The 15th annual YALLFest was held on November 14 and 15 across the historic district of Charleston, S.C. Thousands of young attendees took part in book signings and a slew of special events, including Smackdown, the festival’s closing ceremony hosted this year by author Soman Chainani. “This was an especially emotional YALLFest for our community of readers, and for our entire festival team. I still remember standing in the American Theatre on King Street, 15 years ago, wondering if anyone would come,” said co-chair and co-founder Margaret Stohl. “They did, and they kept coming back. We met one reader who had been to all 15 festivals. Parents got choked up, sharing photos of past years with us. It really did feel like a family reunion.” We’ve gathered highlights from the celebration. All photos by David Strauss.


Author Rachel Griffin takes a photo with a reader.


(From l.): YALLFest co-chair Melissa de la Cruz, executive director and co-founder Jonathan Sanchez, producer and development director Frances Oliver, producer Stephanie Barna, communications director Rachel Strolle, co-chair and co-founder Margaret Stohl, and Jonathan’s wife Lauren Sanchez at the welcome party.


(From l.): Authors Joelle Wellington, Hannah V. Sawyerr, and Alanna Bennett celebrate at the kickoff welcome party.


Local boutique The Tiny Tassel welcomed author Chloe Gong for a book signing.


Penguin Teen’s director of digital marketing Felicity Vallence (l.) snaps a photo of author Jennifer Iacopelli (standing) and actor Maddy Keys (seated).


Eager readers browse the Big Book Tent, with books provided by Blue Bicycle Books.


(From l.): Authors Marissa Meyer, Tiffany D. Jackson, and Rebecca Ross strike a pose.


Soman Chainani (c.) hosting Smackdown, the weekend’s culminating event held at Charleston Music Hall. Here, Chainani opens with a performance featuring dancers.


Bestselling YA author Alex Aster signing stock copies of her adult romance debut Summer in the City.


The Last Kids on Earth series author Max Brallier greets a young reader during a signing.


(From l.): Authors Ebony LaDelle, Abdi Nazemian, and J. Elle participate in an activity for Smackdown.


Shannon J. Spann ahead of her book signing.


A fan prepares to meet an author during a signing.


At the end of Smackdown, the authors of YALLFest gathered onstage to celebrate a successful anniversary event.