The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books kicked off Saturday at USC, attracting a mix of celebrity authors and entertainers. Poet Amanda Gorman, actors Jenny Slate, Krysten Ritter, and Wil Wheaton, singer JoJo, and comedian Hannah Berner were among the special guests who posed for portraits at the festival’s photo studio. Big Sean, author of “Go Higher: Five Practices for Purpose, Success, and Inner Peace,” Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, and Jenny Slate, co-writer of “Marcel the Shell With Shoes On,” were just a few of the notable figures in attendance. Harry Shum Jr. and his wife Shelby Rabara presented their debut children’s book, “Martee Dares to Dance,” while Veronica Roth, author of the Divergent series, discussed her latest work, “When Among Crows.” Other guests included Blippi, author of children’s books, and E.A. Hanks, who recently published a memoir about her upbringing. The festival also featured panel discussions with authors such as R.O. Kwon, TJ Klune, and Liz Moore, covering a range of genres and topics. With a diverse lineup of speakers and authors, the 2025 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books was a weekend to remember.
