We’re looking forward to seeing many of you in person at the annual American Library Association conference in Chicago. We’ll be celebrating 100 years of HarperCollins Children’s books and 150 years of ALA so stop by booth 3812 for extra excitement!
Can’t Miss Events
Toast to 100 Years of HarperCollins Children’s Books
Friday at 5:45 PM
Stop by booth #3812 to help us wish HCCB happy birthday!
Lois Lowry Keynote
Saturday at 10:30 AM
Head to the Main Stage at the McCormick Place Convention Center for Lois’ keynote address.
Two-time Newbery Medal winner, described as “clearly one of the most important twentieth-century American writers for children,” whose books are a staple of both middle school curricular and banned book lists. Her new 2026 middle grade novel echoes that of her most prominent work, THE GIVER, but with a sobering spin for today’s generation. In BUILDING 903, twins Tessa and Theo live in a world ruled by the tyrannical leader, where there are no dangers and nearly no rebels. In this world, citizens live long lives, and while many hate the tyrannical leader, they are comfortable and safe. So, when Tessa’s brother disappears, this anomaly is quickly swept under the rug. Soon after, when Tessa’s 135-year-old neighbor, Miriam Osterman, is bound for the retirement community, she sneaks Tessa a key—not only to her brother’s disappearance, but to the source of all real magic . . . books. As Tessa and her parents begin their search for Theo, Tessa learns that books not only tell us stories—they open portals and unlock our humanity through our most powerful tool: the imagination. Once that truth has been revealed, Tessa won’t be able to rest until she has retrieved her twin and society itself has been transformed.
AILA President Program
Saturday at 10:30 AM
Join authors Cynthia Leitich Smith and Stacy Wells in Convention Center room W194 A for this amazing presentation. This session explores how librarians and educators can better understand and represent the diversity of Native peoples and nations in their collections and programming. We’ll discuss the differences among tribal nations, the unique legal structures for Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians, and how colonial borders have shaped identity and representation. Using examples from literature and the media, we’ll highlight how miseducation has influenced what’s on our shelves and in our classrooms. Participants will leave with practical tools, curated book lists, and strategies for promoting authentic Native authored stories year-round.
Children’s Book Buzz
Saturday at 11:30 AM
Join Harper and several other publishers on as we preview our upcoming titles at the Book Buzz stage in the exhibit hall.
Author Signings
