We have a lot of great things happening on Book Fest Saturday but you can find the main stage schedule below
May 3, 2025 – Thurman Springs Park
Main Stage
9:30 AM Character walk – Dog Man and Elephant & Piggie. Sign up to walk with these characters.
10:00 AM Opening Prayer – Minister David Walker, Linked Up Church
10:15 AM Welcome: Poem – Tony Keith, Jr., Author, Poet
10:30 AM Keynote – Breanna McDaniel, Author
11:00 AM Mayor’s Reading Club Panel – Mayors from Powder Springs, Austell & Mableton
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM | Panel 1: Bold Voices, Brave Stories (Fiction & Memoir): Moderator Breanna McDaniel, Author
Authors:
- Tony Keith Jr.
- Tanisia Moore
- Karen Good Marable
- Lisa D. Brathwaite
Summary:
Powerful, personal, and unflinchingly honest—this panel brings together authors whose work challenges, uplifts, and inspires. They explore identity, resilience, and the stories that help us make sense of our world
12:30 PM – 1:15 PM | Panel 2: Magic, Mystery & Middle Grade Mischief: Moderator Breanna McDaneil, Author
Authors:
- Chris Negron
- Traci Wilton
- Breanna McDaniel
- Rachel Allen
Summary:
Whether it’s through magical realism or page-turning plots grounded in real-life adventures, these authors know how to keep young readers hooked. Join them for a lively discussion on creating stories that balance excitement with emotional depth.
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM | Panel 3: Behind the Shelves: Stories from Independent Bookstore Owners: Brave + Kind Bookshop, A Small Place Books, Read it Again Bookstore, All Things Inspiration and The Book Worm Bookstore Moderator: Youth Council Mayor
Summary:
Step into the vibrant world of independent bookstores with this lively panel featuring passionate bookstore owners around Georgia. Discover the challenges and triumphs of running a bookstore in today’s literary landscape—how these entrepreneurs cultivate community, champion diverse voices, and keep the love of reading alive one book at a time. From navigating supply chain hiccups to curating the perfect staff pick shelf, our panelists will share candid insights and personal stories that illuminate the heart and hustle behind every indie bookshop.
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM | Panel 4: Cozy Crimes & Crafty Sleuths (Mystery)
Moderator: Breanna McDaniel
Authors:
- Ellery Adams
- Valerie Burns
- Roz Noonan
- Lynn Cahoon
Summary:
Get cozy with this crew of mystery mavens as they dish on what makes a page-turning whodunit. From charming small-town settings to culinary sleuths, these authors craft murder mysteries that are as delightful as they are devious.
3:15 PM Basics Playground Palooza – Best for children ages 5 and under and their caregivers)
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM | Panel 5: Stories That Shape Us (Picture Books + Middle Grade)
Moderator: Julia Davis
Authors:
- Rosalind & Maggie Bunn
- Kelly Young-Silverman
- Katrina Moore
- Natalie Lloyd
Summary:
From whimsical bedtime tales to heartfelt stories of friendship and belonging, this panel explores how books for younger readers shape our understanding of the world and ourselves. Meet the authors bringing joy, empathy, and inspiration to kids of all ages.
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Panel 6: Imagination, Illustration & the Art of Storytelling (Graphic + Visual + Multi-Genre) Moderator: Sally Kilpatrick
Authors:
- Andy Runton
- Lauren Agra Deedy
- Molly MacRae
- Allie Pleiter
- Kimberly Brock
Summary:
Dive into the creative minds behind books that blur the lines between words and visuals. From graphic novels to hybrid formats, these creators bring their stories to life with unique formats and unexpected twists.
6:00 PM One Book One City – Denny S. Bryce & Eliza Knight: Moderator Julia Davis, The Book Worm