The CLA Expert Class 2023

By Sara K. Sterner, Lisa Pinkerton, and Mary Ann Cappiello

CLA Expert Class 2023: 
Nodes of Literary Connection—How Culturally Diverse Imprints are Building Pathways for More Inclusive and Representative Children’s Literature | Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 5:45 PM - 7:00 PM EST (GCCC Room B-130-132)

Starting in 1994, the Children’s Literature Assembly (CLA) has sponsored a Master Class at the annual NCTE Convention. This guaranteed session provides K-12 teachers and teacher educators, as well as other members of our organization, the opportunity to gain insight about the use of children’s literature through interactions with leading scholars, authors, and illustrators in the field. For the 30th Annual session, we honor that history and debut its new name, the Expert Class.

In collaboration with Ellen Myrick, President and Chief Marketer, Publisher Spotlight, the 30th annual Expert Class will feature an impressive gathering of authors, illustrators, publishers, and organizations that are influencing the landscape of inclusive representation in children’s literature for readers and creators alike (Menefee & Johnson, 2021; Rosenberg, 2022). Recognizing a continued dearth of diverse books for young readers, especially those written by diverse creators, the demand for more authentic representation in children’s publishing remains an issue (Menefee & Johnson, 2021). In response, small publishers and imprints are shifting the field—creating extended publishing pathways for inclusive books that serve as authentic nodes of literary connection for young readers.

​This Expert Class explores a movement in the publishing industry working to expand representation in children's literature that has been woefully lacking in the field. It is our goal that participating in the session will help individuals to build nodes of connection that expand or enhance their knowledge of diverse publishers and creators and the books that they publish. Additionally, participants will have opportunities to discover new books and publishers that center representation and highlight lived experiences that have been historically underrepresented and misrepresented in literature for young people. Importantly, the session has the potential to trailblaze new pathways for participants as they work to guide young readers to experience windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors (Bishop, 1990) that flow out of these literary nodes of connection.

​This year’s class will provide a unique opportunity for participants to interact directly with publisher/creator teams during the session as they rotate between tables. The session is organized in conversational-style groupings organized around the following focal themes. At each table, speakers will share the focus, vision, and collaborative process that constitute their books and work. In addition to building connections and learning from the experts featured in our Expert Class this year, there will be incredible door prizes and take-aways from the session. 

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Featured Authors

Michelle Kadarusman writes books for young people inspired by a commitment to environmental awareness and to honor the earth. Publications: We the Sea Turtles (2023), Berani (2022), Room for More (2022), Music for Tigers (2020), Girl of the Southern Sea (2019), and the Theory of Hummingbirds (2017), Pajama Press.

Shirin Shamsi is an author of many books for young people who hopes to inspire her readers to appreciate the beauty and diversity of our planet. Featured Publications: Zahra’s Blessing: A Ramadan Story (2022), The Moon From Dehradun: A Story of Partition (2022), Planting Friendship: Peace, Salaam, Shalom (2021), Laila and the Sands of Time (2019), and A Hug For The World: An Anthology (2019). 

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Featured Illustrators

Jade Orlando is a free-lance illustrator whose colorful illustrations can be found in books, cards, apparel, and other media. Jade has illustrated many books for young people. Her latest picturebook project, I am Going to be a Princess: A Story about Inspirational Black Women and Girls (2023), written by Stephanie Taylor, will be published in December by Nosy Crow.

Kathryn Otoshi is an award-winning illustrator and author who is best known for her picturebook series One, Zero, and Two. Using numbers and colors, this series promotes character development and helps young readers to explore the challenges and joys of interpersonal experiences with others. Featured Publications: Calling the Wind: A Story of Healing and Hope (Written by Trudy Ludwig, 2022), Lunch Every Day (2021), and Draw the Line (2017). 

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International English Language Books:  Featured Publisher

John Mendelson has served as president of Nosy Crow USA since May of 2022 when he helped establish the Crow’s Nest across the pond. Passionate about helping to guide children to become lifelong readers, he enjoys finding books that capture readers with their creativity and distinction.  More about Nosy Crow: This small independent publishing company is based in the UK and focuses on creating engaging books for children ages 0-12. It is a reader-centered company that seeks to produce books that beautifully captivate readers and encourage them to read for pleasure. They have a commitment to ethically and responsibly source the supplies and materials for their books.

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International Translated Books:  Featured Publisher

Angus Yuen-Killick is the creator and founder of Red Comet Press. In this role, he is delighted to be directly connected with the process of discovering new books as he guides them through publication—from creator to reader. More about Red Comet Press: This small independent publishing house started in 2021 and is most known for its focus on books in translation, mostly from Europe. The company continues to expand its offerings and is growing to also include books that originate from the press. Their ongoing goal is to bring marvelous stories and books in translation to English speaking audiences.

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North American Small Presses: Featured Publishers

Groundwood Books, represented by marketing director Fred Horler, is a Canadian publisher that is part of the House Of Anansi Press. While the majority of their books are from Canadian creators, they also have outstanding selections from other countries. They focus on publishing books that often reflect the voices of historically underrepresented or misrepresented creators and communities, are justice-oriented, and embrace stories that artfully engage with difficult or controversial topics.

Lee and Low Books is an independent multicultural children’s literature publisher based in the United States. Since its foundation 30 years ago, the press has been dedicated to changing the landscape of representation in the books and creators it publishes. Their ongoing mission is to publish inclusive books about everyone and for everyone. It is a major focus of the company to share stories that are mirrors for children of color and that can be read and enjoyed by all children. The impact of this focus continues to expand in their work and the addition of multiple imprints.

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Outstanding International Books/USBBY

Learn more about the United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY). It is  the U.S. national section of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), which was founded to promote international understanding and good will through books for children and adolescents. Not only will this table feature information about USBBY, it will feature more information about the superb books selected for the 2023 Outstanding International Books List. 

Christina Moorehead, Publisher Liaison with Publisher Spotlight, will guide this conversation.

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References:
Bishop, R. S. (1990, Summer). Mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. Perspectives: Choosing and Using Books for the Classroom, 6(3).

Menefree, D. L. & Johnson, C.F. (2021). Diverse imprints and the classroom: How publishers are taking up the call to package and promote diverse literature for youth. The ALAN Review, 49(1), 85-89.

Rosenberg, R. (2022, August 23). Read and learn: Culturally diverse children’s book publishers and imprints. BOOK RIOT. https://bookriot.com/diverse-childrens-book-publishers/ ​

Sara K. Sterner, California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, CLA Board Member and Expert Class Committee Co-chair 

Lisa Pinkerton, The Ohio State University, CLA Board Member and Expert Class Committee Co-chair

Mary Ann Cappiello, Lesley University, CLA Board Member and Expert Class Committee Co-chair