Progress Report 2008

This year is the fifth year for the Young Adult Literature Track at Dragon*Con, and we're going strong. If you read speculative fiction and you're not branching out into the YA section of your local bookstore, you're missing out on the best work that's being written in our field today.

We are far from being only about the Potter fandom, our track will be running panels featuring many guest authors. For those of you who missed it last year, screenwriter Peter Beagle will once again join us for live film commentary as we watch The Last Unicorn from his novel of the same name. We have other award-winning guests and authors, including Tamora Pierce, bestselling author of the Song of the Lioness series, featuring Alanna Trebond, a young girl who yearns to be a knight.

Tentatively, our home this year for Dragon*Con will be on the lobby level of the Marriott.

This year we're featuring the Yule Ball Video Dance Party. We'll be showing videos of your favorite dance tunes made by and for you, the fan. If you're a vidder, stop by our website and see the list of songs up for grabs. The party will be held on Sunday night in the Sheraton ballroom.

***Please note that there will be some changes in the way we're holding our Yule Ball Costume Contest. Pre-registration will take place in our programming track room in the hours leading up to the Yule Ball. The costumes will be judged as they are entered, and the top results will be announced at the ball. If you'd like to get in on the contest, we are not taking submission at the ball this year. Please plan ahead for your enjoyment. Of course to attend the Yule Ball, any attire is appropriate. Costumes are only required if you wish to enter the costume contest.

We'll also be discussing Narnia, Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series, graphic novels, fan fic, folklore, sexuality in YA, books with strong female characters, books for boys, and Harry Potter fun and games. Come join us for these events, march in the parade, do some crafts, dance at the Yule Ball, and so much more in what promises to be an exciting weekend! Please see the complete schedule for more details.

To chat about these and other events within our track, you can join us online at our LiveJournal community, Forum, Facebook, or our Myspace.