Blink YA Books is thrilled to be back at the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., June 21-24. Blink will have five authors participating in the conference, all of whom will be signing. Additionally, we’ll be handing out some advance reader copies (ARCs) you won’t want to miss!

On Friday night, we’ll be handing out ARCs for The Silence Between Us, an #OwnVoices novel from Alison Gervais. This book is poignant and extremely heartfelt as it shines a spotlight on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community and incorporates American Sign Language beautifully in the text. Publisher’s Weekly says, “Gervais adroitly pulls readers into her world—conveying ASL through all caps and spelled-out words” and Midwest Book Review says the book is “compelling and thoroughly entertaining”.

On Saturday, two authors will stop by the Blink booth to sign ARCs. Christina June will be signing final copies of No Place Like Here from 11 a.m. until noon. No Place Like Here is a contemporary retelling of Hansel and Gretl and reminds us life leads you to unexpected places, but it is love that brings us home.

Kimberly Gabriel will be signing copies of Every Stolen Breath, a fast-paced and immersive thriller that shows just how hard one girl will fight back, knowing any breath might be her last, from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. The story is inspired by the real-life “flash mob” violence that has plagued Chicago since 2011.

Finally, Kwame Alexander will sign Swing and How to Read a Book at the HarperCollins Booth 1219 at 2:30 p.m. Swing is a lyrical story about hope, courage, and love that speaks to anyone who’s struggled to find their voice. And the surprise ending shines a spotlight on the issues related to our current social divide, challenging perspectives and inspiring everyone to make their voice heard. When America is not so beautiful, or right, or just, it can be hard to know what to do. Best friends Walt and Noah decide to use their voices to grow more good in the world, but first they’ve got to find cool. How to Read a Bookis a picture book which tells a poetic and beautiful journey about the experience of reading.

Sunday is another busy day for our authors. From 9:15 a.m. until 10 a.m., Lauren Mansy, debut author of the fantasy novel The Memory Thief will sign in the booth. In addition to a beautiful cover, thievery, rebellion, and a strange magic will captivate readers in The Memory Thief. This fantasy novel brings readers on an unforgettable journey through the city of Craewick—a city where memories are currency, citizens are divided by ability, and “Gifted” individuals can take memories from others as they please.

Also on Sunday, Annie Sullivan, author of A Touch of Gold (2018) and the soon-to-release Tiger Queen, will be at the booth signing from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tiger Queen is a fantasy retelling of Frank Stockton’s famous short story “The Lady, or The Tiger?”. It’s full of secrets, suitors, thieves, and a fierce desert princess as she answers the question of which door, and what is behind the door. As Annie says, “she gives it the ending she always thought it should have”. What is it? You’ll have to pick up a copy to find out!

And, on Saturday and Sunday, we’ll be handing our ARCs of Wardens of Eternity from Courtney Moulton, author of the acclaimed Angelfire series. Wardens of Eternity is an action-packed YA fantasy novel that blends history, mythology, and magic. Ziva Ellison has one memory of her parents, made the day they abandoned her on the streets of New York City when she was three years old. They left her with only a memory and a promise that she had a great and terrible destiny. Fifteen years later, Ziva discovers that destiny includes powers that she doesn’t understand and can barely control. In the days leading up to World War II, Ziva must rely on her wit and magic to outmaneuver Nazis and ancient Egyptian gods to prevent global destruction.

Be sure to stop by the Blink Booth—we look forward to seeing you!