Latine Writers at the 2023 National Book Festival
The 2023 National Book Festival is almost here! On Saturday, August 12th, thousands of readers and writers will gather in the south building of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., to talk about their diverse stories and the literary world. This year’s theme is “Everyone Has a Story.”
A wide range of Hispanic/Latine writers will take the national stage and the book signing lines — from children’s books to adult fiction. If you are attempting to go to all Latine events this year like me, here’s the list of the authors to help you plan your day (this was my day in 2022):
If you love poetry, good news! José Olivarez will be on stage with Héctor Tobar to decode “Latino” in the United States at the Insight Stage (East Salon ABC, street level) from 2:15 pm to 3:15 pm.
In the fiction category, Esmeralda Santiago will be in discussion with Luis Alberto Urrea at the Inspiration Stage (Ballroom A, Level 3) from 3 pm to 4 pm. Their conversation will focus on their new novels, “Las Madres” (Santiago) and “Good Night, Irene” (Urrea).
The National Book Award winner, Elizabeth Acevedo, will talk with Jason Reynolds about her new adult book, “Family Lore,” at the Curiosity Stage (Room 202, Level 2) from 3:45 pm to 4:30 pm.
If your preferred genre is Young Adult, head to the Curiosity Stage from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. (Room 202, Level 2) to join the conversation with Jennifer de Leon and Lesa Cline-Ransome about the world’s injustices through a teen lens.
The National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Meg Medina, will be discussing the transformation of her YA character in “Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass” with Mel Valentine Vargas from 3:10 pm to 4:10 pm (Discovery Stage, Room 204, Level 2). Stay in the same room to listen to author Mark Oshiro talk about lies and secrets with Linda Kao from 4:25 pm to 5:25 pm.
If you have little ones, there are several events for you. Early in the morning, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, R.J. Palacio will discuss her new novel adaptation of “White Bird” with Erica S. Perl, moderated by Meg Medina (Ballroom BC, Level 3).
At the Discovery Stage, Pedro Martín will talk about his journey to Mexico to visit his grandfather from 11:40 am to 12:10 pm (Room 204, Level 2). In the same room, Claribel A. Ortega will discuss her book in the Witchlings series, “The Golden Frog Games,” from 12:25 pm to 12:50 pm.
Library of Congress Public Affairs Specialist, María Peña, will host the only Spanish-speaking event at the Library of Congress Pavilion (Hall DE, level 2), ¡La Biblioteca del Congreso es para todos! From 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm, she will talk about the library’s collection, programs, and services. Be prepared with questions!
All of these authors will also be signing books. You can check their schedule here. If you want more details (including their bios) about the Latine authors, you can find them here.
There will be other online events, including one with Hector Tobar. You can see more information here.
Remember, this list only compiles Latine events. Check the whole 2023 National Book Festival schedule here.
Doors open at 8:30 am! And the programming will run from 9 am to 8 pm. Enjoy the day! Some advice is to take it easy and enjoy all the events you can to celebrate the diversity of stories. It’s impossible to see everything (all programming is recorded, so if you miss something, you can watch it later on YouTube). Stay hydrated! And don’t forget to have fun and take selfies with the authors!
Best,
Ofe
