From secret societies to dream-powered warriors to characters learning how to bounce back, this Family Day panel brings together Jesse Byrd (Dream Warriors: A New World), Marti Dumas (Secret Society of Rebel Girls: Nina and the Keeper of the Keystone), and Misako Rocks! (Bounce Back series) to talk about creating unforgettable adventures. Together, they’ll share how imagination fuels their stories, how young heroes grow through challenges, and why books can help kids feel stronger, braver, and more confident in their own lives.

Sports stories aren’t just about winning—they’re about teamwork, creativity, and finding your voice. In this Family Day conversation for middle grade readers, Gary Alipio, author of Craziest Cajun Football Tale, joins his daughter and illustrator Melina Alipio to talk about how sports stories come to life. The conversation explores how ideas turn into books and why sports can be a fun way to tell stories about friendship, fairness, and standing up for what you believe. This lively panel celebrates imagination, collaboration, and the joy of creating stories kids love to read.

Former NFL player Malcolm Mitchell knows what it takes to succeed on the field, but he’s just as passionate about what happens off the field. In this Family Day conversation, moderated by a middle school student, Mitchell shares how reading helped shape his life, why he became a children’s book author and literacy advocate, and how stories can build confidence, imagination, and resilience. Together, they’ll explore the joy of reading, overcoming challenges, and why books can be just as powerful as sports in helping young people dream big.

Andy: A Dog’s Tale is a heartfelt adventure that celebrates curiosity, courage, and seeing the world through fresh eyes. This Family Day event begins with a screening of the animated short, followed by a fun, behind-the-scenes conversation with director Jamy Wheless. Jamy will share how Andy’s story was created—from dreaming up characters to turning ideas into animation—and show how stories come alive on both the page and the screen.

This Family Day conversation brings together local leaders in education, research, and community-based literacy initiatives to explore both the challenges and successes of fostering early reading skills in New Orleans. Panelists will discuss why access to books in early childhood matters, how community partnerships support young readers and families, and what effective collaboration looks like in practice. Representatives from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will share how putting books into the hands of children from birth to age five is helping strengthen families and communities.