2008 National Book Festival

“Credit is evil,” says author and personal finance expert Michelle Singletary. She explains why credit has been abused by individuals, corporations and the federal government; tells how Americans can survive the current economic crisis; and highlights the spending differences between men and women.BiographyMichelle Singletary is a nationally syndicated columnist for The Washington Post. Nominated for a Pulitzer, her award-winning column, “The Color of Money,” is carried in about 120 newspapers across the country. She hosts a live online chat on washpost.com and has a widely read electronic newsletter distributed by The Washington Post. She is a regular personal finance contributor for National Public Radio’s afternoon program “Day to Day.” Her books include “Spend Well, Live Rich” and “Your Money and Your Man” (Random House/Ballantine, trade paper, 2007). Singletary will appear in the Home & Family pavilion.

Crime novelist Peter Robinson talks about how his character Inspector Banks has evolved over 21 years; shares writing tips that he teaches in his classes; and reminiscences about the writers who influenced him, including his tutor who became a world renowned author.Biography“Friend of the Devil” (HarperCollins/William Morrow, 2008) marks Peter Robinson’s 17th installment of his Inspector Banks series. His best-selling novels have been honored by Publisher’s Weekly and the New York Times. He is also the recipient of many awards, including an Anthony, an Edgar and a Macavity. He divides his time between North America and the United Kingdom. Robinson will appear in the Fiction & Mystery pavilion.

When writing a novel, Geraldine Brooks loves to fill in the gaps in history with her imagination. She illuminates her writing techniques, explaining why she must first find the voice in her stories; talks about her latest book, “People of the Book,” that provides the reader with a vivid lesson in history; and tells how she weaves fact with realistic fiction in her storytelling: “When you run out of facts, that’s when you try to create plausible fiction that engages the reader.”BiographyAs a journalist, best-selling author Geraldine Brooks covered hot spots such as Bosnia, Somalia and the Middle East for the Wall Street Journal. She received the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for fiction for her second novel, “March,” where she retells the beloved American classic “Little Women” from the father’s perspective. Her latest book is “People of the Book” (Penguin/Viking, 2008). Brooks will appear in the Fiction & Mystery pavilion.

After garnering international fame as a singer, five Grammy Awards and nearly 60 charted hits, music legend Dionne Warwick says she is still reaching for her dream. She reveals why she wrote a children’s book instead of an autobiography of her life; discusses her global humanitarian efforts; and explains the genesis of her mantra: If you can think it, you can do it.BiographyInternational music legend Dionne Warwick has added children’s author to her long list of accomplishments. Her status as both a musical icon and humanitarian is legendary. With her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, she works tirelessly with various organizations dedicated to empowering and inspiring others. Her book, “Say a Little Prayer” (Running Press, September 2008), is a picture book that encourages kids to find their own talent in life and embrace it. She will appear in the Children’s pavilion.

Emmy Award-winning journalist Cokie Roberts has become an expert on the nation’s founding mothers. She dispels some of the misconceptions about them and shares insight into her early years spent in the halls of Congress.BiographyCokie Roberts is a New York Times best-selling author, a political commentator for ABC News and a senior news analyst for National Public Radio. She was named one of the 50 greatest women in the history of broadcasting by the American Women in Radio and Television. A winner of two Emmy Awards, she was also inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame and is a recipient of the Library’s Living Legend Award. Her books include “We Are Our Mothers’ Daughters,” “Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation” and “Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation” (HarperCollins, 2008). Roberts will appear in the History & Biography pavilion.

“I have always been word obsessed,” says Marisa de los Santos. She talks about the music of language; shares little-known details about her third book; and reveals why learning about the human side of Clara Barton, Joan of Arc and Helen Keller inspired her.Biography:Poet and author Marisa de los Santos loves words. A graduate of the University of Virginia, she earned a master’s degree in poetry and a Ph.D. in literature and creative writing. She wrote the award-winning poetry collection “From the Bones Out” and tried her hand at fiction in 2005 with her first novel “Love Walked In.” Her second and latest book, “Belong to Me” (HarperCollins/William Morrow, 2008), is a sequel to her New York Times best-seller. She will appear in the Fiction & Mystery pavilion.

Journalist and author Walter Isaacson discusses what made Albert Einstein unique; reveals the lesson that he always includes in his biographies; and explains how the Aspen Institute is helping to create a middle-class in the West Bank of the Palestinian territories.BiographyWalter Isaacson is a successful journalist and biographer. He has been chairman and CEO of CNN and the managing editor of Time magazine. He currently is president and CEO of the Aspen Institute. Isaacson is the author of “Benjamin Franklin: An American Life” and “Kissinger: A Biography” as well as co-author of “Wise Men: Six Friends and the World They Made.” His latest book is “Einstein: His Life and Universe” (Simon & Schuster, 2008). He will appear in the History & Biography pavilion.

Broadcast news legend Bob Schieffer shares his extraordinary experience covering John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963; describes how the Web has become the “unfettered Wild West” for news; and explains why some of the best news stories come out of the Pentagon.BiographyBob Schieffer has been with CBS News since 1969. He is CBS’s chief Washington correspondent and the host of its Sunday public affairs broadcast “Face the Nation.” He is the recipient of many awards, including six Emmys and the National Press Foundation’s Broadcaster of the Year in 2002. He was honored by the Library of Congress with a Living Legend Award in April 2008. His latest book is “Bob Schieffer’s America” (Penguin/Putnam, September 2008). Schieffer will appear in the History & Biography pavilion.

Louis Bayard says that writing is its own insanity and feels compelled to do it. He discusses the craft of writing detective fiction and how he rides the line between staying true to facts and allowing his imagination to shape his stories.BiographyA critically acclaimed novelist, reviewer and journalist, Louis Bayard has written for publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Nerve.com and Salon.com. Among his five novels are Edgar Award-nominated “The Pale Blue Eye” (2007) and “Mr. Timothy,” a New York Times Notable Book and one of People magazine’s 10 best books of 2003. His latest book is “The Black Tower” (HarperCollins/William Morrow, August 2008). Bayard will appear in the Fiction & Mystery pavilion.

Injured by a car bomb while covering the war in Iraq, award-winning journalist Kimberly Dozier talks about how she survived the act of terrorism that killed her colleagues; explains her reasons for writing “Breathing the Fire” (Meredith, 2008) about her experiences in Iraq; and shares some advice to budding journalists.BiographyKimberly Dozier is an award-winning CBS News correspondent, who reported primarily on the war in Iraq from 2003 until she was seriously injured by a car bomb in 2006. She is the recipient of a 2008 Peabody Award and four Gracie Awards from American Women in Radio and Television, including the Grand Gracie Award in 2007 for her body of work in Iraq. She lives in Jerusalem and is currently on assignment in the CBS News Washington bureau. Dozier will appear in the History & Biography pavilion.

Award-winning British author Philippa Gregory talks about her latest book “The Other Queen” (Simon & Schuster, September 2008); weaves a thrilling tale of royal intrigue among the Tudors; and explains why she will confine her passion for history to England.BiographyWhile completing her Ph.D. in 18th-century literature, Philippa Gregory wrote her first novel, “Wideacre,” which became an instant international best-seller. She has gone on to publish more than 20 novels, many reflecting her historical knowledge of the Tudor period and the 18th century. The award-winning “The Other Boleyn Girl” (2002) was adapted for the BBC, released as a major motion picture in the United States in 2008 and immediately rose to the top of all major best-seller lists. Gregory will appear in the Fiction & Mystery pavilion.

“Every novel is just a big, fat lie trying to masquerade as the truth,” says novelist Brad Meltzer. He talks about the genesis of his new book, the real story behind the creation of the comic book character Superman, and why the biblical interpretation of Cain and Abel is wrong.BiographyBrad Meltzer has nearly 3 million books in print that have been translated into more than a dozen languages. He earned credit from Columbia Law School for writing his first book, “The Tenth Justice” (1997), which was the first in a line of New York Times best-sellers. His latest thriller is “The Book of Lies” (Grand Central, September 2008). He was the first author to be number one on both the New York Times and the Diamond comic book best-seller lists simultaneously. Meltzer will appear in the Fiction & Mystery pavilion.

R. L. Stine dishes up writing secrets, ghoulish fun and other things that go bump in the night.BiographyR. L. Stine started writing joke books at the age of nine. He is the author of more than 100 books, which have sold more than 400 million copies, making him one of the best-selling children’s book authors in history. Among his best known writings are the Goosebumps series, named the world’s best-selling book series of all time in the 2003 Guinness Book of World Records; the Rotten School series; and the Goosebumps HorrorLand series. The latest book in that series is “The Scream of the Haunted Mask” (Scholastic, August 2008). Stine will appear in the Teens & Children’s pavilion.

Joseph Bruchac talks about the genesis of his latest book, the art of storytelling and his dual heritage.BiographyJoseph Bruchac draws on the Adirondacks, where he lives, and on his Native American heritage (Abenaki) for storytelling and writing. His poems, articles and stories have appeared in more than 500 publications, from American Poetry Review to Smithsonian magazine. He has written more than 70 books for adults and children, including his latest, “March Toward the Thunder” (Penguin/Dial, 2008). Bruchac will appear in the Teens & Children’s pavilion.

Sharon M. Draper talks about “Reading Across Continents” and explains why hope and redemption describe her latest book.BiographySharon M. Draper is an award-winning author, poet, educator and speaker. She was honored as the National Teacher of the Year and received the Excellence in Education Award. As a popular conference speaker, she addresses educational and literary groups both nationally and internationally. She is a five-time winner of the American Library Association/Coretta Scott King literary awards for “Tears of a Tiger” (1994), “Forged by Fire” (1998), “November Blues” (2007), “The Battle of Jericho” (2004) and “Copper Sun” (2006; 2008 paperback). Draper will appear in the Teens & Children’s pavilion.

Jan Brett discusses how she creates her popular illustrations and gives insight into the symbolism in her artwork.BiographyIn addition to illustrating classic stories, such as “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” famed children’s author and illustrator Jan Brett has written and illustrated a long list of her own books including “Berlioz the Bear” and “The Umbrella.” Her latest book is “Gingerbread Friends” (Penguin, September 2008). With more than 33 million books in print, her award-winning New York Times best-selling books are known for colorful depictions of animals, which are clearly illustrated in her artwork for the 2008 National Book Festival poster, representing various regions of the country.

Jon Scieszka shares writing tips; tells parents how to inspire their children to read more; and discusses his job as the nation’s ambassador for young readers.BiographyJon Scieszka shares writing tips; tells parents how to inspire their children to read more; and discusses his job as the nation’s ambassador for young readers.Biography:Jon Scieszka, appointed the first National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature by the Library of Congress, is the author of some of the best known and funniest books written for children. They include “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs,” the Time Warp Trio chapter book series, the Caldecott Honor Book “The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Fairy Tales” and the newest Trucktown series (Simon & Schuster, 2008). He is the founder of Guys Read (www.guysread.com), a nonprofit literacy organization., appointed the first National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature by the Library of Congress, is the author of some of the best known and funniest books written for children. They include “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs,” the Time Warp Trio chapter book series, the Caldecott Honor Book “The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Fairy Tales” and the newest Trucktown series (Simon & Schuster, 2008). He is the founder of Guys Read (www.guysread.com), a nonprofit literacy organization.

Kay Ryan talks about her appointment as the nation’s new Poet Laureate; reads several of her poems; and provides a glimpse into the hidden depths of her poetry.BiographyPoet Kay Ryan was recently appointed as the Library of Congress’s 16th Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry for 2008-2009. She has written six books of poetry, plus a limited edition artist’s book, along with a number of essays. Her books include: “Dragon Acts to Dragon Ends” (1983), and “The Niagara River” (Grove Press, 2005). Ryan’s awards include the Gold Medal for poetry, 2005, from the San Francisco Commonwealth Club; the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize from The Poetry Foundation in 2004; and four Pushcart Prizes. She has been selected four different years for the annual volumes of the Best American Poetry.

Arthur Frommer and his daughter Pauline provide advice on how to beat the high gas prices during summer vacation and the latest travel hot spots.BiographyForemost travel authority Arthur Frommer’s series of guides, published by Wiley, Inc., consists of more than 340 titles reaching more than six million travelers per year covering every major travel destination in the world. He also writes countless magazine articles on a wide variety of travel subjects as well as a twice-weekly column on travel which is syndicated to major newspapers all over the country. With his daughter, Pauline Frommer, he presents a weekly nationwide radio program on travel, lectures frequently and makes guest appearances on national television shows such as NBC’s Today Show and The Oprah Winfrey Show.Pauline Frommer carries on the family tradition with her own series of travel guides. Her Pauline Frommer Guidebooks, an award-winning new series published by Wiley, Inc., are aimed at adult budget travelers. Her New York City (2006) and London (2007) guidebooks were both named Guidebook of the Year by the North American Travel Journalists Association. In addition, she was awarded a Lowell Thomas Medal by the Society of American Travel Writers for her magazine work and a Peoples Voice Webby Award for her work as founding editor of Frommers.com. Along with writing, she co-hosts The Travel Show on radio with her father, Arthur Frommer, and makes weekly appearances on CNNOnline to talk about travel trends.

Warren Brown talks about his latest book, reveals his secrets to making delicious treats and shares some of his most sought-after recipes.BiographyBrown gave up his law career to bake cakes. His dream of opening a bakery was realized with the debut of CakeLove in 2002, immediately becoming the most popular dessert shop in the District of Columbia. He has since opened additional stores in neighboring areas and now shares his passion for baking with his book, “CakeLove” (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2008). He was the host of 26 episodes of Sugar Rush(2006) on FOOD Network and has been profiled in People, Forbes and Kiplingers Personal Finance among others.