53. The Next Generation

These Gen Z and Millennial authors are topping bestseller charts, going viral on BookTok, being nominated for prestigious awards, and tackling the pressing issues of our times. Leila Mottley is the the youngest author ever to have a book longlisted for the Booker Prize; her new novel, The Girls Who Grew Big, is an electric portrait of teenage motherhood and girlhood. Liann Zhang casts a razor-sharp eye on influencer culture and the obsession with status in her debut thriller, Julie Chan Is Dead. House of the Beast is a dark fantasy from The Legend of Korra graphic novel illustrator Michelle Wong, laced with betrayal, vengeance, and cosmic horrors. The next generation of visionaries will discuss their buzzworthy books, and what it’s like to be an up-and-coming writer in a world turning upside down. Moderated by Rachel Sargeant.

This event is open to everyone, and has been curated with the Pro-D day for teachers in mind. Teachers may be interested in the following information. This event is also suitable for students in grades 10–12.

Themes: Pro-D, literary fiction, fantasy, young adult, teenage pregnancy, social media
Curriculum Connections: Creative Writing 10–12, Literary Studies 10-12

More information about the Festival:
Box Office | Accessibility | Venue Map

Event Participants:

Leila Mottley

LEILA MOTTLEY is the author of the novel Nightcrawling, an Oprah’s Book Club pick and New York Times best seller, and the poetry collection woke up no light. She is also the 2018 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate. She was born and raised in Oakland, where she continues to live.

Rachel Sargeant

RACHEL SARGEANT, aka AModelWhosRead, is a Canadian book blogger passionate about dark fantasy novels, queer romcoms, and dinosaur facts. With almost a decade of experience in the publishing world, she uses her social medias to share her love for stories and fascination with the fantastical. When not reading, you can find her browsing local bookstores, arguing with her sewing machine, and drinking copious amounts of iced coffee. You can find her @AModelWhosRead on all platforms.

Michelle Wong

MICHELLE WONG is a writer and artist from Hong Kong. She illustrated The Legend of Korra and Goosebumps graphic novels, and is the creator of the upcoming graphic novel, Terminal Hope. House of the Beast is her debut novel.

Liann Zhang

LIANN ZHANG is a second-generation Chinese Canadian who splits her time between Vancouver, British Columbia and Toronto, Ontario. After a short stint as a skincare content creator, she graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in psychology and criminology. Julie Chan Is Dead is her first novel.