Hi everyone – Here’s a quick run-down of my appearances and newsworthy updates for this week.
L-R: Laurie Halse Anderson, Eric Gansworth, me, Linda Sue Park, Mitali Perkins, Jason Reynolds, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Laurel Snyder, and Alex Wheatle
The Neustadt conference and prize announcement, today through Oct 21: I’m lucky and proud to be among nine finalists nominated for the Neustadt Prize in Children’s Literature. This week, we find out who wins. Now virtual, you can register and enjoy conference sessions over a three-day period, from today, Oct 19, to Wednesday evening, October 21, when the winners are announced. Register here.
[Added after original post] Jumpstart Read for the Record Virtual Panel, Tues, Oct 20, 6 – 7:30 PM EST: I’ll be joining nationally-recognized academics and policy-makers in early childhood education to discuss how to support our youngest learners during the pandemic. We’ll be focusing on learning in a virtual environment, supporting kids’ social and emotional health, and supporting racial justice. Register here.
VA Children’s Book Festival, Wed., Oct 21, 1 pm EST: Are you a fan of R.J. Palacio and her international bestseller, Wonder? Yeah, me too – and that’s been true since we were elementary school BFFs. We’re together at the Virginia Children’s Book Festival this week thanks to a pre-recorded session about being best friends, our latest books, and why on earth Yoo Hoo was ever a popular drink. Register here.
SCBWI New England, Thursday, Oct 22, 7 – 8:30 PM EST: Two authors, two editors, one educator – and a brave moderator bring you “Anti-Racism in Kidlit, Practical Strategies.” We each took a subtopic. Mine is 10 minutes of my best strategies for developing a writer’s reading list for inclusivity and diversity. Space is limited, so hurry to register.
SCBWI MidAtlantic, Sat, Oct 24, 1 PM EST: This is a homecoming of sorts since this is my own, local SCBWI chapter run by long-time author colleagues and friends Valerie Patterson and Erin Teagan. They’ve partnered with Hollins University this year and asked me to keynote on all things Newbery, specifically Merci Suárez Changes Gears and the unexpected journey from short story to trilogy. I learned a lot about writing, risks, and flexibility in the process, which I’m happy to share. Register here.
Hope to cross paths this week! Stay safe and thanks, always, for your interest in my work.
