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And the Children’s Literature Assembly Breakfast Speaker is…

5/24/2022

 

By Angela Wiseman and Ally Hauptman, Breakfast Committee co-chairs

We are so happy to announce the CLA Breakfast Speaker for 2022 - it’s Jerry Craft!

Mark your calendars now! This will be such a fantastic session, taking place November 20, 2022 in Anaheim, CA.

Jerry Craft is an author and illustrator of many books, but most recently has published the graphic novel trilogy New Kid, Class Act, and an additional book that continues Jordan Bank’s experiences that will be coming out shortly! Craft has won multiple awards, including a Newbery Award, a Kirkus Book Award, and a Coretta Scott King Award for his book New Kid. 

We have a breakfast speaker interview that is coming out in the Journal of Children’s Literature in the fall, but we wanted to share our top 10 reasons why you should attend the CLA Breakfast at the NCTE Conference!
10. You will get a Jerry Craft book to add to your collection!

9. After the breakfast, Jerry will be signing books - so you can get your book autographed!

8. He is going to share his creative process with you, including the way his life has shaped his stories.

7. This may be your only opportunity to hear from a graphic novelist who has earned a Newbery Award - he is the first and only person to do this!

6.The passion Jerry Craft has for illustrating and authoring books that represent children of Color and inspiring others to read wonderful books is powerful - you won’t want to miss it!

5. Jerry Craft wants to show Black boy joy and realities of his own lived experiences. You can find out how his stories do this!

4. Jerry Craft is known as the “hardest working author” ever. His story and journey are inspiring!

3. His books are translated into 13 languages! 

2. Jerry Craft has brilliant ideas about how to use his books in the classroom!

1. His books are full of “Easter eggs” - hidden jokes, cultural references, and fun facts. You will have to reread all his books after you hear about them!

Jerry Craft Photo
Jerry Craft

New Kid Cover
Class Act cover
Phote of Jarry Craft and Breaktfast co-chairs
​Ally Hauptman is a CLA Board Member and co-chair of the 2022 CLA Breakfast Committee. She is an associate professor at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN.

Angela Wiseman is a CLA Board Member and is co-chair of the 2022 CLA Breakfast Committee. She is an associate professor of literacy education at North Carolina State University.

Gearing Up for NCTE2022 & Winter Hiatus

12/14/2021

 

by Xenia Hadjioannou, Lauren Liang, Liz Thackeray Nelson (Editors of the CLA Blog)

Link to the call for proposal for NCTE 2022
During the Closing Session of the 2021 NCTE Convention,  María E. Fránquiz, Program Chair for the 2022 conference, announced the theme of the 2022 Annual NCTE Convention: ¡Sueños! Pursuing the Light. With this call for proposals, María is inviting us "to think of ways that we can pursue and bring light to each other, to our profession, and our organization." The full clip of her announcement is provided below.
Clip from the Closing Session at NCTE 2021: María Fránquiz announcing the theme for NCTE 2022
Published with permission | Transcript

Out of the Darkness Grows the Light

In her announcement, María Fránquiz discussed drawing inspiration from the work of Sister Mary Corita Kent, "a social justice advocate, artist educator, designer and poet" and shared Kent's poem from the 1977 serigraph titled out of the darkness.

María also referenced a recently published children's biography of Corita Kent written by Matthew Burgess and illustrated by Kara Kramer: Make Meatballs Sing: The Life and Art of Corita Kent. The biography, which was composed in close collaboration with the Corita Center and includes reproductions of her work, was recently selected as one of the 2022 Orbis Pictus recommended books.

Cover of Make Meatballs Sing

out of the darkness
Corita Kent, 1977

out of the darkness
of one moment
grows the light
of another moment
perhaps in some distant time
if not in the next moment
love the darkness
An image of the out of darkness cerigraph as well as comprehensive collection of Corita Kent’s artwork can be found on the website of The Corita Art Center.

Golden Line Strategy

Another children's title María Fránquiz connected to the 2022 NCTE Conference theme of ¡Sueños! Pursuing the Light is a picturebook by Yuyi Morales published as Bright Star in English and Lucero in Spanish. In this book, a young fawn explores a border territory, gently guided and encouraged by a maternal voice.

Using the golden line strategy, María pulled out the line:
"No matter where you are, you are a bright star inside our hearts."

"Dondequiera que estés, eres un lucero en nuestros corazones."

In reflecting on the excerpt, María commented, "For me, this line embodies, the belief of light within each person, child or adult. It is repeated in different forms in the story. The message offers protection to children because it presents the possibility of a caring person or community somewhere. This line radiates hope and love. I think that line also ties nicely with the lighthouse logo that incorporates our theme for the 2022 Convention. With the moon, and the stars brightly shining and the constellation beyond the lighthouses of our different parts of the world."
If you are interested in learning more about the golden line strategy, check out our post From the 2020 Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts in which Jeanne Fain, the 2020 Notables Committee Chair, describes the strategy and offers ideas and recommendations for practice.

Submitting Proposals for NCTE 2022

  • Call for Proposals
  • Proposal submission online form for NCTE 2022.
  • Proposals are due by 11:59 p.m. ET, Tuesday, January 18, 2022.
  • For any questions, please email NCTEevents@ncte.org.
Lucero cover
Bright Star Cover
Hiatus Announcement & Wishes for the new year. We will be back in January
Xenia Hadjioannou is Associate Professor of Language and Literacy Education at the Harrisburg Campus of Penn State. She is Vice President of CLA and co-editor of the CLA Blog.

Lauren Aimonette Liang is Associate Professor at the Deparment of Educational Psychology of the University of Utah. She is Past President of CLA and co-editor of the CLA Blog.

Liz Thackeray Nelson is a doctoral candidate at the University of Utah. She is co-chair of CLA's membership committee and co-editor of the CLA Blog.

Join CLA at the 2020 NCTE Virtual Convention

11/17/2020

 

BY LAUREN AIMONETTE LIANG

Last year, right around this time, the Fall 2019 issue of JCL arrived in the mail. In the President’s Message I had written a bit about my excitement for the upcoming NCTE conference:
It starts for me with the airplane travel. Coming from my area, it is rare to board a flight heading to a major conference and not encounter fellow teachers, librarians, and researchers embarking on the same adventure. We wave, ask about colleagues and friends, and buzz a bit with excitement. (I often think the other travelers must later wonder about these groups of individuals who are all grading papers and reading thick books, while simultaneously winning all the in-flight trivia and scrabble games.)  

Once we arrive at the NCTE city, conference-goers from all over are grabbing bags, looking for shuttles and taxis, and heading off to the area hotels. Immediately there is a shared sense of purpose and anticipation. Conversations break out in the hotel elevators about whether registration is open, and the time of the opening session. Hordes of badge-wearing, tote-bag laden attendees appear in long lines at the coffee stands and take over the sidewalks in their sensible walking shoes as they head off for the day.

And then the conference! Hour after hour of thought-provoking sessions, with speakers addressing the important issues in our field, provoking new ideas, and sharing possible solutions. The vibrant displays of new books in the exhibit hall waiting to be shared by knowledgeable and enthusiastic publishers who offer sneak peeks that might be perfect for your classroom. And, best of all, that amazing shared sense of being present with each other—knowing that the people gathered here care just as deeply as you do about supporting children’s and teen’s literacy experiences and growth.

The Children’s Literature Assembly events at NCTE are a highlight for many attendees. A history of consistent excellence makes our CLA Notables Session, CLA Master Class, and CLA Breakfast the starred events on many personal conference schedules...

This year’s conference will be a little different. No elevator chats with fellow badge-wearing attendees—but more #NCTE2020 tweets taking their place. Less wearing of sensible walking shoes—but likely a lot more feet clad in comfy slippers. However, I am certain that the most important part of the NCTE experience will remain the same: that gathering to passionately share and learn together how to support the literacy experiences and growth of our youth. Perhaps the virtual experience may allow for more to attend this year without the burden or barriers of travel. How we gather is, in the end, much less important than the fact that we simply do—that we find a way to make assembly and community.

For those attending the 2020 NCTE Virtual Convention, we hope our two live events will provide that powerful gathering space.

Interested in registering for the 2020 NCTE Virtual Convention?
Registration

Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts AwardS

Join the members of the Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts award committee in a live event on Sunday afternoon from 1:45- 3:00 pm ET. Throughout the fall this blog has featured posts from members of this committee. Join them live for more outstanding 2020 titles and suggestions for classroom use.

NOTABLES live event on Sunday afternoon from 1:45- 3:00 pm ET at NCTE2020

Annual CLA Breakfast

Bring your breakfast to listen to amazing author Jason Reynolds, this year’s CLA Breakfast keynote speaker! In a live session Sunday morning from 9:00 – 10:15 am ET, the 2020-21 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature will talk about his writing and more.
Picture
Add to your experience by submitting a question from you, or from your students, to be answered live during the session! 
Submit Questions
Prepare by exploring our annual “table trivia” game, this year to be played virtually
Trivia Game
CLA MEMBERS

Explore the interview with Jason Reynolds featured in the Fall 2020 issue of JCL
FALL JCL ISSUE [46(2)]
Lauren Aimonette Liang is an associate professor at the University of Utah and the current president of CLA.

Upcoming Events of Interest to our CLA Members

9/15/2020

 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

ALSC National Institute
October 2-3

"The 2020 ALSC Virtual Institute welcomes anyone interested in developing their skills, competencies, and awareness of issues in children's literacy and library service, including front-line youth librarians and library workers; children's literature experts and practitioners; education and library school faculty; and other interested adults."

Registration and information link
.

School Library Journal Day of Dialogue
October 15

"Join us for the most anticipated librarian gathering of the year—now fully virtual and free to attend! Our daylong program of author panels, in-depth conversations, and keynote talks will keep you informed, inspired, and entertained. Attendees will hear about the latest and most exciting forthcoming titles for children, tweens, and teens, from picture books and nonfiction to graphic novels and YA, and engage in Q&A sessions with authors and illustrators. Visit the virtual exhibits hall to network with leading publishers, enjoy additional author chats, and download digital galleys and other free resources."

Registration and information link.

YALSA Symposium
November 6-8

"The Young Adult Services Symposium is open to everyone, not just YALSA members.  
Programs will cover the entire spectrum of topics related to providing services for and with young adults.  Session content is focused around key issues in YALSA's recent report."


Registration and information link.

Fostering Dialogue: Teaching Children's Literature at University
November 19-21

"The 1st International ONLINE Conference Fostering Dialogue offers plenary and parallel sessions related to how we teach children’s literature at university level, both undergraduate and graduate. The ONLINE Conference uses an innovative format supported by a rich and detailed website, a dedicated YouTube channel, and archived presentations."

Registration and information link.

ALAN Workshop
November 22-24

"The highlight of each year is the annual ALAN Workshop. At this gathering, you’ll meet with colleagues from across the country, receive copies of some of the best and most popular young adult titles, and get to hear from a host of young adult authors. The workshop is held each year in conjunction with the NCTE Annual Convention."

Registration and information link.

ILA NEXT Professional Interactive Learning Events
October 3-29

"Professional learning doesn't live in a vacuum. ILA Next looks at the impact of distance and hybrid learning, equity and access, social-emotional development, and trauma responsiveness on high-quality literacy instruction."

Registration and information link.


School Library Journal's Annual Summit
October 24

"Join us Saturday, October 24 for School Library Journal Summit: Culture Shift. Now in its 16th year, this national convening will focus on creating a culture that promotes an equitable world and closes the opportunity gap for all children.In this free, day-long event, you’ll gain skills, ideas, and support in leading the change you want to see in your library, school, and community."

Registration and information link.

USBBY Annual Membership Meeting and International Children's Book Day Presentation
November 14

"This one- hour meeting will include a special program to highlight USBBY’s sponsorship of the 2021 International Children’s Book Day, April 2. " The event will feature Hans Christian Andersen recipient Roger Mello from Brazil and award-winning Cuban American author Margarita Engle.

USBBY Membership Page
.

NCTE
November 19-22

"Join thousands of educators, experts, authors, administrators, publishers, and others for the 2020 NCTE Virtual Annual Convention, November 19-22."

Registration and information link.

The 2020 annual NCTE convention will feature virtual versions of the CLA Blreakfast (featuring Jason Reynolds) and of the Notables session.

CEL Convention
November 22-23

"What, in this time of cultural and political divisiveness, should our priorities be? How should we be moving things forward? What ideas, experiences, and opportunities should we support? What kind of momentum can we generate? What kind of movements can we build? The 2020 Virtual CEL Annual Convention seeks to explore these concerns."

Registration and information link.

Ongoing Events

NCTE Member Gatherings

A series of member-exclusive online gatherings. Each event "fosters conversation, brings new ideas, and builds relationships with your fellow NCTE members during the isolating time of COVID-19."

Registration and information link.

NCTE Learning on Demand Web Seminars

“Learn from leaders in our field from the comfort of your couch. On Demand Web seminar recordings include all audio, video, chat, and discussion from past live events.”

Information link.

ALA Online Learning

"ALA eLearning--webinars, courses, workshops, e-forums and more--covers library-related fundamentals, advances, trends, and hot topics for all types of libraries. Find the online options that can best keep you and your colleagues and staff current."

Registration and information link.

ILA Digital Events

“ILA Digital Events range from high-quality professional development opportunities to engaging discussions on timely topics. These events also give you a chance to become active within the ILA community, provide access to high-quality online resources, and connect with like-minded educators at a time and place that's convenient for you.”

Registration and information link.

The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Takes A Stance Against Racism

6/4/2020

 
In response to the recent events surrounding the death of George Floyd, NCTE's Presidential Team has released a letter taking a stance against racism. Below we, the Children's Literature Assembly of NCTE, provide this important letter in its entirety.
This statement was written by the leaders of the NCTE Presidential Team.

The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) denounces all forms of racial violence and brutality. We grieve with the family and friends of George Floyd and with all who are suffering during these devastating times. As we seek justice, we stand in solidarity with demonstrations and protests that raise awareness of, and that call for action against, systemic racism in this country. Because we treasure our First Amendment rights, we also denounce the arrest and mistreatment of journalists, especially journalists of Color, who work tirelessly to keep the world informed about what is happening in our various communities.

Injustices and acts of brutality are real. In fact, they are revolting. Racist acts keep recurring, and systems of oppression continue to exist, proving the need for systemic and structural change. That change can begin with protests, but ultimately it must happen through action. As educators, we are poised to lead the way through our teaching.

NCTE’s vision and long-held commitment is “to apply the power of language and literacy to actively pursue justice and equity for all students and the educators who serve them.” As literacy educators, we are concerned for our students and their families. We pledge to continue our efforts to create equity inside classrooms. We celebrate theGary B., et al. v. Whitmer, et al. settlement: students in Detroit and elsewhere “have a fundamental right to education.” And we applaud the New Mexico Yazzie/Martinez decision “to provide all students with a uniform and sufficient education . . . .”  Equity in classrooms for teachers of English and our students is paramount. It is through education that we believe we can make a lasting difference.

This includes educating about the right to vote. As Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has advised, “ . . . if you want change in America, go and register to vote. Show up at the polls.”

Picture
We cannot stop there. As literacy educators, our aim is to help students and communities to imagine a better, more humane world and to take the steps to achieve it. As advocated by NCTE’s Statement on Anti-Racism to Support Teaching and Learning, we must be active, both collectively and individually, in “counteracting racism and other forms of bigotry in teaching materials, methods, and programs for the teaching and learning of English and the language arts.”

As the nation’s oldest organization of preK through graduate school literacy educators, NCTE has a rich history of deriving expertise and advocacy from its members’ professional research, practice, and knowledge. We are stronger by looking to one another for wisdom. Some of our NCTE members have already begun to speak on recent events, such as the Early Childhood Education Assembly, which recently released its powerful Call to Action Countering Anti-Blackness in Society & Schools. We are grateful for this work, and we know that other NCTE members are also finding ways to address these issues and to provide resources.

NCTE’s publications serve as important resources that can guide our thoughts and actions during this time, and we recommend them to you. The following materials may also be helpful:
  • Resources from the Committee against Racism and Bias in the Teaching of English
    • What Anti-Racist Teachers Do
    • Qualities of Anti-Racist ELA Curricula
  • NCTE Statement on Anti-Racism to Promote Teaching and Learning
  • From the Early Childhood Education Assembly: Call to Action Countering Anti-Blackness in Society & Schools
  • CCCC Statement on Effective Institutional Responses to Threats of Violence and Violent Acts against Minoritized and Marginalized Faculty and Graduate Students

Also, we remind members that NCTE continues to offer opportunities such as the online Member Gatherings and author-led talks as ways to ensure that we support, encourage, and uplift each other. Know that we are committed to motivating action, working for educational equity, and standing in solidarity, together.

Leah Zuidema, President
Alfredo Celedón Luján, President-Elect
Valerie Kinloch, Vice President
Franki Sibberson, Past President
Emily Kirkpatrick, Executive Director


Editors' Note

Many organizations, newspapers, book creators, literacy scholars, teachers and bookstores have created compelling antiracist booklists for different age groups, which are widely available on social media and on websites and blogs. We encourage our members and other readers to explore and use these lists with the children in their lives.
Image by Orna Wachman from Pixabay

    Authors:
    CLA Members

    Supporting PreK-12 and university teachers as they share children’s literature with their students in all classroom contexts.

    Disclaimer
    The opinions and ideas posted in the individual entries are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of CLA or the Blog Editors.

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    Xenia Hadjioannou
    Lauren Liang
    Liz Thackeray Nelson

    contribute to the blog

    Instructions to Authors

    If you are a current CLA member and you would like to contribute a post to the CLA Blog, please read the Instructions to Authors and email co-editor Liz Thackeray Nelson with your idea.


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