CLEREADS YA Book Festival

Join us for captivating conversations as we celebrate the power of stories challenging norms, igniting imaginations, and transforming lives at the 2023 #CLEReads Young Adult Book Fest.   

This year, our festival proudly explores the theme of “Banned Books and Stories Unbound,” shining light on voices that have dared to challenge censorship and amplify silenced narratives. Mac’s Backs will be on-site for book purchasing. Complimentary lunches and books by our featured guest panelists will be available for high school students while supplies last. 

Tuesday, October 3 | 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Cleveland Public Library, Main Library
525 Superior Avenue

FEATURED AUTHORS

ANGELA
DAVIS

Author of Freedom is A Constant Struggle.

About Author

Angela Davis is a renowned American political activist, scholar, and author born on January 26^th, 1944, in Birmingham, Alabama.  She gained international recognition for her activism in the 1960s and 70s, particularly for her involvement in the civil rights and Black liberation movement.  Davis is a prominent advocate for prison abolition and has written extensively on issues related to race, gender, and social justice. Her lifelong commitment to activism and academia continues to inspire and shape discussions on equality and human rights.

JUSTIN
REYNOLDS

CLE READS Co-Founder and Author of Shot Clock.

About Author

Justin A. Reynolds has always wanted to be a writer. Opposite of Always, his debut novel, was an Indies Introduce Top Ten Debut, a School Library Journal Best Book, translated into 19 languages, and is being developed for film with Paramount Players. His Marvel graphic novel debut featuring Brooklyn’s Spider-Man, Miles Morales: Shock Waves, was an instant ABA Indie Bestseller. Find him at www.justinareynolds.com.

LEAH
JOHNSON

Author of You Should See Me in a Crown.

About Author

Hailing from Indiana, USA, Leah Johnson has captured the hearts of readers with her compelling storytelling and narratives.  Her debut novel, You Should See Me in A Crown collected widespread acclaim for its exploration of identity, race, and LGBT+ themes.  Her writing continues to inspire and resonate with audiences, establishing her as a powerful voice in contemporary young adult literature.

RASHEED
NEWSON

Author of My Government Means to Kill Me

About Author

Rasheed grew up in Indianapolis and discovered his passion for writing and reading fiction as a child.  Among his favorite authors were Nikki Giovanni and Kurt Vonnegut. After graduating from Georgetown University, Rasheed moved to Los Angeles and worked in entertainment, including as a writer’s assistant on shows.

TORREY
MALDONADO

Author of Hands, How Will You Use Them?

About Author

Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, Torrey Maldonado is an accomplished American author known for his impactful contributions to young adult literature. His works are inspired by working as a New York City public school teacher for nearly 25 years, addressing complex issues such as urban life, race, identity, and family dynamics. Maldonado received acclaim for works such as What Lane, which earned starred reviews and was recognized by Oprah and The New York Times as a crucial piece of work for addressing topics of racism and allyship.

MAULIK
PANCHOLY

Author of Nikhil Out Loud

About Author

Maulik Pancholy is an American actor, voice actor, and comedian. He is best known for his roles in 30 Rock, Whitney, and Weeds. His voice acting credits include Phineas and Ferb, The Electric Company, Sanjay and Craig, and Planes: Fire & Rescue. Pancholy debuted his middle grade novel The Best at It in 2020.   Nikhil Out Loud his second book about a gay Indian American boy who learns the power of using his voice after his family moves to a small town in Ohio.

QUARTEZ
HARRIS

Author of We Made It to School Alive and Nothing, But Skin.

Details

Quartez Harris, a resident of Cleveland, Ohio, began his journey as an educator in the Cleveland Public City Schools, where he made a profound impact on young minds.  In recognition of his remarkable talent, Harris was awarded the prestigious title of Ohio Poetry Association’s 2021 Poet of the year.  As a gifted wordsmith, he has authored two influential poetry collections, “We Made It to School Alive” and “Nothing, But Skin.”

DON P.
HOOPER

Author of True True

Details

Don P. Hooper, a writer and filmmaker with Jamaican roots and former programmer, is a versatile creative force.  As a director, his work has graced prominent venues like the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival and the New York Television Film Festival, where he earned awards for his exceptional talent.  His creative repertoire extends to voice-over work in video games and documentaries. Notably, he marked his literary debut with the release of True True, a novel that showcases his storytelling talents and solidifies his status as a multi-talented artist in the world of entertainment.

Sonora
Reyes

Author of Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School and The Luis Ortega Survival Club.

Details

Born and raised in Arizona, Sonora Reyes is the author of contemporary Young Adult novels The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School and The Luis Ortega Survival Club.

They write fiction full of queer and Latinx characters in a variety of genres, with current projects in both kidlit and adult categories. Sonora is also a co-founder of QPOCfest, a virtual book festival celebrating queer and trans BIPOC authors and books.

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