Program Description
We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) brings together a panel to keynote the Friday general session. Join bestselling authors Soman Chainani and Ellen Oh, alongside school librarian Lauren Mobley, for an inspiring conversation on bringing literature to life for learners. Facilitated by WNDB board member Jordan Lloyd Bookey, they’ll share firsthand experiences of using their works with students, explore how author studies can enhance literacy instruction, and offer practical strategies for engagement.

Panelist Soman Chainani is the bestselling author of The School for Good & Evil series, which has sold over 4.5 million copies, been translated into 35 languages, and adapted into a #1 Netflix film. His book Beasts & Beauty debuted on the New York Times Bestseller List and is currently in development as a TV series.

Panelist Ellen Oh is an award-winning author of children’s and YA books, including Haru, Zombie Dog Hero, Finding Junie Kim, and the Spirit Hunters trilogy. She also edited acclaimed anthologies like Flying Lessons and You Are Here, and is a founding member of We Need Diverse Books.

Panelist Lauren Mobley is a Georgia high school library media specialist and host of the podcast Library on Lock. She is president-elect of the Georgia Library Media Association and an AASL member, dedicated to supporting literacy, student voice, and joyful learning through collaboration and innovation.

Facilitator Jordan Lloyd Bookey is the co-founder of Beanstack, an edtech platform that supports millions of readers in schools and libraries through personalized recommendations and reading challenges. She also serves on the board of We Need Diverse Books and is a passionate advocate for equity in literacy.

The Friday general session is sponsored by We Need Diverse Books (WNDB), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that takes a holistic approach in improving literacy and building compassion by affecting change across the entire reading pipeline — turning diverse manuscripts into published books and then donating diverse titles to readers nationwide. View their vision at: www.diversebooks.org.