with a launch event at Housing Works Bookstore in New York City. Clay held a q&a with the audience and signed copies of the book afterwards.
Rhode Island Authors Show Love
Readers and authors gathered at Barrington Books in Barrington, R.I., on May 6 for Jamie Michalak’s event marking the release of Dakota Crumb and the Secret Bookshop (Candlewick). Local children’s authors (from l.) Christopher Denise, Anika Aldamuy Denise, Michalak, Kelly Murphy, R.W. Alley, John Rocco, and Haley Rocco appeared with coordinating costumes for the event.
Sequels Soiree
On May 9, YA author Melissa Blair (bottom) held a virtual Barnes & Noble event to celebrate the launch of A Shadow Crown, the sequel to A Broken Blade, known for its #BookTok success. Blair spoke with author Aiden Thomas and discussed the difficulty of writing sequels, and more.
Hippo Staff at Hippo Park
Astra Books for Young Readers brought together authors and artists from its imprint Hippo Park to enjoy the annual Hippo Park Spring Fair. Held at the New York City Riverside Park playground, the event welcomed readers and families for a day of outdoor programming. (From l.) Linette Kim Yidu Zhou, Daniel Bernstrom, Jill Davis, Jimbo Matison, Mike Petrik, and Amelia Mack enjoyed the day’s activities.
Celebrating Queer Stories
New York City bookstore Books of Wonder welcomed authors Dan Clay (c.) and L.C. Rosen (r.) on May 2 for an event highlighting queer books. Rosen and Clay spoke with moderator Kosoko Jackson (l.) about their recent queer YA releases, Lion’s Legacy (Union Square & Co.) and Becoming a Queen (Roaring Brook), respectively.
