This year, BookFest also features three separate discussions. Panels include a conversation with the wonderful Sonia Manzano aka Maria of Sesame Street and author of the award winning Alma series and Carlos Hernandez, Pura Belpré winner for Sal and Gabi Break the Universe.  A second panel will include friends and mentors: CJ Esperanza, My Daddy is a Cowboy;  Winsome Bingham, Soul Food Sunday; Jason Griffin, The Table; Traci Todd, Nina: A Story of Nina Simone,  and Eric Velasquez, Octopus Stew.  Newbery Honoree, Lesa Cline Ransome moderates.  A final panel will focus on series books and will include: Adam Gidwitz, Unicorn Rescue, Debbi Michiko Florence, Jasmine Toguchi, Karina Yan Glaser, The Van der Beekers of 141st Street, Mika Song, Norma and Belly; Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, The Kids in Mrs. Z's Class and will be moderated by Emma Otheguy, Reina Ramos.  


A book signing, with works provided by Books of Wonder, will take place after the live event.