Book Expo America has started revealing some of the talk sessions for Expo. Now in terms of planing this doesn’t completely help once autographing and booth sessions come to light BUT they do preview some of the celebrity guests who also happen to make books that haven’t been announced. Including George Takei, Jenny Slate, John Hodgman, Pete Holmes as well as with the announced Buzz books a clue of some of the books being promoted in advance. I’ve highlighted a few sessions that catch my eye and even noticed there’s a small overlap. Along with the sessions I’ve linked to the featured book when I could for some pre-show information
05/29/2019, 12:10 PM – 12:45 PM
George Takei: From American Enemy to American Icon
In his new stunning graphic memoir, They Called Us Enemy, actor/author/activist George Takei revisits his haunting childhood in American concentration camps, as one of 120,000 Japanese Americans imprisoned by the U.S. government during World War II. In this discussion at BookExpo, Takei recounts the experiences and forces that shaped his own life and America itself. Join us for this gripping tale of courage, country, loyalty, and love.
05/30/2019, 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
The Word (Bubble) on Scholastic Graphix
From the fringes of the comic book store to the top of the bestseller list, graphic novels are here to stay. Learn about the graphic novels you should be saving space on your shelf for as well as resources and materials you can use to create your own comic community events. Attend the panel to receive a Scholastic Graphix gift bag!
PCS Note/Prediction: Gift bag shall have arcs from each panelist. Jon J. Muth’s Seventh-Voyage-Star-Diaries, Raina Telgemeier’s GUTS, Jennifer & Matt Holm’s Sunny Rolls the Dice and Kristin Gudsnuk’s Making Friends: Back to the Drawing Board.
05/30/2019, 3:30 PM – 4:05 PM
Laugh Out Loud with Jenny Slate, John Hodgman, and Pete Holmes
Jenny Slate, John Hodgman, and Pete Holmes are three of the most accomplished comedians of our time, yet their lives aren’t as glamorous as some may think. Being on the fringe of fame, battling anxiety self-doubt, or simply always looking for the next big career opportunity, these three comedians/authors are always battling to succeed. Join Slate (untitled), Hodgman (Medallion Status), and Holmes (Comedy Sex God) for a rousing discussion about their newest books which are the products of the secrets and struggles that create their success.
05/31/2019, 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Progress in LGBTQ+ Books and Authors in 2019: Grace Ellis, Mariko Tamaki, & Phil Stamper
LGBTQ+ books, characters, and authors continue to play a critical role in today’s publishing landscape. Please come to the Downtown Stage to join Lumberjanes co-creator and co-writer Grace Ellis (Moonstruck Vol 2), Eisner Award winner Mariko Tamaki (Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass), and debut author Phil Stamper (The Gravity of Us – February 2020) as they discuss how their latest works fit into today’s writing industry.
05/31/2019, 11:15 AM – 11:50 AM
DC Showcase
DC talks new middle grade (DC Zoom), YA (DC Ink), and mature readers (DC Black Label) imprints at BookExpo 2019! Join Meg Cabot (Black Canary: Ignite, DC Zoom), Kami Garcia (Teen: Titans: Raven, DC Ink), Kelly Sue DeConnick (Aquaman Vol. 1: Unspoken Water, DC), and Sean Murphy (Batman: White Knight, DC Black Label), at this exciting showcase!
05/31/2019, 12:50 PM – 1:30 PM
John Cena Presents: Elbow Grease vs. Motozilla
Global superstar and icon John Cena is a beloved entertainer and dedicated philanthropist who’s renowned for his humor, athleticism, and acting. While he’s increasingly known for his work in films such as Trainwreck, Ferdinand, and the Transformers spin-off, Bumblebee, he’s best known for being a 16-time WWE World Champion and five-time US Champion. But most importantly, he’s the #1 requested Make-A-Wish granter, as he has made more than 500 Make-A-Wish visits. Please join John and he discusses Elbow Grease vs. Motozilla, a high-octane story all about teamwork, which is the second picture book in the #1 New York Times Bestselling series Elbow Grease.
05/31/2019, 2:20 PM – 3:00 PM
BookExpo Graphic Novel Spotlight
Join us for an essential preview of the most exciting graphic novels of Fall 2019: Stage Dreams, by Melanie Gillman ; The Seventh Voyage, by Jon J Muth, Stargazing, by Jen Wang, and Rusty Brown, by Chris Ware. From kids to adult, science fiction to contemporary, these graphic novels span ages and categories – the most anticipated new work from some of the most inspiring creators in the field today. Moderated by Calvin Reid (Publishers Weekly).
Below is a recent image of added guests to Book Con, but here’s a quick list of folks PCS is very excited for and what they’re probably at the show promoting based on prior information and released news.
Alyssa Milano, child & adult star with her new Scholastic series that begins with HOPE.
Eoin Colfer of Artemis Fowl fame, promoting not just the new movie but the announced new book series.
Evangeline Lilly, major film star, with her book series The Squickerwonkers. According to the events page on that site at Book Con she’ll be on a panel with Milano, as well as R.J. Palacio who has a follow-up to Wonder titled White Bird coming soon.
of particular interest to this site as it covers music, movies and books is the appearance by Tegan & Sara in advance of their upcoming memoir, High School.
And there you have a small sneak into what the 2019 Book Expo America and Book Con shall entail. Throw in Unbound and New York Rights both events seem not miss so if you’re in a position to be at BEA do so and if not, buy those Book Con Tickets now.