Grappling With the Voices Inside: Stories of Struggle and Triumph

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Sunday, November 17

YA HQ Tent

Join everyone's favorite librarian and Your Nerdy Older Brother for an unforgettable discussion on self-doubt, self-expression, and finding the confidence to accept yourself and ask for support when you need it. John Schu's novel-in-verse Louder Than Hunger follows Jake as he grapples with anorexia nervosa, OCD, depression, the urge to shrink himself, and the feeling of being an outsider to people his own age. In Weirdo, Tony Weaver, Jr. recounts his experience as a nerdy eleven-year-old struggling with bullying and the pain of feeling awkward and left out through a graphic memoir sprinkled with charming comic book, anime, and video game references. Learn about the challenging but rewarding process of embracing your weirdness, finding your community, and striving for self-confidence.