NCTE 2025
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CLA@ NCTE2024
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Look for the Children's Literature Assembly @ NCTE2024
The NCBLA Committee presents
The 2025 Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts
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This session will highlight 30 books that best exemplify the criteria established for the 2025 Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts Award. Books considered for this annual list are works of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry written for children, grades K-8, based on the criteria established by the Children's Literature Assembly.
Friday, Nov 21, 2025 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM MST Location: Room 709/711, Colorado Convention Center Room Level: Meeting Room Level Session Code 2: J.9 PRESENTERSChair: Patrick Andrus
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Additional Resources
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NOTABLES LISTS The 2025 Notables List, along with the lists from previous years and other resources created by the Notables Committee, are available through our Notables Page. |
JOURNAL OF CHILDREN'S LITERATURE COMING SOON: Member Exclusive: CLA members, check out The 2025 Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts article in the Fall 2025 Issue of the Journal of Children's Literature. |
CLA EXPERT CLASS
Exploring Home in Literature to Identify Our Roots and Find the Courage to Dream
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In times of uncertainty and turmoil, encouraging readers to reflect on the values in their hearts to determine what serves as home provides the roots from which they reach out, dream and act. Matt de la Peña, Loren Long, and Maham Khwaja explore home in new picturebooks and educators share strategies and booklists to invite readers to consider home. Join us for an engaging CLA Expert Class.
Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 5:45 PM - 7:00 PM MSTLocation: Mile High Ballroom 2B, Colorado Convention Center Room Level: Ballroom Level Session Code 2: SIG.7 Committee Kathy Short (chair) Mary Ann Cappiello Suriati Abas Other Presenters Desiree Cueto Deanna Day Cynthia Ryman Narges Zandi Maham Khwaja Loren Long Matt de la Peña |
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CLA BREAKFAST
FEATURING
Jason ChinThe Children’s Literature Assembly (CLA) Breakfast celebrates author/illustrator Jason Chin, who intentionally chooses impactful stories for a K–12 audience that expand knowledge, broaden understanding, and inspire readers. Chin will share his thoughts on his body of work and his experiences as an author and illustrator.
The event also includes our Awards Presentation and the 2025 CLA Art Auction. Followed by Book Signing by Jason Sunday, Nov 23, 2025 7:00 AM - 8:45 AM MST Location: Four Seasons 4 Ballroom, Colorado Convention Center Room Level: Ballroom Level Session Code 2: CLA-BR Chairs Meghan Valerio & Jongsun Wee Co-Chairs Wenyu Guo & Lisa Morris Wilkey Ticketed Event - Purchase Your Tickets at the conference registration portal.
If you have already registered for the NCTE conference, but would like to purchase a ticket to the breakfast, call (877-369-6283) or email ([email protected]) NCTE directly. |
Special Thanks To
Candlewick and Holiday House for sponsoring Jason's participation and donating books for the breakfast.
Additional ResourcesMember Exclusive: Breakfast article in the FAll 25 issue of the Journal of Children's Literature coming soon. |
OTHER SESSIONS OF INTEREST
THURSDAY
How Children’s Books Can Inform, Inspire, and Nurture the Bold Dreams of Young Environmental Advocates
Thursday, Nov 20, 2025 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM MST
Location: Room 702, Colorado Convention Center
Room Level: Meeting Room Level
Session Code 2: A.13
Young people are keenly aware that our precious planet is imperiled, and desire action. They dream of slowing climate change, protecting wildlife, and restoring habitats. In this session, educators and award-winning authors discuss how books can ignite a love of reading, gently provide background knowledge, model environmental stewardship, and inspire advocacy-focused literacy activities.
Presenters
Melissa Stewart, Juana Martinez-Neal, Anne Broyles, Kelly Crull
Moderators
Mary Ann Cappiello, Xenia Hadjioannou
Location: Room 702, Colorado Convention Center
Room Level: Meeting Room Level
Session Code 2: A.13
Young people are keenly aware that our precious planet is imperiled, and desire action. They dream of slowing climate change, protecting wildlife, and restoring habitats. In this session, educators and award-winning authors discuss how books can ignite a love of reading, gently provide background knowledge, model environmental stewardship, and inspire advocacy-focused literacy activities.
Presenters
Melissa Stewart, Juana Martinez-Neal, Anne Broyles, Kelly Crull
Moderators
Mary Ann Cappiello, Xenia Hadjioannou
FRIDAY
Let’s Dream Together: Native Stories Are for Everyone
Friday, Nov 21, 2025 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM MST
Location: Room 205, Colorado Convention CenterRoom Level: Meeting Room Level
Session Code 2: G.34
This panel of four Native authors will demonstrate how Native books and stories are universal and culturally specific while challenging stereotypes and common misconceptions. Presenters will also explore ways to engage lower- and upper-elementary learners with hands-on activities. Educators will leave the session with a resource list of books and additional sources to learn more.
Moderator
Trisha Moquino
Presenter
Andrea Page, Laurel Goodluck, Stacy Wells
Location: Room 205, Colorado Convention CenterRoom Level: Meeting Room Level
Session Code 2: G.34
This panel of four Native authors will demonstrate how Native books and stories are universal and culturally specific while challenging stereotypes and common misconceptions. Presenters will also explore ways to engage lower- and upper-elementary learners with hands-on activities. Educators will leave the session with a resource list of books and additional sources to learn more.
Moderator
Trisha Moquino
Presenter
Andrea Page, Laurel Goodluck, Stacy Wells
An In-Depth Look at Nonfiction Picturebooks
Friday, Nov 21, 2025 11:00 AM - 11:20 AM MST
Location: Exhibit Hall A/B1, Colorado Convention Center
Room Level: Exhibit Level
Session Code 2: BYS
A Build Your Stack presentation.
Speaker
Jason Chin
Location: Exhibit Hall A/B1, Colorado Convention Center
Room Level: Exhibit Level
Session Code 2: BYS
A Build Your Stack presentation.
Speaker
Jason Chin
The Forgotten POV: Using Second Person to Create Vivid, Immersive Nonfiction Writing
Friday, Nov 21, 2025 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM MST
Location: Room 404, Colorado Convention Center
Room Level: Meeting Room Level
Session Code 2: F.48
A neglected tool in learning to write engaging nonfiction is second person (you/your/yours) point of view. Suddenly the writer is the main character, seeing, hearing, feeling, and learning as they narrate their experience. Writing becomes connective and invigorating. An educator and three authors of nonfiction books written in second person share ideas for how to use their techniques in the classroom.
Speakers
Elizabeth Partridge, Cyndi Giorgis, Carole Boston Weatherford, Candace Fleming
Location: Room 404, Colorado Convention Center
Room Level: Meeting Room Level
Session Code 2: F.48
A neglected tool in learning to write engaging nonfiction is second person (you/your/yours) point of view. Suddenly the writer is the main character, seeing, hearing, feeling, and learning as they narrate their experience. Writing becomes connective and invigorating. An educator and three authors of nonfiction books written in second person share ideas for how to use their techniques in the classroom.
Speakers
Elizabeth Partridge, Cyndi Giorgis, Carole Boston Weatherford, Candace Fleming
What If We Move Literacy Outdoors? Five Approaches for Engaging and Empowering Learners in Authentic and Purposeful Settings
Friday, Nov 21, 2025 2:45 PM - 3:15 PM MST
Location: Room 405, Colorado Convention Center
Room Level: Meeting Room Level
Session Code 2: I.52
Literacy experiences outside the classroom invite students to consider their own purpose and audience. Learn five approaches to reading and writing that address your students’ interests and needs, your curricular goals, and materials: “Literacy to Go,” StoryWalks, Word Gardens, Literacy Trails, and Interpretive Signage. Suggestions for resources, funding, and community partners will be offered.
Speaker
Valerie Bang-Jensen
Location: Room 405, Colorado Convention Center
Room Level: Meeting Room Level
Session Code 2: I.52
Literacy experiences outside the classroom invite students to consider their own purpose and audience. Learn five approaches to reading and writing that address your students’ interests and needs, your curricular goals, and materials: “Literacy to Go,” StoryWalks, Word Gardens, Literacy Trails, and Interpretive Signage. Suggestions for resources, funding, and community partners will be offered.
Speaker
Valerie Bang-Jensen
Dreaming Knows No Borders: Celebrating International Literature for Young People with USBBY
Friday, Nov 21, 2025 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM MST
Location: Room 612, Colorado Convention Center
Room Level: Meeting Room Level
Session Code 2: J.11
Engaging with international literature fosters cross-cultural understanding and the development of global perspectives. Join us to consider the potential of international books within classroom and library contexts and explore their capacity to broaden worldviews and enrich curricula. The event will feature acclaimed author Patrick Ness—whose works have been recognized on USBBY's Outstanding International Books lists—discussing his craft, with particular emphasis on his commitment to emotional authenticity and the creation of complex characters.
Speakers:
Xenia Hadjioannou, Patrick Ness, Desiree Cueto, Lauren Liang, Wendy Stephens
Location: Room 612, Colorado Convention Center
Room Level: Meeting Room Level
Session Code 2: J.11
Engaging with international literature fosters cross-cultural understanding and the development of global perspectives. Join us to consider the potential of international books within classroom and library contexts and explore their capacity to broaden worldviews and enrich curricula. The event will feature acclaimed author Patrick Ness—whose works have been recognized on USBBY's Outstanding International Books lists—discussing his craft, with particular emphasis on his commitment to emotional authenticity and the creation of complex characters.
Speakers:
Xenia Hadjioannou, Patrick Ness, Desiree Cueto, Lauren Liang, Wendy Stephens
SATURDAY
A Dreamer’s Guide to Stories of Discovery and Wonder
Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 8:15 AM - 9:30 AM MST
Location: Room 504, Colorado Convention Center
Room Level: Meeting Room Level
Session Code 2: K.12
This engaging session invites educators to explore how history, science, and storytelling intersect, empowering students to dream boldly, discover, and make meaningful connections. By examining life stories that highlight inquiry and honor cultural traditions, panelists share teaching ideas to foster curiosity, inclusion, and meaningful connections in classrooms and communities.
Speakers:
M.O. Yuksel, Alison Green Myers, Mary Ann Cappiello, Michelle Cusolito
Location: Room 504, Colorado Convention Center
Room Level: Meeting Room Level
Session Code 2: K.12
This engaging session invites educators to explore how history, science, and storytelling intersect, empowering students to dream boldly, discover, and make meaningful connections. By examining life stories that highlight inquiry and honor cultural traditions, panelists share teaching ideas to foster curiosity, inclusion, and meaningful connections in classrooms and communities.
Speakers:
M.O. Yuksel, Alison Green Myers, Mary Ann Cappiello, Michelle Cusolito
Bold Steps into the Outdoors: Imagining the Future of Teaching Literacy Outdoors
Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 8:15 AM - 9:30 AM MST
Location: Room 506, Colorado Convention Center
Room Level: Meeting Room Level
Session Code 2: K.15
Why move literacy outdoors? Panelists provide strategies to engage K–12 students in literacy through outdoor experiences. By connecting reading and writing with nature, students become change-makers. The session promotes curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking through activities like observation, storytelling, and research, with resources for teachers wanting to take learning outdoors.
Speakers
Jessica Early, Stephanie Hampton, Kelly Hedberg, Valerie Bang-Jensen
Location: Room 506, Colorado Convention Center
Room Level: Meeting Room Level
Session Code 2: K.15
Why move literacy outdoors? Panelists provide strategies to engage K–12 students in literacy through outdoor experiences. By connecting reading and writing with nature, students become change-makers. The session promotes curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking through activities like observation, storytelling, and research, with resources for teachers wanting to take learning outdoors.
Speakers
Jessica Early, Stephanie Hampton, Kelly Hedberg, Valerie Bang-Jensen
Going Above the Rim with Picturebook Biographies
Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 3:00 PM - 3:20 PM MST
Location: Exhibit Hall A/B1, Colorado Convention Center
Room Level: Exhibit Level
Session Code 2: BYS
A Build Your Stack presentation.
Jennifer Slagus
Patricia Bandré
Location: Exhibit Hall A/B1, Colorado Convention Center
Room Level: Exhibit Level
Session Code 2: BYS
A Build Your Stack presentation.
Jennifer Slagus
Patricia Bandré
Dreaming for and Enacting a Community-Wide Children’s Book Festival to Boldly Put “Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors” into Action
Saturday, Nov 22, 2025 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM MST
Location: Room 102, Colorado Convention Center
Room Level: Meeting Room Level
Session Code 2: O.19
Elementary and teacher educators, public librarians, and community organizers will discuss a local children’s book festival that connects hundreds of children with culturally and linguistically diverse books, authors, and illustrators. The session will include roundtables to highlight festival aspects (school visits, community events), and attendees will be invited to share possibilities in their contexts.
Speakers
Adam Crawley, Emily Johns-O'Leary, Paula Bernal, Stephanie Schindhelm, Amalie Howard, Judy Minger, Bridget Dalton, Natalia Umaña, Sara McDonald, Joey Graffagnino.
Location: Room 102, Colorado Convention Center
Room Level: Meeting Room Level
Session Code 2: O.19
Elementary and teacher educators, public librarians, and community organizers will discuss a local children’s book festival that connects hundreds of children with culturally and linguistically diverse books, authors, and illustrators. The session will include roundtables to highlight festival aspects (school visits, community events), and attendees will be invited to share possibilities in their contexts.
Speakers
Adam Crawley, Emily Johns-O'Leary, Paula Bernal, Stephanie Schindhelm, Amalie Howard, Judy Minger, Bridget Dalton, Natalia Umaña, Sara McDonald, Joey Graffagnino.
SUNDAY
Dreaming of Responsive Classrooms: Teaching through Interactive Read-Aloud and Writing
Sunday, Nov 23, 2025 8:15 AM - 8:45 AM MST
Location: Room 707, Colorado Convention Center
Room Level: Meeting Room Level
Session Code 2: Q.38
This session explores how interactive read-aloud and interactive writing help preservice teachers develop their observation and responsive instructional skills, based on student strengths and needs. We share results from a study on how these practices support teachers in creating response-based pedagogy, building a foundation for dynamic, student-centered literacy teaching in primary classrooms.
Speakers:
Lisa Pinkerton, Jamie Lipp
Location: Room 707, Colorado Convention Center
Room Level: Meeting Room Level
Session Code 2: Q.38
This session explores how interactive read-aloud and interactive writing help preservice teachers develop their observation and responsive instructional skills, based on student strengths and needs. We share results from a study on how these practices support teachers in creating response-based pedagogy, building a foundation for dynamic, student-centered literacy teaching in primary classrooms.
Speakers:
Lisa Pinkerton, Jamie Lipp
Dreaming Nonfiction into Being at the Elementary Level
Sunday, Nov 23, 2025 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM MST
Location: Mile High Ballroom 4C/4D, Colorado Convention Center
Room Level: Ballroom Level
Session Code 2: S.26
Nonfiction writing is often misunderstood as “just the hard facts.” However, when nonfiction book creators talk about their topics and their craft, dreaming boldly for a better world is at the forefront. In this panel, nonfiction creators and teacher educators discuss how the processes of professional nonfiction writing—from inspiration, to research, to composition—can support student writers.
Speakers:
Xenia Hadjioannou, Mary Ann Cappiello, Erika Dawes, Jason Chin, Don Tate
Location: Mile High Ballroom 4C/4D, Colorado Convention Center
Room Level: Ballroom Level
Session Code 2: S.26
Nonfiction writing is often misunderstood as “just the hard facts.” However, when nonfiction book creators talk about their topics and their craft, dreaming boldly for a better world is at the forefront. In this panel, nonfiction creators and teacher educators discuss how the processes of professional nonfiction writing—from inspiration, to research, to composition—can support student writers.
Speakers:
Xenia Hadjioannou, Mary Ann Cappiello, Erika Dawes, Jason Chin, Don Tate
