• A young festivalgoer waits in line with a smile to ask an author a question. Photo credit: Michaela McNichol

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  A young festivalgoer waits in line with a smile to ask an author a question. Photo credit: Michaela McNichol

• Two girls excitedly wait in line to ask an author a question. Photo credit: Michaela McNichol

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  Two girls excitedly wait in line to ask an author a question. Photo credit: Michaela McNichol

• Author Jack Gantos holds up his novel Dead End as he speaks at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Michaela McNichol

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  Author Jack Gantos holds up his novel Dead End as he speaks at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Michaela McNichol

• An audience member laughs in the crowd while listening to an author speak at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Michaela McNichol

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  An audience member laughs in the crowd while listening to an author speak at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Michaela McNichol

• Author Brian Selznick poses with a fan for a photo at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Michaela McNichol

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  Author Brian Selznick poses with a fan for a photo at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Michaela McNichol

• Author Rita Williams-Garcia poses with two young fans at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Michaela McNichol

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  Author Rita Williams-Garcia poses with two young fans at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Michaela McNichol

• Library of Congress historian Dr. John Cole smiles as he poses with two 2011 National Book Festival volunteers. Photo credit: Abby Brack

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  Library of Congress historian Dr. John Cole smiles as he poses with two 2011 National Book Festival volunteers. Photo credit: Abby Brack

• A large crowd gathers in a tent at the 2011 National Book Festival to listen to an author speak. Photo credit: Abby Brack

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  A large crowd gathers in a tent at the 2011 National Book Festival to listen to an author speak. Photo credit: Abby Brack

• A family attending the 2011 National Book Festival stops to pose for a picture. Photo credit: Abby Brack

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  A family attending the 2011 National Book Festival stops to pose for a picture. Photo credit: Abby Brack

• Author Toni Morrison smiles at the crowd as she’s interviewed at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Abby Brack

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  Author Toni Morrison smiles at the crowd as she’s interviewed at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Abby Brack

• A group of authors gathers onstage at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Abby Brack

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  A group of authors gathers onstage at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Abby Brack

• Author Hoda Kotb answers questions during an interview at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Abby Brack

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  Author Hoda Kotb answers questions during an interview at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Abby Brack

• 2011 National Book Festival attendees look over the Saturday book signing schedule. Photo credit: Abby Brack

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  2011 National Book Festival attendees look over the Saturday book signing schedule. Photo credit: Abby Brack

• The Washington Monument overlooks lines of festivalgoers at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Abby Brack

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  The Washington Monument overlooks lines of festivalgoers at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Abby Brack

• A festivalgoer smiles as Toni Morrison signs a copy of her book. Photo credit: Abby Brack

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  A festivalgoer smiles as Toni Morrison signs a copy of her book. Photo credit: Abby Brack

• Librarian of Congress Dr. James Billington prepares to go on the air at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Abby Brack

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  Librarian of Congress Dr. James Billington prepares to go on the air at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Abby Brack

• Two festivalgoers excitedly hold up a copy of Toni Morrison’s novel "A Mercy." Photo credit: Abby Brack

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  Two festivalgoers excitedly hold up a copy of Toni Morrison’s novel "A Mercy." Photo credit: Abby Brack

• Author Toni Morrison signs a copy of her book for an excited fan. Photo credit: Abby Brack

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  Author Toni Morrison signs a copy of her book for an excited fan. Photo credit: Abby Brack

• An author signs a 2011 National Book Festival poster for young festivalgoers. Photo credit: Abby Brack

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  An author signs a 2011 National Book Festival poster for young festivalgoers. Photo credit: Abby Brack

• Author Gordon Korman signs a book for a young fan at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Abby Brack

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  Author Gordon Korman signs a book for a young fan at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Abby Brack

• Author Hoda Kotb signs a copy of her book for a festival attendee. Photo credit: Abby Brack

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  Author Hoda Kotb signs a copy of her book for a festival attendee. Photo credit: Abby Brack

• Author Julianne Moore poses for a photo with a fan during her book signing. Photo credit: Abby Brack

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  Author Julianne Moore poses for a photo with a fan during her book signing. Photo credit: Abby Brack

• Lines for the 2011 National Book Festival stretch out over the National Mall. Photo credit: Abby Brack

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  Lines for the 2011 National Book Festival stretch out over the National Mall. Photo credit: Abby Brack

• Book lovers peruse different lines and events at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Abby Brack

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  Book lovers peruse different lines and events at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Abby Brack

• The Capitol building overlooks festivalgoers at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Abby Brack

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  The Capitol building overlooks festivalgoers at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Abby Brack

• Author Jessica B. Harris presents at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Abby Brack

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  Author Jessica B. Harris presents at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Abby Brack

• Author Cassandra Clare speaks to a large crowd at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Abby Brack

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  Author Cassandra Clare speaks to a large crowd at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Abby Brack

• Author Gordon Korman poses with a group of young festival attendees. Photo credit: Abby Brack

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  Author Gordon Korman poses with a group of young festival attendees. Photo credit: Abby Brack

• Author Gordon Korman signs a copy of his book "Titanic #3 S.O.S." for a fan. Photo credit: Abby Brack

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  Author Gordon Korman signs a copy of his book "Titanic #3 S.O.S." for a fan. Photo credit: Abby Brack

• Author Katherine Paterson and a group of young attendees pose with her book "The Flint Heart." Photo credit: Abby Brack

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  Author Katherine Paterson and a group of young attendees pose with her book "The Flint Heart." Photo credit: Abby Brack

• Author James Swanson takes the stage at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

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  Author James Swanson takes the stage at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

• Author Edmund Morris presents at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

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  Author Edmund Morris presents at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

• A young girl hugs PBS Kids’ Princess Presto. Photo credit: Kimberly Powell

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  A young girl hugs PBS Kids’ Princess Presto. Photo credit: Kimberly Powell

• Author Toni Morrison smiles after accepting an award from Librarian of Congress Dr. James Billington. Photo credit: Kimberly Powell

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  Author Toni Morrison smiles after accepting an award from Librarian of Congress Dr. James Billington. Photo credit: Kimberly Powell

• Librarian of Congress Dr. James Billington speaks with volunteers at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Kimberly Powell

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  Librarian of Congress Dr. James Billington speaks with volunteers at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Kimberly Powell

• A group of kids smiles as they pose for a photo at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Kimberly Powell

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  A group of kids smiles as they pose for a photo at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Kimberly Powell

• A family stops to pose for a photo at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Kimberly Powell

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  A family stops to pose for a photo at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Kimberly Powell

• A young girl poses for a photo with a PBS Kids mascot at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Kimberly Powell

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  A young girl poses for a photo with a PBS Kids mascot at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Kimberly Powell

• Author Julianne Moore reads her children’s book "Freckleface Strawberry" aloud to an audience. Photo credit: Kimberly Powell

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  Author Julianne Moore reads her children’s book "Freckleface Strawberry" aloud to an audience. Photo credit: Kimberly Powell

• A young reader leans against the Magic School Bus as he dives into a book. Photo credit: Kimberly Powell

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  A young reader leans against the Magic School Bus as he dives into a book. Photo credit: Kimberly Powell

• Librarian of Congress Dr. James Billington poses for a group photo with young festivalgoers. Photo credit: Kristina Nixon

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  Librarian of Congress Dr. James Billington poses for a group photo with young festivalgoers. Photo credit: Kristina Nixon

• Librarian of Congress Dr. James Billington interacts with a cultural vendor at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Kristina Nixon

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  Librarian of Congress Dr. James Billington interacts with a cultural vendor at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Kristina Nixon

• Librarian of Congress Dr. James Billington and a group of children pose for a photo with the Cat in the Hat. Photo credit: Kristina Nixon

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  Librarian of Congress Dr. James Billington and a group of children pose for a photo with the Cat in the Hat. Photo credit: Kristina Nixon

• A festivalgoer asks a question at an author talk. Photo credit: Adriel Bettelheim

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  A festivalgoer asks a question at an author talk. Photo credit: Adriel Bettelheim

• Author Mary Gordon greets a fan at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Adriel Bettelheim

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  Author Mary Gordon greets a fan at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Adriel Bettelheim

• Author Brian Selznick poses for a photo with a fan. Photo credit: Adriel Bettelheim

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  Author Brian Selznick poses for a photo with a fan. Photo credit: Adriel Bettelheim

• A volunteer fans out programs in preparation for the long day ahead at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

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  A volunteer fans out programs in preparation for the long day ahead at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

• Festivalgoers peruse the grounds at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Lia Kerwin

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  Festivalgoers peruse the grounds at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Lia Kerwin

• Two young festivalgoers sit entranced as they listen to an author speak at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Lia Kerwin

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  Two young festivalgoers sit entranced as they listen to an author speak at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Lia Kerwin

• A festivalgoer and a volunteer exchange a poster at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Lia Kerwin

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  A festivalgoer and a volunteer exchange a poster at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Lia Kerwin

• Author Joel Achenbach poses for a photo with a fan at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Meg Greene

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  Author Joel Achenbach poses for a photo with a fan at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Meg Greene

• Author Joshua Foer poses for a photo with a young fan at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Meg Greene

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  Author Joshua Foer poses for a photo with a young fan at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Meg Greene

• Author Siddhartha Mukherjee presents at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Meg Greene

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  Author Siddhartha Mukherjee presents at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Meg Greene

• Author Siddhartha Mukherjee signs a copy of his book for a fan at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Meg Greene

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  Author Siddhartha Mukherjee signs a copy of his book for a fan at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Meg Greene

• Author Siddhartha Mukherjee signs a fan’s book at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

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  Author Siddhartha Mukherjee signs a fan’s book at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

• The Capitol building overlooks the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

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  The Capitol building overlooks the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

• Two young creatives have fun with crafts at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

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  Two young creatives have fun with crafts at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

• Librarian of Congress Dr. James Billington shakes hands with two attendees at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

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  Librarian of Congress Dr. James Billington shakes hands with two attendees at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

• The Washington Monument and the Smithsonian Castle overlook the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

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  The Washington Monument and the Smithsonian Castle overlook the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

• A family stops to pose for a photo at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

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  A family stops to pose for a photo at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

• Choo Choo Soul performers pose for a photo with children at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

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  Choo Choo Soul performers pose for a photo with children at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

• Festivalgoers gather around the Magic School Bus. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

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  Festivalgoers gather around the Magic School Bus. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

• Author and historian David McCullough speaks to a large crowd at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

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  Author and historian David McCullough speaks to a large crowd at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

• Father and son duo get creative at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

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  Father and son duo get creative at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

• Children at the 2011 National Book Festival get crafty with crayons. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

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  Children at the 2011 National Book Festival get crafty with crayons. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

• Author John J. Muth presents at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

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  Author John J. Muth presents at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

• Author John J. Muth poses for a photo with the 2011 National Book Festival poster. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

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  Author John J. Muth poses for a photo with the 2011 National Book Festival poster. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

• Author John McCutcheon smiles as he plays the banjo onstage at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

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  Author John McCutcheon smiles as he plays the banjo onstage at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

• David McCullough speaks at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

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  David McCullough speaks at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

• An attentive crowd listens to an author speak at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

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  An attentive crowd listens to an author speak at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

• Author and historian David McCullough signs a book for festivalgoers at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

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  Author and historian David McCullough signs a book for festivalgoers at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

• Audience members give author David McCullough a standing ovation at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

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  Audience members give author David McCullough a standing ovation at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

• Librarian of Congress Dr. James Billington shakes author David McCullough’s hand as he exits the 2011 National Book Festival stage. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

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  Librarian of Congress Dr. James Billington shakes author David McCullough’s hand as he exits the 2011 National Book Festival stage. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

• Children race in the grass at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

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  Children race in the grass at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

• The Washington Monument overlooks the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

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  The Washington Monument overlooks the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Barry Wheeler

• Three young people smile in the crowd of the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Cecelia Rogers

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  Three young people smile in the crowd of the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Cecelia Rogers

• Poet Terrance Hayes presents at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Cecelia Rogers

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  Poet Terrance Hayes presents at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Cecelia Rogers

• Author Yusef Komunyakaa presents at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Cecelia Rogers

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  Author Yusef Komunyakaa presents at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Cecelia Rogers

• Audience members at the 2011 National Book Festival smile as they listen to a speaker. Photo credit: Cecelia Rogers

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  Audience members at the 2011 National Book Festival smile as they listen to a speaker. Photo credit: Cecelia Rogers

• Crowd at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Adriel Bettelheim

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  Crowd at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Adriel Bettelheim

• Cartoonist and graphic novelist Richard Thompson presents his work at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Adriel Bettelheim

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  Cartoonist and graphic novelist Richard Thompson presents his work at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Adriel Bettelheim

• Graphic novelist Kazu Kibuishi draws live in front of an audience at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Adriel Bettelheim

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  Graphic novelist Kazu Kibuishi draws live in front of an audience at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Adriel Bettelheim

• Graphic novelist Kazy Kibuishi draws live in front of an audience at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Adriel Bettelheim

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  Graphic novelist Kazy Kibuishi draws live in front of an audience at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Adriel Bettelheim

• A child throws a hula hoop around the neck of a fake horse outside at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Adriel Bettelheim

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  A child throws a hula hoop around the neck of a fake horse outside at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Adriel Bettelheim

• Two kids pose with a penguin at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Adrienne Brooks

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  Two kids pose with a penguin at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Adrienne Brooks

• Two children pose with a PBS Kids mascot at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Adrienne Brooks

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  Two children pose with a PBS Kids mascot at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Adrienne Brooks

• Author Susan Cooper participates in the book signing at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Adrienne Brooks

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  Author Susan Cooper participates in the book signing at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Adrienne Brooks

• Two men read in line at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Adrienne Brooks

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  Two men read in line at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Adrienne Brooks

• Festivalgoers peruse the Sunday book signing schedule at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Nancy Alfaro

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  Festivalgoers peruse the Sunday book signing schedule at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Nancy Alfaro

• Author Terry McMillan presents at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Nancy Alfaro

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  Author Terry McMillan presents at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Nancy Alfaro

• 2011 National Book Festival volunteers pose with the Braille edition of the festival program. Photo credit: Nancy Alfaro

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  2011 National Book Festival volunteers pose with the Braille edition of the festival program. Photo credit: Nancy Alfaro

• Author and historian David McCullough is interviewed onstage at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Nancy Alfaro

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  Author and historian David McCullough is interviewed onstage at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Nancy Alfaro

• A child smiles as she holds a book at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Paul Morigi

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  A child smiles as she holds a book at the 2011 National Book Festival. Photo credit: Paul Morigi