In anticipation of this weekend's Baltimore Book Festival, I thought I'd steer you guys toward some of the featured authors' works. Of course, this is only a very small sampling, with more than 200 writers crammed into the square over three days, but it's enough to get you started.

First of all, I don't know anyone who doesn't love at least one Avi book. My favorite is The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, but I'm pretty excited that the Colorado-based author is here to discuss his 2003 Newbery Medal winner, Crispin: The Cross of Lead. Set in 14th-century England, the book follows a 13-year-old navigating his world. 

For John Hodgman fans, Michael Ian Black should do the trick. The comedian brings My Custom Van: And 50 Other Mind Blowing Essays That Will Blow Your Mind All Over Your Face. What do you have to look forward to? An explanation as to why salami is the greatest lunchmeat in the world, and what Black would be thinking if he were Billy Joel driving to a holiday party where he knew there would be a piano.

Dave will be happy to know that his literary hero is appearing, too! No, not Frank Herbert. Mark Twain! You'll want to bone up on your Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer before you go head-to-head with the literary genius himself. 

Morgan State's own M.K. Asante Jr. will discuss It's Bigger Than Hip Hop: The Rise of the Post-Hip-Hop Generation, described as a "bold look at the rise of a generation that sees beyond the smoke and mirrors of corporate-manufactured hip hop and is building a movement that will not only change the face of pop culture, but of the world." Asante talked to luminaries such as Chuck D and Maya Angelou, as well as youth from around the world in this look at the intersection of pop culture and politics.

Dave and I will also be on a festival panel, Sunday at 11 a.m., discussing recent cutbacks in newspaper book reviews and the growth of independent bloggers.