Sneak Peek of BookBreak’s Upcoming Bestselling Authors
BookBreak’s virtual author talk program is back in Fall 2025 with new opportunities to spark curiosity, build reading confidence, and bring stories to life. Created by educators for educators, our engaging lineup of virtual author talks is designed to inspire students to read and write more.
From comical picture books to moving middle grade novels and impactful high school literature, our Fall 2025 schedule gives educators a fun way to connect readers with the authors behind the books they love. Below is a closer look at three of the talks coming up for each of the programs. You can see the full schedules for elementary school, middle school, and high school here.
Sneak Peek of Upcoming Author Talks for Elementary Students
Juana Martinez Neal (K-1st grade)
Alma and How She Got Her Name invites readers to reflect on the stories carried within our names. As Alma learns the meaning behind each part of her long name, she begins to see herself as part of a larger family legacy and embraces the idea that she will one day add her own chapter to that story. With warmth and charm, Juana Martinez-Neal encourages young readers to honor where they come from and imagine who they’re becoming. This author talk will be presented in both Spanish and English!
Zetta Elliott (3rd-5th grade)
Dragons in a Bag invites readers on a magical adventure through Brooklyn, where dragons exist, rules are broken, and friendships are tested. As Jaxon learns that the woman he’s been left with is actually a witch on a mission, he and his friends must navigate magical mishaps and growing responsibility. Zetta Elliott’s story sparks conversations about trust, courage, and the importance of protecting what we care about, all while showing that everyday kids can do extraordinary things.
Jason Chin (3rd-5th grade)
In Your Place in the Universe, Jason Chin zoomed outward, from our planet, solar system, and galaxy to the outer reaches of the observable universe. Now Chin reverses course, zooming in past our skin to our cells, molecules, and atoms, all the way down to particles so small we can’t yet even measure them. Impeccably researched, wholly engrossing, and with extensive backmatter for additional learning, The Universe in You is another knockout from the award-winning creator of Redwoods, Grand Canyon, and other distinguished works of nonfiction for young readers.
Sneak Peek of Upcoming Author Talks for Middle School Students
Torrey Maldonado (6th-8th grade)
Don’t miss this chance to hear from Torrey Maldonado about his inspiration for writing Tight and how the novel’s characters learn to navigate tough situations with integrity and strength. Tight follows the story of a 13-year-old boy named Brian, who lives in a tough Brooklyn neighborhood. Brian faces pressure from his friends and peers to act tough and conform to certain expectations, especially when it comes to standing up for himself. The novel explores themes of identity, peer pressure, and personal integrity, showing how courage can be found in making the right choices, even when it’s difficult.
Linda Sue Park (6th-8th grade)
Through a powerful dual narrative, A Long Walk to Water explores resilience, survival, and the life-changing impact of access to clean water. As Nya walks hours each day to fetch water for her family in 2008, and Salva flees war in 1985 Sudan, their stories illuminate the stark realities faced by many and the strength of the human spirit. Readers are invited to reflect on how small acts of courage and perseverance can ripple outward to create lasting change, culminating in an inspiring real-life connection between the two characters that speaks to hope, empathy, and global responsibility.
Jennifer Nielsen (6th-8th grade)
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear how Jennifer Nielsen uses research, creativity, and storytelling to make history come alive in her unforgettable novel, A Night Divided. A Night Divided follows the gripping tale of Gerta, a young girl trapped in East Berlin after the Berlin Wall is erected, and her struggle to reunite with her family across the wall. Jennifer will dive into the fascinating research she conducted to bring Gerta’s world to life.
Sneak Peek of Upcoming Author Talks for High School Students
Matt de la Peña (9th-12th grade)
Through candid reflections and meaningful conversation, Matt will discuss how Mexican WhiteBoy delves into the intricate process of self-discovery. As Danny grapples with feelings of disconnection and the search for his true self, Mexican WhiteBoy invites readers to reflect on their own sense of identity and the power of introspection in understanding who we are in a world of competing expectations.
Kait Kerrigan (9th-12th grade)
Go behind the curtain of the Tony Award-winning musical The Great Gatsby with playwright Kait Kerrigan. Celebrate the 100th anniversary of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, The Great Gatsby, hearing firsthand how the playwright has transformed Fitzgerald’s words into a vibrant, contemporary musical, making the roaring ’20s feel alive and relevant for today’s audiences.
Stacey Lee (8th-12th grade)
Join Stacey Lee for an insightful discussion about the crucial role of research in her writing process. Stacey will take us behind the scenes of her historical novel, The Downstairs Girl, which blends mystery, social commentary, and rich cultural detail, to share how she meticulously crafted the world of 1890s Atlanta.
How Virtual Author Talks Inspire Student Motivation
As you plan for the fall, we invite you to make space for the kind of reading experiences that spark joy and curiosity in your students. Educators work tirelessly to motivate students to read more and BookBreak is here to support your efforts.
Research from the Center on Education Policy shows that when students are motivated to learn, they achieve more academically and build greater confidence. Motivation also leads to deeper understanding and a higher likelihood of staying in school.
We’re proud to partner with educators who share our commitment to inspiring a love of reading and writing while preparing students for success beyond the classroom. With BookBreak, you’ll have access to engaging author talks, ready-to-use resources, and the flexibility to fit it all into your school’s schedule. Together, let’s help more students see themselves as readers this year.
Explore our elementary school, middle school, and high school lineup here to see all the incredible authors we have this fall.
Stay Tuned…