Lois Duncan, the keynote speaker, received a standing ovation from the kids after her presentation. She answered tons of questions from her audience, obviously huge fans of her books. Autographing lines wound around the cafeteria as kids vied for signatures from Duncan and the other illustrious authors: Terry Trueman, Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith, Vivian Vande Velde, Alex Flinn. Michelle Gorman, author of GETTING GRAPHIC, was also on hand to conduct workshops.
Wow, what a day. I must admit I dragged myself there, complete with sinus infection and swollen eyes (how pretty a sight!), thinking no one would come to a session about new books. But they did! Kids ranging from 4th to 12th grade were there. We talked books; they asked for recommendations and recommended a few for me as well.
What a day it was. So, next time I hear some naysayer talk about the dearth of readers out there, I have a comeback.