Young Adult Novelist Convention (YANovCon) 2026 - Free

The Peninsula Libraries' 11th annual Young Adult Novelists Convention (YANovCon) will take place Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM at the Belmont Library.

Escape into fiction with us at the 11th annual YANovCon, a free half-day convention connecting local teens and YA enthusiasts (or fans or readers) to some of today's top YA authors. We'll start the day with a Teen Writing Workshop led by novelist Arriel Vinson followed by a keynote address by author Don Martin. The convention will include a Q&A session and three engaging panel discussions exploring topics connected to this year’s theme, Fantasy vs. Reality: Escape into Fiction. YANovCon will conclude with author book signings. Books will be available to purchase on-site thanks to our wonderful partnership with Linden Tree Books.

This year's YANovCon proudly features the following award-winning, notable, and new young adult novelists:

Lily Anderson /Kalynn Bayron / Kristy Boyce / Robbie Couch /Ana Ellickson / Laura Gao / Jackie Johnson / Cait Levin / Don Martin / Axie Oh / Aimee Phan / T.L. Simpson / Arriel Vinson

Anticipated Schedule:

Writing Workshop for Teens, hosted by Arriel Vinson: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Intro/Welcome: 12:00 - 12:15 PM

• 2026 Teen Short Story Contest Winners Announced

Keynote Address with Don Martin in conversation with Kalynn Bayron: 12:15 – 12:45 PM

Session 1: 1:00 – 1:45 PM

• Topic: Heroes, Quests, and Coming of Age: How teen tropes connect with the real journeys of teens today

• Moderator: Aimee Phan

• Panelists: Cait Levin, T.L. Simpson, Lily Anderson, and Axie Oh

Session 2: 2:00 - 2:45 PM

• Topic: Worlds Within Us: Looking at identity, belonging, and truth through different lenses.

• Moderator: Axie Oh

• Panelists: Laura Gao, Aimee Phan, and Arriel Vinson

Session 3: 3:00 - 3:45 PM

• Topic: Resistance Worldbuilding – Fantasy vs. Real-life Fiction: Steps different authors take to build the worlds their characters live in

• Moderator: TBD

• Panelists: Jackie Johnson, Ana Ellickson, Kalynn Bayron, and Kristy Boyce

Book Signing with All Authors: 4:00 - 4:30 PM

Limited parking is available at the Belmont library. Additional street parking may be available nearby on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage attendees to use public transportation or carpool when possible. The library is accessible via Caltrain and SamTrans.

Please note that all participants and attendees will be required to follow San Mateo County’s health orders.