The second annual Young Adult Southern (YAS) Book Con will take place on October 19, 2018, starting at 9:00am (CST) in WKU's Downing Student Union. Featuring 40 authors of Young Adult or Middle Grade titles, YAS Book Con allows readers to come together and learn more about reading and writing from authors they admire in an interactive, open format. This year, attendees will be able to participate in writing workshops, panel discussions, and activities as well as find authors signing books until 2:00pm in the Downing Student Union on WKU's campus. After 4:00pm, the event will move to downtown Bowling Green, with panel discussions at Spencer’s Coffee, Little Fox Bakery, Starbucks, and 643 in addition to Barnes & Noble. Book sales will be provided by Barnes & Noble. YAS Book Con is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.  

Sara Volpi, Literary Outreach Coordinator for WKU Libraries and chief organizer of the event says, “People of all ages read books classified as "YA" (young adult). YA authors write books that appeal to all audiences, and reading such literature is key in understanding and exercising empathy, expanding the imagination, and learning key principles that serve audiences far beyond their teenage years."

Among the featured guests are New York Times bestselling Nic Stone, author of Dear Martin. Free copies of her book will be distributed at various locations on September 13, 14, and 22nd, and community discussions are being hosted September 26, October 11, and October 15. A full schedule is available at 2018.yasbookcon.org. The book giveaways and community events are being offered in conjunction with a reading program co-hosted by the Warren County Public Library called Project LIT, an initiative to empower readers and leaders across the country by providing access to books and conversations about literacy and the importance of reading. Also in attendance this year is Jen Wang, a well-known cartoonist, writer, and illustrator who has worked with such authors as Cory Doctorow and has written/illustrated for the Adventure Time and Lumberjanes series. C. J. Redwine, author of the Ravenspire Series, will attend, along with Tanaz Bhathena, Randy Ribay, and Brandy Colbert, award-winning author of Little and Lion. YAS Book Con isn't just for middle-high school students: it’s perfect for college freshman (and even older students), as many of the books featured at the event deal with decisions students make when they’re looking at life after high school. 

For more info or to inquire about bringing a group, send an email to sara.volpi@wku.edu. The full schedule, author lineup, and information about parking and dining options can be found on the website, 2018.yasbookcon.org. YAS Book Con, sponsored by Jim Johnson Nissan, Graves Gilbert Clinic, the WKU Office of Admissions, WKU Downing Student Union, Holiday Inn University Plaza, and more, is brought to you by the SOKY Book Fest, a partnership of the Warren County Public Library, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, and WKU Libraries.