If you’re in the New York City area this weekend, why not come out to the inaugural Queens Book Festival on Sunday, August 7th at Kaufman Astoria Studios?

It’s a totally free event that is being called: “the largest and most inclusive literary gathering in the ‘World’s Borough’ of Queens.” There will be talks and exhibits by over 100 authors, many, like myself with local ties. The festival will also have a focus on activities for children and teenagers, and I’m quite excited to be part of the Young Adult Stage.

At 12pm, I’ll be on a panel titled: “Expanding the Landscape of Fantasy and YA Imagination.” Here’s the description:

For a genre like Fantasy that includes fairies, witches, werewolves, aliens, and supernatural powers, the inclusion of the diverse worlds of humans is surprisingly lacking. How are the boundaries being pushed in YA Fantasy to be more inclusive and challenging? What is considered “inappropriate” works for young adults?

The other panelists include Carola Dibbell (The Only Ones) and Daniel Jose Older (Salsa Nocturna), and the panel is moderated by book vlogger Dominique Taylor (The Storyscape). I’ll also have signed copies of Banished Sons of Poseidon for purchase.

Sound like a good time? I hope so. 🙂

For directions and the full program, check out the Queens Book Festival website here.