2026 Festival of Faith and Writing: Full Schedule

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12:30pm EDT

Opening Plenary Session - Speaking the Hard Truths

Thursday April 16, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT

Laurie Halse Anderson explores how historical fiction invites honest conversation about the past and helps us approach hard truths with courage and care.

Book signing follows in the Spoelhof Fieldhouse Lobby

Speakers

Laurie Halse Anderson

Laurie Halse Anderson is a New York Times bestselling author whose writing spans young readers, teens, and adults. Combined, her books have sold more than 8 million copies.

Two of her novels, Speak and Chains, were National Book Award finalists, and Chains was short-listed for the... Read More →

Thursday April 16, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Van Noord Arena

Plenary Session

5:30pm EDT

Evening Plenary Session - The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World

Thursday April 16, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT

Van Noord Arena

Robin Wall Kimmerer reflects on the ethic of reciprocity at the heart of Indigenous wisdom, using the serviceberry as a guide. She invites us to rethink value beyond scarcity and competition, imagining a way of living rooted in gratitude, interconnectedness, and mutual care.

Book signing follows in the Spoelhof Fieldhouse Lobby

Speakers

Robin Wall Kimmerer

Robin Wall Kimmerer is a mother, scientist, decorated professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. She is the author of Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants; Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of ... Read More →

Thursday April 16, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm EDT
Van Noord Arena

Plenary Session

2026 Festival of Faith and Writing

12:30pm EDT

Laurie Halse Anderson

5:30pm EDT

Robin Wall Kimmerer

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