Presented by: Calkins Creek, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Random House Children's Books, and School Library Journal
Event Date and Time: Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT

Join us for a lively conversation featuring the finalists of the 2026 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award! Moderated by Albany High School Librarian Alicia Abdul, the authors will share insights into the inspiration behind their nominated titles, along with details about their research and storytelling processes.

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), selected five books as finalists for the 2026 Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award, which awards the best in nonfiction published during a November 1 to October 31 year for young adults ranging in age from 12 through 18 years. It highlights excellence in writing, research, presentation and readability for young adults.

YALSA will name the 2026 award winner at the ALA Youth Media Awards on January 26, 2026, at the Hilton Chicago.

Speakers:

Ann Bausum, Author of “White Lies: How the South Lost the Civil War, then Rewrote the History"

Gail Jarrow, Author of “White House Secrets: Medical Lies and Cover-Ups"

Candace Fleming, Author of "Death in the Jungle: Murder, Betrayal, and the Lost Dream of Jonestown"

Nicholas Day, Author of "A World Without Summer"

Barb Rosenstock, Author of “American Spirits: The Famous Fox Sisters and the Mysterious Fad That Haunted a Nation"

Moderator:

Alicia Abdul, School Librarian, Albany High School (NY)

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