ALA Annual 2026: Chicago

At the end of June I traveled to Chicago for the first time in over 20 years to attend the American Library Association Annual 2026. This was my third time attending an ALA event, and my second time as an author and panelist. As the premiere meeting for librarians from across the country, it is an incredible opportunity to network with publishing professionals and the experts out there on the front lines helping readers find new titles every day.

One reason I went to the show was because I’d been invited to participate in an ALA Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table panel. This particular panel was concerned with Civic Engagement, Advocacy, and Comics, which both my books with George Takei feature as central themes. We had a lot to talk about, and the panel was stacked with talented folks including Sydney Halpern, Jim Terry, Jarrett Dapier, and Lucky Srikumar.

Following the panel I had the first of two signings at the Top Shelf / IDW booth, where 45 minutes flew by with a blizzard of autographs and brief encounters with enthusiastic librarians. What a way to recharge your batteries!

Just as exciting as the panel and signings was visiting the Chronicle Books booth, where I saw my upcoming — and very first! — children’s picture book How’d They Make That: Incredible Stadiums! in person! Okay, so I’d received my advance copy a few days before the show, but it was very cool to see my book displayed on the classy shelves in the Chronicle booth and meet their marketing team. Thanks for the warm welcome!

Beyond my scheduled events I had the chance to reconnect and/or randomly cross paths with a certifiable who’s-who of my publishing career past, bumping into friends and colleagues from throughout my journey all around the show floor. It was so great to see everyone.

And then it was over. Just an easy 6-hour drive back to NE Ohio and a promise that it won’t be another 20 years before I’m back in Chicago.