Multicultural Literature Conference Coming

I received notice of this upcoming literature conference from Kent State University:

The Virginia Hamilton Conference on Multicultural Literature for Youth will celebrate its 25th anniversary April 2 - 3, 2009 at Kent State University. Sponsored by Kent State's College and Graduate School of Education, Health and Human Services, the School of Library and Information Science, and the Office of Continuing and Distance Education, the conference provides a forum for discussion of multicultural themes and issues in literature for children and young adults.

"Reflections!" is the theme of the conference, invoking the memory of the late Virginia Hamilton and her tradition of closing many of the past conferences with her personal reflections and readings. This year's conference will look back on the life and work of Hamilton and the 24 previous gatherings, bringing together writers, illustrators, librarians, teachers, students, and scholars who were inspired by her work, many of whom knew her personally.

Renowned Caldecott award winning illustrators Leo and Diane Dillon; National Book Award winning illustrator Barry Moser; and Newbery Honor award winning author Jacqueline Woodson will be the featured guests. Moser and Woodson are this year's 11th Annual Virginia Hamilton Literary Award winners and will be addressing the opening gathering the evening of April 2. Leigh Adoff, daughter of Virginia Hamilton and Arnold Adoff and a well-known singer and actress in Europe, will perform Thursday evening as well. An autograph session and dessert reception will follow.

Friday's schedule includes multiple workshop sessions highlighting all aspects of teaching, sharing, and creating multicultural themes in children's and young adult literature, presented by local and national experts. Recipients of the 2009 Virginia Hamilton and Arnold Adoff Creative Outreach Grant for Teachers and Librarians will be announced and attendees will have the opportunity to attend a conversation session with the featured conference guests and presenters.

In addition to celebration the 25th anniversary, we are unveiling our new Virginia Hamilton Conference website at http://virginia-hamilton.slis.kent.edu . The conference reaches capacity quickly, so early registration is encouraged. For more information, contact the Office of Continuing and Distance Education at 330-672-3100 or 800-672-KSU2