The Brooklyn Book Festival is the largest free literary event in New York City, presenting an array of national and international literary stars and emerging authors. One of America’s premier book festivals, this hip, smart and diverse gathering attracts thousands of book lovers of all ages to enjoy authors and the festival’s lively literary marketplace.
Don’t miss Children’s Day on September 19th, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. You can enjoy beloved and cool writers and illustrators all day at beautiful MetroTech Commons in Downtown Brooklyn, on two tented stages and in the auditorium of NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering. Books by participating authors and other new and beloved children’s books will be on sale with author book-signings after each program. Authors include Kevin Henkes, Jon Scieszka, Matt de la Pena, Joyce Wan, and more.
On September 20, be sure to visit the festival booksellers listed on the BBF website. Books by authors appearing on the festival’s 13 stages will be sold at these locations on the day of the festival. Pick up a book and then check the signing schedule to meet your favorite author and have your book signed.
During the festival you can attend dozens of spectacular events. Here are a few examples:
Brooklyn Book Festival Reception for Librarians. The Brooklyn Book Festival welcomes librarians to a special morning event featuring R. J. Palacio, author of Auggie & Me and NYT’s bestselling Wonder. Greetings by Deborah Schwartz, Executive Director, Brooklyn Historical Society. Introduced by Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO, Brooklyn Public Library.
Pen American Center Presents: The Words Your Children Cannot Read. The past year has seen a remarkable rise in the number of books challenged as being inappropriate reading for children and young adults. Across America, critics have tried to remove books from library shelves and school reading lists–books that deal with aspects of life that they think your kids shouldn’t know. Bestselling and critically acclaimed authors Matt de La Peña, Libba Bray, Robie Harris,and Christopher Myers read the words that some people say are unfit for children. Come and judge for yourself if they contain ideas too dangerous for today’s youth.
How to Save the World: New York Times best-selling authors Stuart Gibbs (Spy School series) and Geoff Rodkey (The Tapper Twins Go to War with Each Other) join critically acclaimed Linda Urban (Milo Speck, Accidental Agent) to discuss the comedy of twins at war, espionage and the magic of missing socks. Moderated by Danette Vigilante. (Saving Baby Doe)
Poets Laureate Past and Present Reading. Tina Chang (Brooklyn Poet Laureate), Marie Howe (New York State Poet Laureate) and Jean Valentine (former New York State Poet Laureate) read from their work. Introduced by Alice Quinn, Poetry Society of America.
Blood Relatives. Dennis Lehane (World Gone By), Kaylie Jones (The Anger Meridian), and Terry McMillan (Who Asked You?) discuss what happens when families get mixed up in sin and crime and what people will do to protect themselves and their own. Moderated by New York Times editor John Williams.
Best of Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Book Festival pays homage to the Festival’s literary heritage each year by presenting the BoBi Award to an author who exemplifies the spirit and character of Brooklyn. Join 2015 BoBi Honoree Jonathan Lethem (Lucky Alan: And Other Stories), in conversation with past BoBi honorees Edwidge Danticat (Claire of the Sea Light) and Pete Hamill (Snow in August) as they talk about a writer’s life and being part of, and influenced by, Brooklyn’s literary lineage. Moderated by Johnny Temple, Brooklyn Literary Council Chair.