UA-hosted Latino Children’s Literature Conference Features Free Event

The opening keynote for the event will be at 8:50 a.m. March 13, when nationally recognized Latino children’s literature expert Adriana Dominguez will launch the recurring conference theme “Connecting Cultures and Celebrating Cuentos” in Gorgas Library, room 205.

“Many children are unaware of the great contributions that Latinos have made to society,” said Dr. Jamie Campbell Naidoo, conference founder and a professor in UA’s School of Library and Information Studies. “The conference brings in the best and brightest children’s authors and illustrators, celebrating these contributions and providing opportunities to connect children, books and cultures together.”

At 6:30 p.m. the College of Communication and Information Sciences and the School of Library and Information Studies will host “Noche de Cuentos” (Evening of Stories) at the Tuscaloosa Public Library in conjunction with the conference.

The free community event will begin with a children’s program of stories, songs and surprises, and the first 50 children will receive a free autographed copy of the children’s books “Floating on Mama’s Song” and “Tia Isa Quiere Un Carro.”

Simultaneously, a teen and adult program will feature a poetry reading and question-and-answer session with award-winning poet and author Margarita Engle. The first 50 teen and adult attendees will receive a free signed copy of the author’s “The Poet Slave of Cuba.”

Engle, along with other Latino authors and illustrators Meg Medina, Laura Lacámara, Irania Pattersion and Lila Quintero Weaver, will sign books after the formal programs, and free refreshments will be provided. Each of these authors and illustrators will also speak during conference sessions in Gorgas Library, room 205.

The conference provides a forum for sharing current research and practice addressing the cultural, educational and informational needs of Latino children and their families, while also examining the many social influences Latino children’s and young adult literature have upon the developing child and adolescent and the ways that this literature can be used to promote cross-cultural understanding.

For a full schedule, visit http://www.latinochildlitconf.org/.