The ALA Annual Conference, held from June 26 to June 29, transformed Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center into a hub for over a thousand librarians, publishers, and celebrated authors. This year’s event marked significant anniversaries, including the 150th of the American Library Association and the centennials of both HarperCollins Children’s Books and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Attendees also witnessed the launch of new initiatives in children's publishing, including Sourcebooks' Kwame Alexander Books and Macmillan's Fifth Color Press.
As evening fell on June 28, the annual banquet celebrated the latest Caldecott and Newbery Medalists amidst festivities. Here are some highlights captured throughout this inspiring gathering.
On the first day, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group held a lively happy hour at the American Writers Museum. Senior VP of publicity Molly B. Ellis joined Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat, VP and publishing director Connie Hsu, executive editor Emily Feinberg, and author Juana Martinez-Neal for a toast celebrating the official reveal of Hsu’s upcoming imprint, Fifth Color Press. Photo: NodB.
VP and editorial director Ginee Seo presented on Friday night during the Ten Speed Young Readers event at Duneyrr Wine and Beer Co., providing attendees with a preview of the imprint's inaugural book list.
A lively ALA kick-off party took place at Millennium Hall under the iconic Bean, bringing together authors such as Travis Jonker, Erin Entrada Kelly, Colby Sharp, and John Schu for a night of networking and celebration.
On Saturday morning, Two-time Newbery Medalist Lois Lowry delivered a poignant mainstage talk centered around her influential works, including a sneak peek at her forthcoming middle-grade novel Building 903 (Clarion, September). Lowry emphasized the critical value of literary freedom, cautioning, “The loss of literature leads to the loss of imagination.” Photo: LEPNAC.com/American Library Association.
Newbery Medalist Kwame Alexander and Sourcebooks CEO Dominique Raccah celebrated the launch of Alexander's new eponymous imprint, set to debut in spring 2027. The evening was festive, filled with optimism for future publications.
On Sunday, the event featured an engaging panel where authors Steve Sheinkin and Thien Pham discussed their book Mind vs. Machine, while Macmillan distributed advance copies and materials on starting chess clubs.
Fans of renowned author Kate DiCamillo spotted her alongside her editor Claudia Shaleesh, celebrating their literary achievements at various events throughout the conference. Photo: NodB.
From Tokyo, author Yuko Ohnari and illustrator Koshiro Hata engaged with attendees at a special family event at Evanston Public Library, sharing their picture books Downpour and The Voice of the Snow in both English and Japanese.
Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award winner Jon Klassen shared a moment with past Caldecott committee members, reminiscing on the recognition he gained for This Is Not My Hat (Candlewick, 2012). Photo: NodB.
Debbi Michiko Florence signed copies of her book Monster Maker: The Strange Creatures of Mark Nagata, drawing fans to the Reycraft booth for an intimate experience. Photo: EK.
Loren Long captured the spirit of the ALA’s 150th anniversary by painting a collaborative mural at the celebration, where eager librarians participated in filling colors on the hillside. Photo: NodB.
Illustrator James Braithwaite was busy signing his debut picture book, Billie Builds a RoboCorn, showcasing his journey in children's literature to excited readers. Photo: EK.
Friends and collaborators Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham took a fun snapshot with a real-life Princess in Black, embodying the whimsical spirit of the conference.
In a special dinner honoring Candace Fleming, the Legacy and Edwards Awards committee members celebrated exceptional contributions to children's literature. The gathering included notable figures from leading publishing houses who exchanged insights and stories. Photo: NodB.
The Newbery-Caldecott-Legacy Awards Banquet saw 2026 Newbery Medalist Renée Watson surrounded by fellow honorees, including María Dolores Águila and Daniel Nayeri, all beaming before the night’s festivities. Photo: Jim Remington.