Mark your calendars for March 09, 2024, as the festival returns to 202 North Main Street, Lexington, promising an enriching experience for book lovers. This year, the festival boasts a roster of distinguished authors, including New York Times bestsellers, making it a must-attend event for literary enthusiasts. For further details, be sure to check out the festival's website at lexingtonbookfestival.org.
Among the highlighted authors this year is Jeffrey Dale Lofton, whose first novel "Red Clay Suzie" offers a poignant look at life from an outsider's perspective. The novel has been recognized on the longlist for The Center for Fiction 2023 First Novel Prize.
Crystal Smith Paul, a Spelman College alumna with a master's from NYU, debuts with "Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?", capturing readers' imaginations.
Robert Gwaltney, known for his captivating Southern fiction, brings "The Cicada Tree", his award-winning first novel that clinched the Somerset Award for Literary Fiction.
Sara Johnson Allen presents "Down Here We Come Up", her debut that won the Big Moose Prize from Black Lawrence Press, showcasing her North Carolina roots.
Phoebe Zerwick, a seasoned journalist and educator at Wake Forest University, shares "Beyond Innocence: The Life Sentence of Darryl Hunt", a finalist for the 2023 Southern Book Prize in nonfiction.
Laura Whitfield, with a diverse background from advertising to nonprofit communications, contributes her unique voice to the festival.
Dawn Crawford, known for her innovative work in nonprofit communications through BC/DC Ideas, joins the lineup of insightful contributors.
The festival also shines a spotlight on Young Adult and children's literature:
Amber Smith, celebrated for her New York Times bestselling young adult novels, joins to advocate for mental health and LGBTQIA+ equality through her powerful narratives.
Chrystal D. Giles continues to push for diversity and representation in children's books, following her debut "Take Back the Block".
Scott Reintgen, acclaimed for his contributions to science fiction and fantasy, shares his New York Times Bestselling works, including the Nyxia trilogy.
Stacy McAnulty, author of over 30 books, brings her critically acclaimed middle-grade novel, "The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl", to the festival.
Lori Degman, celebrated for her picture books like "1 Zany Zoo", adds her award-winning storytelling to the event.
Dan Yaccarino, a prolific author-illustrator and creator of beloved children's shows, will share his expansive work.
Ashley Belote brings her humor and creativity to the festival with titles like "THE ME TREE" and upcoming "DON'T WASH WINSTON".
Kelly Starling Lyons aims to inspire with stories that center Black heroes and celebrate the power of storytelling.
The Lexington Book Festival is poised to be an unforgettable gathering of literary talents, offering something for every reader.