So, the YALSA YA Literature Symposium was AH_MA_ZING, and I am still on a high from the sessions- it was by far the most exciting thing and INTENSE as well. Aside from the fact that we were all in the same place (which was wonderful), everything was really tightly focused, all the presenters and sessions that I went to were high energy and passionate, and everyone I talked to was really driven. It was a wonderful experience, and I hope that those that I talked to during and afterwards a) felt the same way, and b) got some useful help from me as well!
One exciting thing that’s coming out of it is that Katelyn Browne and I are going to start a project emerging from #genrequeer, so keep an eye out for that- it should be coming together in a few week. We’re both really buzzed about it, and it should be really useful for a wide variety of librarians and library users and teens.
I’ve also been gathering links and tags and other useful things as the Symposium went on, and I’ve assembled them below. If you weren’t able to go, but want the materials from the session, check to see if I found them! Another way to check is to search the hashtag #yalit14 as a lot of people were taking pics and tweeting them out, or check back at the Symposium preliminary program– some may be linked afterwards. So, as a Symposium Sign-Off, I’ve collected the ones that I went to below in one place- if you know of others, please send them to me and I’ll add them to the list!
Genrequeer: Exploding the Closet
Panelists will explore the representation of LGBTQI people in young adult genre fiction (mystery, fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, romance, sports fiction, etc.). The discussion will include an overview of the genre, a guide to any prominent stereotypes or tropes involving LGBTQI people, and examples of books that librarians should consider including in their collections.
Where are the Heroes of Color in Fantasy and Sci-Fi?
Through a panel discussion, we will explore the shortcoming of heroes of color in YA fantasy and sci-fi. We will discuss the roles of librarians, writers, and the publishing industry in promoting and encouraging a more diverse crop of protagonists and supporting characters. We will also speak to how the genre is a perfect place to explore diversity and provide resources for librarians to broaden their YA fantasy and sci-fi collections.Keeping it Really WEIRD (books for the fringe & reluctant readers)
Not all YA readers march to the same drummer. Some have a decidedly different point of view. This program will celebrate the diversity of all kids wonderfully weird and the books that keep them reading. By combining both fiction and nonfiction expertise, our session will cover all the freakish bases, from Roland Smith’s CRYPTID HUNTERS to Kelly Milner Halls TALES OF THE CRYPTIDS and everything in between.
Practical Ideas to Amp Up Your YA Literature Programming
nasa handout.pdf; Programming handout.pdf; Circle Game handout.pdf; Passive Programming.pdf; AnimeFest handout.pdf
For over 15 years, teen services and school librarians have turned to YALSA’s YA-YAAC e-mail list for practical programming guidance. E-mail list topics include book-themed programming; concerns regarding promoting popular, but poorly-written books; author visits; bookstore and publisher partnerships; integrating new technologies into book-themed programming; and more. In the recent book Practical Programming, YALSA highlights the most practical e-mail list advice addressing common issues as well as literary programs created by librarians in the field. Join us as we share pragmatic resources that can be replicated by a variety of librarians and library workers across the globe, regardless of budget.
Keeping it Real: Sharing Poetry with Tweens & Teens
What is true and relevant in providing meaningful connections between students and poetry? As they are poised between childhood and adulthood, we seek out poems that are fresh and authentic, along with approaches that are engaging and interactive. This session will feature a diverse panel of published poets talking about their poetry, their process, and their inspiration, as well as the educator perspective on sharing poetry using the latest media and technology for promoting involvement and participation. A handout of works by panelists and related poetry teaching resources will be provided, plus time for final questions and responses.
Who Gets to Tell Our Stories? Authentic Portrayals of Trans* Youth in YA Fiction
The genre of gay and lesbian young adult literature has expanded dramatically in the past decade, and librarians wishing to increase their collection, or create intentionally safe spaces for gay or lesbian teens, have a wealth of resources to choose from. Specifically transgender-themed literature and transgender-focused awareness, however, has a more emerging body of knowledge and materials. In this panel we will discuss the history and current state of transgender young adult literature, best practices for selecting related materials, and working with trans and gender non-conforming patrons. We will hear from three librarians as well as two authors, Katie Hill (Rethinking Normal) and Arin Andrews (Some Assembly Required) who will speak about their own experiences.
Super fab editor @TeeEss with the lovely @KatieRainHill and @arin_andrews at #yalit14 pic.twitter.com/5EQ1IIwPSD
— Amalie Howard (@AmalieHoward) November 16, 2014
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