Teen Bookfest by the Bay: Your guide to the free reading event

John Oliva, Corpus Christi Caller Times

January 26, 2023 at 10:29 AM·5 min read

Aimed at encouraging teenagers to read, the Teen Bookfest by the Bay is set to return for its eighth free event at the American Bank Center on Saturday, Feb. 4.

From 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 20 authors and one illustrator will participate in signings, panels and workshops.

Festival President Ana Lisa Lawhon said that while teens are the event's focus, anyone who loves reading is welcome.

"Aside from advocating reading, we hope that those kids who dream of being a writer can come and listen to authors about their journey and find out how things work," Lawhon said.

For more information, visit tbfbay.org.

A flyer for the eighth Teen Bookfest by the Bay.

Authors

Robin Alvarez: Author of "When Oceans Rise." Signings at 1:20 to 2:05 p.m.
Miracle Austin: Author of "Fright Bites." Signings at 2:15 to 3 p.m.
e.E. Charlton-Trujillo: Author of "Fat Angie: Homecoming." Signings at 10:25 to 11:10 a.m.
Ruben Degollado: Author of "The Family Izquierdo." Signings at 9:30 to 10:15 a.m.
Alda P. Dobbs: Author of "The Other Side of the River." Signings at 2:15 to 3 p.m.
Beth Fehlbaum: Author of "Find the Moon." Signings at 10:25 to 11:10 a.m.
Emily Inouye Huey: Author of "Beneath the Wide Silk Sky." Signings at 1:20 to 2:05 p.m.
Sabina Khan: Author of "Meet Me in Mumbai." Signings at 3:10 to 3:55 p.m.
Laekan Zea Kemp: Author of "Heartbreak Symphony." Signings at 1:20 to 2:05 p.m.
Jennifer Mathieu: Author of "Bad Girls Never Say Die." Signings at 11:20 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.

Jodi Meadows: Author of "Nightrender." Signings at 9:30 to 10:15 a.m.
Jessica Olson: Author of "A Forgery of Roses." Signings at 2:15 to 3 p.m.
Misako Rocks: Author and illustrator of "Bounce Back." Signings at 4 to 4:30 p.m.
Robin Roe: Author of "Dark Room Etiquette." Signings at 3:10 to 3:55 p.m.
Manuel Ruiz: Author of "The Sweet Skull." Signings at 11:20 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.
J. Scott Savage: Author of "Secrets of the Looking Glass." Signings at 10:25 to 11:10 a.m.
Liara Tamani: Author of "What She Missed." Signings at 11:20 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.
Jessica Vitalis: Author of "The Rabbit's Gift." Signings at 3:10 to 3:55 p.m.
Cody Wagner: Author of "The Gay Teen's Guide to Defeating a Siren." Signings at 1:20 to 2:05 p.m.
Marit Weisenberg: Author of "Insomniacs." Signings at 9:30 to 10:15 a.m.

Panels and workshops

Operation: FRFR: Moderated by Tabitha Long, Beth Fehlbaum, Emily Inouye Huey, Laekan Zea Kemp and Robin Roe. "Sometimes living IRL is hard. The stories these authors tell will blow your mind." From 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., 11:20 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. and 2:15 to 3 p.m. in room C104.
Operation: Top Secret: Moderated by Connor Adamson, Jennifer Mathieu, Jessica Olson and Marit Weisenberg. "Don't spill the tea. These authors have secrets to keep." From 10:25 to 11:10 a.m., 1:20 to 2:05 p.m. and 3:10 to 3:55 p.m. in room C104.
Operation: Where Eagles Dare: Moderated by Samantha Mora, e.E. Charlton-Trujillo, Sabina Khan and Cody Wagner. "Set a course for adventure with these authors." From 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., 11:20 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. and 2:15 to 3 p.m. in room C105.
Operation: Danger Zone: Moderated by Robert Steagall, Miracle Austin, Jodi Meadows and Manuel Ruiz. "They laugh in the face of danger." From 10:25 to 11:10 a.m., 1:20 to 2:05 p.m. and 3:10 to 3:55 p.m. in room C105.
Operation: Take Flight: Moderated by Melodi Navarro, Robin Alvarez, J. Scott Savage and Jessica Vitalis. "What wonders await on other worlds? Let's find out!" From 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., 11:20 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. and 2:15 to 3 p.m. in room C106.

Operation: Basic Training: Moderated by Cindi Carey, Ruben Degollado, Alda P. Dobbs and Liara Tamani. "Our cultural heritage shapes who we are. Revisit the familiar or learn something new with these authors." From 10:25 to 11:10 a.m., 1:20 to 2:05 p.m. and 3:10 to 3:55 p.m. in room C106.
Illustrator's Workshop: The workshop will be hosted by Misako Rocks, a Japanese manga artist who has published several manga books. From 9:30 to 11:10 a.m. and 1:20 to 3 p.m. in room C101.
Creative Writing Workshop: The workshop will be hosted by Del Mar College professors, including Sue Crowson, Paul McCann, Emily Shearer Stewart and Jane Wolter-Williamson. From 10:25 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. and 2:15 to 3:55 p.m. in room C103.
Art Relaxation Station: A place where attendees can listen to relaxing music and paint with watercolors. Daniel Ward, Martin Middle School's art teacher, will run the program. From 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., 11:20 a.m. to 12:05 p.m., 1:20 to 2:05 p.m. and 3:10 to 3:55 p.m. in room C107.
Operation: Manga Mania: Attendees can participate in different activities involving manga. From 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., 11:20 a.m. to 12:05 p.m., 1:20 to 2:05 p.m. and 3:10 to 3:55 p.m. in the Garrett Ballroom C.

How to score a free book, or two

Want a free bag and book?

Attend three sessions at the Teen Bookfest By the Bay to receive a stamp in your booklet to receive a free book and bag. If you visit all six sessions, you will get an extra book.