2027 Keynote Speaker: Torrey Maldonado
Torrey Maldonado is an acclaimed author and New York City public school educator based in Brooklyn, where he was born and raised. Drawing on his experiences and those of his students, he writes compelling, relatable stories that reflect the lives and challenges of young readers. His books include What Lane?, Tight, Secret Saturdays, and Hands. His work has earned significant literary recognition: Tight received the Christopher Award and was named an ALA Notable Book and an NPR and Washington Post Best Book of the Year, while What Lane? received multiple starred reviews. His books also provide opportunities for young readers to explore topics such as identity, racism, allyship, friendship, and personal responsibility.
Past Keynote Speakers
| Year 2026 2025 2024 2023 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 | Speaker Jamar Rahming Tracie D. Hall Bill Goldstein Ellen Jovin Dave Isay Emily Esfahani Smith K.C. Boyd Tad Hills Jadeep Mansour Sarah Vowel Jack Gantos Nancy Pearl Andrew Xia Fukuda Richard Paul Evans Adriana Trigiani Ellen Meister Susan Isaacs Chris Crutcher Mike Lupica Roger Rosenblatt Mick Foley David Baldacci Sarah Long M.E. Kerr |
