Schedule

Festivalgoers are encouraged to follow themed journeys in our Timely Topic Threads, including “Democracy in the 21st Century,” “Fearless Women” and “Hearing Black Voices.” You can dive deeper into these themes by viewing the author presentations and interviews below, divided into age-appropriate groupings.

Democracy in the 21st Century

Democracies around the world are in transition and, sometimes, in turmoil. The Democracy in the 21st Century Timely Topic Thread gives readers the chance to explore where democracy stands today – through the lens of history as well as through recent adverse events.

Fearless Women

During this year of celebrating the centennial of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the long-overdue right to vote, we offer an in-depth look at the Fearless Women who have fought for suffrage, broken glass ceilings, overcome abuse and demonstrated to the world their right to equality. Sponsored by the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission, this thread is for readers of all ages.

Hearing Black Voices

Hearing Black Voices presents a diverse range of genres and points of view – from racism’s harsh realities and science fiction’s fantastical scenarios to lyrical poetry and searing memoir. For young people, there are books ranging from anti-racism and the little-known story of the Father of the Underground Railroad to Black women who have crashed through barriers to membership in STEM.