Teen readers and the authors of their favorite books spanning all genres—fantasy, romance and beyond—will come together for the fourth annual NoVA Teen Book Fest at Arlington’s Washington-Lee High School later this month. Here are all the details:
What: “NoVa Teen [Book Fest] is about bringing people together,” says Danielle Ellison, founder of the event that is in its fourth year. “You’re going to find people who like something you like and who are passionate in some way about the art or this author, and that is life. This is a safe place to come and do that, to find people you have common ground with, and books do that. That is why they’re powerful. NoVa Teen [Book Fest] is a great escape for a whole day to come and live in this world.” The mission of the festival still stays true to its founding philosophy: connecting authors and readers and building a community, and through this attendees will be able to meet with authors, listen to readings and participate in workshops and panels.
When: March 11, doors open at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Washington-Lee High School, 1301 N. Stafford St., Arlington
Price: Free, registration is requested (food trucks available for lunch, costs vary)
Who: Twenty-nine authors will be in attendance at this year’s event, with the keynote speaker being Nina LaCour, author of We Are Okay (happening at 4:10 p.m.). “[Her] book touches on hard topics in a smart way,” says Ellison about why LaCour was chosen for this top spot. “It represents what it is to be a LGBT teen, a teen and an adult.”
Panels and workshops
Main author panels: Fantasy authors on the balance of good and evil; character displacement; characters coping with life after death; romance; and perception and defining a character
Mini-panels: Authors discuss their process from concept to publication and finding a story
Game panels: Authors will participate in games as their characters
Q&A: Breakout sessions with authors
