Keynote Speakers

Sonia Sotomayor

Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States

Lilliam Rivera

Dealing in Dreams

Author Line-Up

Ruoxi Chen

Assistant Editor at Tor.com Publishing

Anika Aldamuy Denise

Planting Stories

Alvin Arby

Gross Greg

Sulma Arzu-Brown

Pelo Malo No Existe

Kacen / Kheryn Callender

Hurricane Child + This Is Kind of an Epic Love Story

Mike Cavallaro

Nico Bravo and the Hound of Hades

Kat Cho

Wicked Fox

Jerry Craft

New Kid

Angie Cruz

Dominicana

Alexis Daria

Dance Off

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Natasha Diaz

Color Me In

Katharine Duckett

Miranda in Milan

Kristina Forest

I Wanna Be Where You Are

Mia Garcia

The Resolutions

Kristen Gudsnuk

Making Friends

Sandy Hall

Prom to Remember

Carlos Hernandez

Sal & Gabi Break the Universe

Adriana Herrara

The Dreamers Series

Tiffany D. Jackson

Monday’s Not Coming +

Let Me Hear a Rhyme

Stephanie Jimenez

They Could’ve Named Her Anything

Claire Kann

If It Makes You Happy

Lisa Ko

The Leavers

Torrey Maldonado

Tight

Darnell Moore

No Ashes in the Fire

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Wayétu Moore

She Would Be King

Richie Narvaez

Hipster Death Rattle

George O’Connor

Hephaistos

Ellen Oh

A Thousand Beginnings and Endings

Tochi Onyebuchi

Crown of Thunder + Riot Baby

Mark Oshiro

Anger is a Gift

Emma Otheguy

Silver Meadows

Emily X.R. Pan

The Astonishing Color of After

Norma Perez-Hernandez

Editor at Kensington

Sarina Prabasi

The Coffeehouse Resistance

Josué Caceres

Bronx Stories and Heartbreak

Justin A. Reynolds

Opposite of Always

Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

Two Naomis

K Arsenault Rivera

The Phoenix Express

Erika Sanchez

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

Joshunda Sanders

Artist, Writer, Educator

Nic Stone

Dear Martin + Odd One Out

Colleen AF Venable

Kiss Number 8

Alexandra Villasante

The Grief Keeper

Booki Vivat

Frazzled #3: Minor Incidents and Absolute Uncertainties

Tia Williams

The Perfect Find

Faculty

Lauren Abramo

Vice President, Literary Agent, and Subrights Director at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret

Kurestin Armada

Literary Agent
at P.S. Literary

Linda Camacho

Literary Agent
at Gallt & Zacker

Kiana Nguyen

Literary Agent
at Donald Maass Literary Agency

Beth Phelan

Literary Agent
at Gallt & Zacker

Kiele Raymond

Literary Agent
at Thompson Literary Agency

Quressa Robinson

Literary Agent
at Nelson Literary Agency

Emily Settle

Associate Editor
at Feiwel and Friends

Brooks Sherman

Literary Agent
at Janklow & Nesbit Associates

Liz Szabla

Associate Publisher
of Feiwel and Friends

Jennifer Udden

Literary Agent
at Barry Goldblatt Literary

Keynote & Panels

June 8, 2019, 9AM-6PM • Registration opens at 8:30 AM

Fordham Plaza & Fordham University • Click here to Register

Fordham Plaza Main Stage

Registration: 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Publishing Debunked

Join editors, agents, and authors from the Bronx as they debunk the publishing industry for Bronxites.

Time: 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

Panelists: Norma Perez-Hernandez (Assistant Editor at Kensington), Joshunda Sanders (I Can Write The World), Quressa Robinson (Literary Agent at Nelson Literary Agency), Alexis Daria (Take the Lead)

Moderator: Saraciea J. Fennell, founder of The Bronx is Reading

Signing: 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM

Indie Power Hour

Join four Bronx-based indie and small press authors as they read from their current works. Readers include Joshunda Sanders (I Can Write The World), Josué Caceres (Bronx Stories & Heartbreak), Yajaira Eduardo (If at First You Don’t Succeed), Roya Marsh (dayliGht)

Time: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM

Location: Fordham Plaza Main Stage

Seeds & Roots: Community (re)Building in Fiction

How do we reconcile the injustices of our world with our fears, hopes, and dreams? The notion of planting seeds and putting down roots constantly emerges in fiction but which themes require a new perspective and which themes are everlasting? Writers will come together to talk about how their work exposes the ways that we build community whether through heartbreak and healing in relationships, spiritual awakening, or retelling the births of our nations.

Time: 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM

Panel: Seeds & Roots: Community (re)Building in Fiction

Panelists: Wayétu Moore (She Would Be King), K Arsenault Rivera (The Phoenix Empress), Darnell L. Moore (No Ashes in the Fire)

Moderator: Stephanie Jimenez (They Could Have Named Her Anything)

Signing: 1:45 PM – 2:15 PM

Monsters and Transformation in SFF

From the creature from the Black Lagoon to Dracula, monsters have been a core part of science fiction & fantasy since the inception of the genre. But what makes a monster? Is it magic, science-gone-wrong, or something else entirely? What transforms something—or someone—into a terrifying entity? Is it possible that one person's monster is another person's miracle? Join authors these authors as they discuss all things monstrous—and geek out over their favorite monsters from SFF literature.

Time: 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM

Panelists: Wayétu Moore (She Would Be King), Tochi Onyebuchi (Riot Baby and War Girls), Katharine Duckett (Miranda in Milan), K Arsenault Rivera (The Phoenix Empress)

Moderator: Ruoxi Chen, Assistant Easditor at Tor.com Publishing

Signing: 2:45 PM - 3:15 PM

Romance 101

Why love? Writers discuss why they're drawn to stories of love and romance, particularly in a political climate of hate and violence. How do writers let their guards down so that their characters and their readers experience the ups and downs of love?

Time: 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM

Panelists: Adriana Herrera (American Dreamer), Alexis Daria (Take the Lead), Tia Williams (The Perfect Find)

Moderator: Norma Perez-Hernandez, Assistant Editor at Kensington

Signing: 3:45 PM – 4:15 PM

Adult Agent Panel

Are you working on your adult novel? Curious about what a literary agent does? How writers work with literary agents? Join these five literary agents as they discuss their process for seeking new talent, what they look for in regards to adult fiction, and how they work with writers to help get their book published. And most importantly, how to query them for representation!

Time: 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM

Panelists: Lauren Abramo (Dystel, Goderich & Bourret), Kiele Raymond (Thompson Literary), Kiki Nguyen (Donald Maass Literary), Linda Camacho (Gallt & Zacker)

Moderator: Kurestin Armada (P.S. Literary)

Your Block, My Block: Setting the Stage in Literature

The "city" is often synonymous with Manhattan, 42nd Street, Herald Square. But what other spaces in NYC open up new conceptions of what it means to survive and thrive in "the city that never sleeps." Writers will convene to discuss the significance of essential city moments in their works. What are some of the joys and challenges of writing about NYC? What do authors fear they may get wrong? What are the payoffs of getting it right? How does setting connect readers to the works' fictional characters?

Time: 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM

Panelists: Richie Narvaez (Hipster Death Rattle), Sarina Prabasi (The Coffeehouse Resistance: Brewing Hope in Desperate Times), Lisa Ko (The Leavers)

Moderator: Angie Cruz (Dominicana)

Signing: 5:45 PM – 6:15 PM

Fordham Plaza Young Readers Stage

Registration: 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Activity Hour • Giveaways & Photo Op with Dog Man

Alvin Irby presents Gross Greg

Join Alvin Irby, founder and Chief Reading Inspirer of Barbershop Books, and winner of the National Book Foundation Innovations in Reading Prize as he reads from his picture book Gross Greg.

Time: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Author/Illustrator: Alvin Irby (Gross Greg)

Signing: 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Sulza Arzu-Brown presents Bad Hair Does Not Exist/Pelo Malo No Existe

Join Bronx-based Garifuna author, Sulma Arzu-Brown as she reads from her picture book Bad Hair Does Not Exist/Pelo Malo No Existe in English and in Spanish.

Time: 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Author/Illustrator: Sulma Arzu-Brown (Bad Hair Does Not Exist/Pelo Malo No Existe)

Signing: 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Anika Aldamuy Denise presents Planting Stories/Sembrando Historias

Join Anika Aldamuy Denise as she reads from her picture book Planting Stories/Sembrando Historias in English and in Spanish.

Time: 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Author/Illustrator: Anika Aldamuy Denise (Planting Stories / Sembrando Historias)

Signing: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Battle of the Cartoonists

Join illustrators and cartoonists as they team up and battle it out to see which cartoonist is the best.

Time: 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM

Panelists: Booki Vivat (Frazzled #3), Kristen Gudsnuk (Making Friends), Jerry Craft (New Kid), Mike Cavallaro (Nico Bravo and the Hound of Hades)

Signing: 12:15 PM - 12:45 PM

Activity Hour • Giveaways & Photo Op with Dog Man

Las Musas Presents: Expanding the Face of Latinx Kid Lit

The Latinx community spans over 52 million people in the US alone, but in 2017 only 5.8% of the children's books published featured Latinx characters. Las Musas was formed as a way to uplift debut Latinx voices writing in the fields of picture book, middle grade and YA. Join these authors as they discuss their voice, Latinx literature, and what’s next.

Time: 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM

Panelists: Emma Otheguy (Silver Meadows), Sulma Arzu-Brown (Bad Hair Does Not Exist/Pelo Malo No Existe), Mia Garcia (The Resolutions)

Moderator: Torrey Maldonado (Tight)

Signing: 1:45 PM – 2:15 PM

I Got This: Believing in Yourself and Overcoming Adversity

Standing up for yourself, navigating new friends, and never giving up hope in yourself and others are all important aspects of growing up. The struggles of these characters are both written and illustrated for readers. Join as these authors discuss the importance of bravery, self-confidence, friendships, and more.

Time: 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM

Panelists: Kristen Gudsnuk (Making Friends), Booki Vivat (Frazzled #3: Minor Incidents and Absolute Uncertainties), Jerry Craft (New Kid), Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich (Two Naomis and Hero Next Door)

Moderator: Ellen Oh (Founder, We Need Diverse Books)

Signing: 2:45 PM – 3: 15 PM

Sketch, Draw, Ink, Repeat

Join graphic novelists and illustrators as they discuss the ins and outs of graphic novel publishing, sketch techniques, and what it’s really like being an artist.

Time: 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM

Panelists: Mike Cavallaro (Nico Bravo and the Hound of Hades), George O’Connor (Hephaistos), Kristen Gudsnuk (Making Friends), Booki Vivat (Frazzled#3: Minor Incidents and Absolute Uncertainties)

Moderator: Alex Rivera, The Bronxer

Signing: 3:45 PM – 4:15 PM

Journeys That Change Us

The characters in these middle-grade books are embarking on journeys filled with new challenges, tough choices, and even harder obstacles whether fantastical or realistic. Join as these authors discuss their latest books and their own journeys.

Time: 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM

Panelists: Kacen Callender (Hurricane Child), Torrey Maldonado (Tight), Carlos Hernandez (Sal & Gabi Break The Universe), Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich (Two Naomis and Naomis Too)

Moderator: Natasha Diaz (Color Me In)

Signing: 4:45 PM – 5:15 PM

Fordham University Young Adult Stage

Registration: 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Keynote Speaker: U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor

Join US Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor in conversation with award-winning actress, author, and Bronx Native, Sonia Manzano.

Time: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM

Location: Fordham University Young Adult Stage

Speaker: US Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor

Signing: 10:45 AM @ Walsh Library

Swoon Reads Presents: Finding Your Voice in Contemporary YA

Sometimes the hardest part of writing is nailing the many facets of a novel’s voice. In this panel, four contemporary YA authors discuss the best ways to discover and create a realistic teen experience through dialogue, narration, and a character’s most intimate thoughts. From small town stardom, to a series of messy kisses, to teen milestones (like prom and unforgettable road trips), these authors are experts at bringing their characters to life on the page.

Time: 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

Location: Fordham University Young Adult Stage

Panelists: Kristina Forest (I Wanna Be Where You Are), Claire Kann (If It Makes You Happy), Colleen AF Venable (Kiss Number 8), Sandy Hall (A Prom to Remember)

Moderator: Tiffany D. Jackson (Let Me Hear a Rhyme)

Signing: 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM

Ask An Editor: First Page YA Critique

Have you written and revised your young adult manuscript more times than you can count? Do you feel ready to submit to agents, editors, or both? Are you looking for some honest, helpful feedback to make your first page impossible to pass up? Then join Liz Szabla, Associate Publisher of Feiwel and Friends, and Emily Settle, Associate Editor at Feiwel and Friends and Swoon Reads for an invaluable panel as they read aloud and dissect anonymously submitted pages.

Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Speakers: Liz Szabla, Emily Settle

Location: Fordham University @ Walsh Library

Activity Hour Sponsored by Nike

Join Nike Master Trainer Traci Copeland for yoga on Walsh Lawn. Yoga mats will be provided. This session is limited to 30 attendees.

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Location: Fordham University @ Walsh Lawn

Kidlit Agent Panel

Finding the right literary agent is essential to a successful publishing career. Join these five literary agents as they discuss what it’s like to work with an kidlit authors, and what writers can do to land their dream agent.

Time: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM

Location: Fordham University Young Adult Stage

Panel: Kidlit Agent Panel

Panelists: Beth Phelan (Gallt & Zacker), Jennifer Udden (Barry Goldblatt Literary), Brooks Sherman (Janklow & Nesbit Associates)

Moderator: Quressa Robinson (Nelson Literary Agency)

Literary Agent Speed-Dating (All Genres)

Have you polished your novel and are currently seeking representation from a literary agent? Then come prepared with your elevator pitch and get ready to pitch your novel to 10 literary agents during this pitch session.

Time: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Location: Fordham University @ Walsh Library

Afternoon Keynote: Lilliam Rivera

Join bestselling author and Bronx Native, Lilliam Rivera in conversation with The Bronx is Reading founder, Saraciea J. Fennell as she discusses her latest novel Dealing in Dreams.

Time: 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM

Location: Fordham University Young Adult Stage

Speaker: Lilliam Rivera (Dealing in Dreams)

Signing: 1:45 PM – 2:20 PM

#SquadGoals: Radical Friendships, Love, and Belonging

In these YA novels, writing and reading about intimacy and friendship for marginalized communities is a radical act. Join as the authors, discuss how love, friendship, and belonging are so clearly intertwined during some of the most tumultuous years of teens’ lives.

Time: 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM

Location: Fordham University Young Adult Stage

Panelists: Mia Garcia (The Resolutions), Nic Stone (Odd One Out), Justin A. Reynolds (Opposite of Always), Kacen Callender (This Kind of an Epic Love Story), Claire Kann (If It Makes You Happy)

Moderator: Mark Oshiro (Anger is a Gift)

Signing: 2:45 PM – 3: 15 PM

Activity Hour Sponsored by Nike

Join Nike Master Trainer Traci Copeland for yoga on Walsh Lawn. Yoga mats will be provided. This session is limited to 30 attendees.

Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Location: Fordham University @ Walsh Lawn

Reclaiming Sci-Fi/Fantasy: Imagining New Worlds

While the space of young adult fantasy and science-fiction has long been dominated by predominantly white authors, there has been an incredible shift thanks to diverse voices being lifted up. In this panel, you’ll meet some of the amazing authors who are reclaiming the genres and infusing them with their own cultures that create new, exciting, and magical worlds.

Time: 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM

Location: Fordham University Young Adult Stage

Panel: Reclaiming Sci-Fi/Fantasy: Imagining New Worlds

Panelists: Tochi Onyebuchi (Crown of Thunder), Ellen Oh (A Thousand Beginnings and Endings), Justin A. Reynolds (Opposite of Always)

Moderator: Kat Cho (Wicked Fox)

Signing:3:45 PM – 4:15 PM

Mapping Mental Health

Grief and trauma affect us all in ways we might never have imagined, appearing in ways that can be confusing to pin down. So what does it mean to put it on the page? From depression and anxiety to panic attacks and suicide, these writers pen characters that work their way through, and live with, experiences still shrouded in stigma. Join them as they discuss how their approach to writing about mental health and honoring their characters’ journeys with it confronts that stigma.

Time: 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM

Location: Fordham University Young Adult Stage

Panelists: Mark Oshiro (Anger is a Gift), Emily X. R. Pan (The Astonishing Color of After), Erika L. Sanchez (I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter)

Moderator: Alex Villasante (The Grief Keeper)

Signing: 4:45 PM – 5:15 PM

#ItsComplicated: Tackling Social & Family Issues in YA

These young adult novels tackle the complexities of social and familial issues of diverse teens. From the quickly-evolving gentrification of neighborhoods, to the lack of attention to missing Black girls, and Islamophobia. Join these authors as they discuss the teen protagonists in their novels and the issues they, and real teens of color face in real life.

Time: 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM

Location: Fordham University Young Adult Stage

Panelists: Sara Farizan (Here I Stay), Alex Villasante (The Grief Keeper), Tiffany D. Jackson (Monday’s Not Coming, Let Me Hear a Rhyme), Nic Stone (Dear Martin, Odd One Out)

Moderator: Kay Blake, Founder of Bookish Brown Girls

Signing: 5:45 AM – 6:15 PM