Conference Brochure

Conference Program

The University of South Carolina 's School of Library & Information Science and College of Education are pleased to announce our First Annual Celebration of Latino Children's Literature on April 26, 2008. This inaugural event marks an exciting time for both the College of Education and School of Library & Information Science.

As the Latino population continues to grow in the new settlement areas of the South so does the need for understanding these diverse cultures. Our symposium marks the beginning of a joint partnership to prepare future and practicing educators, teachers, and librarians for the joyous opportunities of serving today's Latino children. Concurrently, the conference provides a forum for presenting current research related to the education and information needs of Latino children, and the social influences that Latino children's literature have upon the developing child.

The conference theme for this year is “Connecting Cultures and Celebrating Cuentos.” Award-winning Latina artist and children's book author Yuyi Morales will launch this theme with a storytelling and family event on the evening of Friday April 25, at the Lexington County Public Library. This free community event, beginning at 7 p.m., provides an evening of cuentos that celebrate El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day).

The conference proper begins the following day, Saturday April 26, at the Russell House University Union located on the beautifully historic, University of South Carolina campus. Dr. Kathy Short from the University of Arizona will provide the opening key note, discussing international children's literature and intercultural understandings through youth literature. Breakout sessions will follow and include a variety of topics for both researchers and practitioners related to Latino children's literature and literacy. Research posters, created by undergraduate and graduate students from both the School of Library & Information Science and the College of Education , will be presented throughout the conference.

During the luncheon notable Latina author Lucía González will read from her forthcoming bilingual picturebook The Storyteller's Candle/ La velita de los cuentos and provide a historical perspective on the development of Latino children's literature in the United States . Afternoon breakout sessions will include book discussions and topics related to education, storytelling, and library services for Latino children. Author Yuyi Morales will close the conference with a grand finale performance followed by a book signing of conference and local authors.

We hope conference participants come prepared to learn ways to Connect Cultures and Celebrate Cuentos with both Latino and non-Latino children and families. In addition, we encourage everyone to look forward to the bright future of Latino children's literature. See you in April!

Dr. Julia López-Robertson
Dr. Jamie Campbell Naidoo
Conference Co-Chairs