Boston Book Festival 2018

Kate DiCamillo’s indelible characters--from India Opal Buloni (and her dog Winn-Dixie) to Despereaux and Raymie Clarke--have become friends to an entire generation of young readers. DiCamillo’s thoughtful, hopeful characters and her emotionally authentic novels show that she deeply understands and respects children--both those she writes about and those she writes for. DiCamillo is also a passionate advocate for reading, having served as the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Now lucky readers have the opportunity to get to know one of DiCamillo’s characters--Louisiana Elefante, first introduced in Raymie Nightingale--a lot better, as she stars in her very own novel, Louisiana’s Way Home. When her grandma abruptly uproots their small family, Louisiana comes to realize that everything she thought she knew about herself was wrong. “Who am I? Who am I?” Louisiana wonders, first in despair and eventually in curiosity and wonder--poignantly embarking on a journey of self-discovery that will resonate with all readers. We are honored to welcome two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo as this year’s BBF Kids’ Keynote. DiCamillo will be interviewed by Lauren Rizzuto of the Center for the Study of Children’s Literature at Simmons University, and DiCamillo will also conduct an extended Q&A with children in the audience. Sponsored by Simmons University.

Special signing guidelines for this event: The featured title for this event is Louisiana’s Way Home. Kate will sign and personalize an unlimited number of the new book, and just ONE additional backlist title per person. Kate will do autographs and first name personalizations only, and will not sign any posters, bookmarks, scraps of notebook paper, etc. Thanks for your cooperation with these guidelines!