‟Books transmit values. They explore our common humanity. What is the message when some children are not represented in those books?”
—WALTER DEAN MYERS
Where Are the People of Color in Children's Books?
New York Times, March 15, 2014
#KWELI25
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
REGISTER NOW
Friday, April 4, 2025
1:00pm - 4:00pm
A. Novel
Perfect Pitch: Discovering the Tools to Make your Novel Sing with DONNA BARBA HIGUERA, author of The Last Cuentista and Alebrijes
The best novels for young readers tackle complex themes and authentically mirror the interior life of young readers. These stories can be life-changing! In this masterclass, Newbery Medal, Pura Belpré Award Winner, and New York Times bestselling author Donna Barba Higuera, guides writers through the process of developing an idea for your novel into a workable outline and the craft techniques needed to execute that plan including discovering your middle grade or young adult voice. We will transform your story, pulling out the magic and heart that will set yours apart from other stories. Barba Higuera's novel The Last Cuentista won the Newbery Medal and Pura Belpré Medal in 2022.
B. Graphic Novel
Full-Color Comics! : Creating Diverse Graphic Novels for Kids and Why with JOHN JENNINGS, illustrator of Parable of the Talents: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Octavia Butler
Graphic Novels are a wonderful medium for telling diverse stories. They are also a valuable resource for getting across multiple modes of literacy. When children see themselves as protagonists, they learn to value themselves more and it builds confidence in their own abilities. This workshop will focus on the ways graphic novels are an amazing tool for your story but also how this wondrous medium can empower marginalized youth.
C. Nonfiction
Writing Nonfiction for Children Through a Social Justice Lens with TRACI N. TODD, author of Make A Pretty Sound: A Story of Ella Jenkins and Nina: A Story of Nina Simone
Stories about real people, places, and events are powerful ways to tell children about the world around them and their place in it. How do we tell these stories in a way what will inspire children to be change makers? How do we write against power? Where can we look for inspiration? This class will explore these questions and many more!
See Masterclass Faculty bios here!
Saturday, April 5, 2025
8:15am - 8:25am
WELCOME by Laura Pegram
Adaptation of Searching for Mr. Johnson’s Song Live music and dance
8:30am - 9:00am
KEYNOTE by Ariel Vanece
9:15am - 10:15am
A. Publishing, Community, & Culture Track
Afrofuturism
Featuring: John Jennings; moderated by Brittany N. Williams
B. Novels / Memoir Track (YA & MG)
ON CRAFT (Intermediate Level)
Pages to Stages: Adaptation & Transformation
Featuring: Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich & Kelly Starling Lyons
C. Illustrated Books/Nonfiction Track
ON CRAFT (PB Intermediate Level)
Music Biography
Featuring: Traci N. Todd & Rhonda Roumani; moderated by Aida Salazar
10:30am - 11:30am
A. Publishing, Community, & Culture Track
Collaborations | Editor & Debut Author
Featuring: Aida Salazar & JP Infante
B. Novels / Memoir Track (YA & MG)
Collaborations | Poet & Mid Career Author
Featuring: Brittany N. Williams & Omar Holmon
C. Illustrated Books/Nonfiction Track
Collaborations | Notes From an Art Director
Featuring: Jasmin Rubero
11:30am - 12:30pm
Lunch
12:45pm - 1:45pm
A. Publishing, Community, & Culture Track
ON CRAFT
Fully Realized Characters + Conflicts
Featuring: Donna Barba Higuera; moderated by Irene Vazquez
B. Novels / Memoir Track (YA & MG) BEGINS at 12:30pm
ON CRAFT
Wrap Your Mind Around Revision Workshop
Featuring: Rūta Rimas
C. Illustrated Books/Nonfiction Track
ON CRAFT
The Narrative Arc in Picture Books
Featuring: Andrea L. Rogers in conversation with Cozbi A. Cabrera
2:00pm - 3:00pm
A. Publishing, Community, & Culture Track
Balancing Acts: When Life Be Lifing
Featuring: Mariahdessa Ekere Tallie and Alyssa Reynoso-Morris; moderated by Sheetal Sheth
B. Novels / Memoir Track (YA & MG)
ON CRAFT
Sealed With a Kiss | YA Romance
Featuring: Zakiya N. Jamal in conversation with Brittany N. Williams
C. Illustrated Books/Nonfiction Track
ON CRAFT
“Honoring Nature”
Featuring: Aida Salazar, Gwendolyn Wallace, and Inda Ahmad Zahri; moderated by Cozbi A. Cabrera
3:15pm - 4:15pm
A. Publishing, Community, & Culture Track
Adapting Books for Middle Grade and Young Adult Readers
Featuring: Dr. Sonja Cherry-Paul
B. Novels / Memoir Track (YA & MG)
ON CRAFT
MG Graphic Novel
Featuring: Tony Weaver, Jr.; moderated by Daniel José Older
C. Illustrated Books/Nonfiction Track
Work For Hire
Featuring: Emily Su Li, Andrea Underwood Petifer & Stacy Wells; moderated by Jaha Nailah Avery
4:30pm - 5:30pm
KEYNOTE with Erin Entrada Kelly
5:30pm
Closing
Sunday, April 6, 2025
1:00pm - 2:00pm
A. Publishing, Community, & Culture Track
Workshop| Illustration
Featuring: London Ladd
B. Craft Track Track (YA & MG)
Workshop| Crisis Creates Us: Fire at the Crossroads of Art and Activism
Featuring: Daniel José Older
C. Illustrated Books/Nonfiction Track
ON CRAFT
Writing Emotion
Featuring: Winsome Bingham, Maham Khwaja, & Stacy Wells ; moderated by Jessica Echeverria
2:05pm - 3:05pm
A. Publishing, Community, & Culture Track
Collaborations | Editor, Midlist Author and Illustrator
Featuring: Grace Maccarone, Cheryl Willis Hudson & London Ladd
B. Craft Track Track (YA & MG)
Community & Heritage
Featuring: Simran Jeet Singh & Veera Hiranandani; moderated by Upsana Kakroo
C. Illustrated Books/Nonfiction Track
Collaborations | Agent & Debut Authors
Featuring: Ana Crespo, Ariel Vanece & Safa Suleiman
3:15pm - 3:45pm
KEYNOTE with Arlène Elizabeth Casimir | Introduced by Dr. Sonja Cherry-Paul
3:55pm - 4:55pm
Autumn Allen and Dr. Imani Perry | All About Black Girl Love | Introduced by Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz
5:00pm - 6:00pm
CLOSING KEYNOTE with Vashti Harrison in conversation with Traci N. Todd | Introduced by Cozbi A. Cabrera
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SPONSORS
(forthcoming)
Support the Color of Children’s Literature Conference with your tax deductible donation.
