Scholastic’s Reader’s Theater: A Literary Performance to Remember at #ALAAC25

After a morning spent exploring the exhibit hall and collecting some great reads, I made my way to the Marriott for the Scholastic’s Reader’s Theater event at 11:30. The room was packed, with a buzz in the air as we all awaited what promised to be a special literary experience.

The event didn’t disappoint. Five incredible authors took the stage and entertained us with a live reading of excerpts from their books. The atmosphere was electric, and the audience was hooked. Here’s a quick rundown of the authors and their works that were featured:

• Erin Entrada Kelly – The Last Resort
• Jennifer L. Holm – Outside
• Ruchira Gupta – The Freedom Seeker
• Alan Gratz – War Games
• Ryan La Sala – The Dead of Summer

It’s hard to put into words just how wonderful the experience was. Not only did these authors bring their stories to life, but those of their peers. They didn’t just read their books; they performed them. The genres spanned from supernatural fantasy and dystopian fiction to realistic and historical narratives.

One of the highlights for me was Ryan La Sala’s portrayal of a German accent, hilariously spot-on. And Alan Gratz, delivered a joke about Hitler’s secret underpants, a joke he came up with at a previous ALA conference, that had everyone in the room laughing out loud.

Watching them bring their stories to life with such energy and passion was inspiring. They didn’t just read from their books; they performed them, making us see their words in a whole new light.

Arlene Laverde (she/her/hers) is an adjunct and academic advisor in the Graduate School of Library and Information Studies Program at Queens College, CUNY, where she prepares future school librarians for school library life. She has a strong background in education and librarianship, and brings real-world experience and a passion for intellectual freedom, equity, and access to her teaching. She retired from her full time school librarian job in the summer of 2024 And is now focusing on a variety of library passions: children’s books, information freedom, and advocacy. She is looking forward to hearing George Takei and attending the Newbery/Caldecott Reception. Her life isn’t all about libraries though, she has been married for over 32 years and has two grown sons.

Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.

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The post Scholastic’s Reader’s Theater: A Literary Performance to Remember at #ALAAC25 appeared first on ALSC Blog.

 After a morning spent exploring the exhibit hall and collecting some great reads, I made my way to the Marriott for the Scholastic’s Reader’s Theater event at 11:30. The room was packed, with a buzz in the air as we all awaited what promised to be a special literary experience. The event didn’t disappoint. Five incredible authors took the stage and entertained us with a live reading of excerpts from their books. The atmosphere was electric, and the audience was hooked. Here’s a quick rundown of the authors and their works that were featured: It’s hard to put into words just how wonderful the experience was. Not only did these authors bring their stories to life, but those of their peers. They didn’t just read their books; they performed them. The genres spanned from supernatural fantasy and dystopian fiction to realistic and historical narratives. One of the highlights for me…
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