April 11, 2026, 2-4 p.m. (PT), The Publishing Process (Tentative Title), Sally Pla, Author (Editor and Agent Invited)

Sally J. Pla's stories are for young people, but also for everyone. They’ve been translated into many languages, amassed starred reviews, appeared on many ‘best book’ lists and state reading lists, and picked up a few awards—but the best thing they’ve done has been to connect her to wonderful readers and a warm, vibrant writing community. Her books are character-driven, with characters who think about the world somewhat differently. So far her books include the Dolly Gray Award winning The Someday Birds; Invisible Isabel; Stanley Will Probably Be Fine; Benji, the Bad Day, and Me; Ada and Zaz; and The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn, which won the 2024 ALA Schneider Family Award for its disability representation. Rowan & Gemma, a love story, is coming in 2026. Sally also runs A Novel Mind (anovelmind.com), a web resource on neurodiversity and mental health representation in children's lit. It's been called a "gold mine" of helpful information for teachers and librarians. Sally, who was diagnosed autistic as an adult, has English degrees from Colgate and Penn State, and has worked as a journalist and in public education. She’s had lots of different jobs and lived in lots of different places, but loves San Diego best. She is represented by the amazing Sara Crowe of Sara Crowe Literary Agency. Learn more at sallyjpla.com.