UA Conference Explores Latino Children’s Literature

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Experts in Latino literature for young people will gather at The University of Alabama Friday, April 23, and Saturday, April 24, for the National Celebration of Latino Children’s Literature Conference.

The conference will offer ways for librarians, researchers and educators to meet the informational and literacy needs of Latino children through high quality, culturally relevant literature and the latest educational strategies. Participants will explore how to make intercultural connections and serve this rapidly growing, diverse population.

A highlight of the event is a free community celebration, Noche de Cuentos, featuring storytelling, book signings and refreshments at 7 p.m. Friday, April 23, at the Tuscaloosa Public Library, 1801 Jack Warner Parkway.

University of Alabama’s School of Library and Information Studies will be giving free signed picture books to the first 100 children who attend the event.

During the conference, Latino children’s literature expert Oralia Garza de Cortés will offer a keynote address on power of culturally authentic Latino children’s literature in classrooms and libraries.

Also speaking at the conference are award-winning Latina author Monica Brown and award-winning Latino artist Rafael López, who will discuss the collaborative synergy behind their work; and internationally-recognized Latina author and storyteller Dr. Carmen Tafolla.

Four additional Latina children’s and young adult authors will also be featured at the conference, along with more than a dozen breakout sessions related to literacy in classrooms, libraries, child care centers and pediatric offices.

The conference chair is Dr. Jamie Campbell Naidoo, assistant professor and Foster-EBSCO endowed professor in the School of Library and Information Studies in UA’s College of Communication and Information Sciences.

“As the number of Latino children and their families continues to increase, so does the need for understanding these diverse cultures,” Naidoo says. “This exclusive conference provides a forum for sharing current research and practice addressing the cultural, educational, and informational needs of Latino children and their families. At the same time, the conference also examines the many social influences that Latino children’s literature has upon the developing child.”

The conference begins at 1 p.m. Friday, April 23, and concludes at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 24. Friday events are at UA’s Gorgas Library and the Tuscaloosa Public Library. Saturday events will be at Mary Hewell Alston Hall and  the Gorgas Library at UA.

The conference is sponsored by UA’s School of Library & Information Studies, part of the College of Communication and Information Studies; the Office of the Provost; and Division of Academic Affairs.

For more details, go to http://www.latinochildlitconf.org, or phone 205/348-4610.