By Megan Ciskowski, Associate Publicist

After a long period of virtual events, educators and publishers from around the nation will gather in Washington, DC for this year’s ALA Annual. We want to see you at the Lerner booth 1307! Come meet some of our authors and illustrators, learn about our upcoming titles, and grab some free ARCs. Read on to see all Lerner events.

Free signings at ALA

Saturday, June 25th

11:00 -11:30 A.M. EDT

At our very first signing we will have author Patricia Newman signing free copies of Planet Ocean: Why We All Need a Healthy Ocean.

This photo nonfiction takes readers to the Arctic Ocean, the Salish Sea in the Pacific Northwest, and the Coral Triangle off the coast of Indonesia to explore how we are all linked to the ocean. Selected as both a Orbis Pictus Recommended book and a Eureka! Children’s Book Award honor book, Planet Ocean looks at climate change, pollution, and sustainability, and highlights the efforts of local people in each area who are working to make a difference.

Sunday, June 26th

10:30-11:00am EDT

We kick off Sunday morning with a signing featuring Carole Boston Weatherford and Jeffery Boston Weatherford, the dynamic duo behind Call Me Miss Hamilton: One Woman’s Case for Equality and Respect. Grab a free copy of this singular nonfiction.

This biography features the story of Civil Rights activist Mary Hamilton, a Black woman who took a stand for respect—with a case that went all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States—and won. Striking scratchboard illustrations by Jeffery Boston Weatherford, accompanied by archival photographs, honor this unsung heroine.

11:30am-12:00pm EDT

Stick around for a signing with author Sue Fliess where you can receive a free, signed copy of her latest nonfiction picture book Rumble and Roar: Sound around the World on Sunday.

Rhyming text from Sue Fliess and atmospheric illustrations from Khoa Le present four children in different parts of the world who encounter all sorts of sounds. This title is perfect for those looking for a STEM read-aloud.

1:00-1:30pm EDT

Grab some lunch and then swing by for a signing with Read Woke librarian Cicely Lewis on Sunday! Free copies of Resistance to Slavery: From Escape to Everyday Rebellion from the American Slavery and the Fight for Freedom (Read Woke ™ Books) series will be available.

In addition to slave uprisings and escapes on the Underground Railroad, enslaved people also resisted their mistreatment through small acts in their everyday lives. Discover the many forms of resistance to slavery in this nonfiction title.

Monday, June 27th

10:00-10:30am EDT

Author Arnon Z. Shorr will be signing free copies of José and the Pirate Captain Toledano on Monday.

Set in the shadows of the Spanish Inquisition, José and the Pirate Captain Toledano is the coming-of-age story of José Alfaro, a young refugee who forms a powerful bond with the mysterious Pirate Captain Toledano.

11:00-11:30am EDT

The 5 Kinds of Nonfiction can change the way you organize your nonfiction shelf! Visit author and educator Melissa Stewart in the Lerner booth on Monday to receive a signed, free copy of 5 Kinds of Nonfiction: Enriching Reading and Writing Instruction with Children’s Books.

This book introduces a system for classifying the diverse array of children’s nonfiction being published today, highlights more than 150 high-quality titles for K-8, offers tips for enhancing classroom and library collections, and provides 22 activities for enriching literacy instruction.

ARCs, Magnets, and more!

Show Everyone that You’re with the Banned!

We’ve also compiled a flyer listing anti-censorship resources for educators and librarians. Pick up a copy at the Lerner booth at ALA or download it here.

We can’t wait to see you there!