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Navigating BookCon—city’s biggest book celebration—can be daunting, so we asked the authors appearing there what they’d most like to see at the inclusive conference. Here are their picks.
“Jeff Kinney, 10-year Anniversary of Diary of a Wimpy Kid”
The young-adult comedy classic celebrates its first decade. “My son would never forgive me if I didn’t see Kinney talk about Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” says Joelle Charbonneau, author of The Testing trilogy, who also hopes to check out YA fantasy authors Leigh Bardugo and Holly Black (another insider favorite). “Beyond that, I’m going to let myself wander and see what adventures I stumble into.”
Main Stage, Sat 3 at 12:45pm
“The Handmaid’s Tale: Margaret Atwood and Showrunner Bruce Miller from the New Series”
Janet Mock, activist and author of the forthcoming memoir Surpassing Certainty, puts “literary heroine” Atwood’s talk at the top of her must-see list. “Her work feels so fitting and vital to our political times,” says Mock.
Room 1E10, Sat 3 at 4:15pm
Wonder Woman screening with Leigh Bardugo
Bardugo, the author of the forthcoming Wonder Woman origin story, Warbringer, hosts this screening of the summer blockbuster. “I’ve been looking forward to this movie for years,” says Victoria Aveyard, author of the Red Queen series. “Leigh is so talented. Her take on Wonder Woman is bound to be spectacular.”
Sat 3 at 7:30pm
“Real Science, Big Adventure: Bill Nye the Science Guy’s New Series for Kids”
The Science Guy introduces Jack and the Geniuses, his new adventure series for kids, in this conversation with coauthor Gregory Mone. “I am desperate to make it to his signing,” says Susan Dennard, the best-selling author of Truthwitch and Windwitch. “I grew up watching him, and I swear he’s part of the reason I eventually went into STEM.”
Main Stage, Sun 4 at 11am
Kevin Hart Meet & Greet
The megawatt comedian celebrates his new memoir, I Can’t Make This Up: Life Lessons, with a fan photo op. “I’m bringing my two youngest sons with me,” says Colleen Hoover, the perennially best-selling author of the Slammed series. “I’m excited to see their excitement.”
Sun 4, location and time disclosed with $30 ticket purchase
BookCon is at Javits Center Sat 3, Sun 4 (thebookcon.com). $30–$45, kids $10.