ALA 2010 Part 2

Some of the 2,498 authors and illustrators I ran into (in no particular order)...

This year's Newbery winner (When You Reach Me), Rebecca Stead:

Rebecca Stead (right) and me

Paul Zelinsky was wearing a vest made from fabric that has his artwork on it. Totally cool.

Paul Zelinsky (right - duh) and me



I finally got to meet author Sara Lewis Holmes. She gave out little plastic army guys at her signing for Operation Yes, is uber cute, and has a darling little Southern accent. How could I not love her?

Sara Lewis Holmes (right) and me

I was so glad to meet agent Linda Pratt, of Fogelman Agency. She represents my good friend, Augusta Scattergood:

Linda Pratt (left) and me


Another online pal I finally got to meet was Kim Norman. Kim makes you want to hug her immediately (which I did):

Kim Norman (left) and me

A highlight for me was chatting with the amazing Karen Cushman. I don't think I've raved about her latest book nearly enough. I'm a big big big big Karen Cushman fan. (And she gave me the scoop on how to score Kirby Larson's arc.)

Karen Cushman (left) and me


Another highlight? Getting to hug my friend, Grace Lin, this year's Newbery Honor winner, on one of the most exciting days ever. The Newbery banquet was that evening (alas, I did not attend). She is beautiful through and through. (And I guessed correctly which dress she was going to wear to the banquet.)

Grace Lin (right) and me

Eric Rohmann was at the Macmillan dessert party with Candace Fleming (who said I could call her Candy cause we're good friends, like that, now) and is kind of hilarious.

Liz Hartman of Macmillan (left) and Eric Rohmann


And last, here is a giant wreath of bar stools. Just cause I like it (and no, I wasn't trying to sit on them and order a Cosmo):