National Institute General Sessions
Opening General Session: Meg Medina
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Meg Medina is the Library of Congress's 2023-2024 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature and the author of the Newbery Medal-winning book Mercia Suárez Changes Gears. She is also the author of award-winning young adult novels and picture books, including Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away, illustrated by Sonia Sánchez; Mango, Abuela, and Me, illustrated by Angela Dominguez, which was a Pura Belpré Author and Illustrator Award Honor Book; and Tia Isa Wants a Car, illustrated by Claudio Muñoz, which won the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award. The daughter of Cuban immigrants, Meg Medina currently lives in Richmond, Virginia.
At National Institute, Meg will discuss children's literature and her platform, "Cuéntame!: Let's talk books" with retired children's librarian, author, and Past-President of ALSC, Lucia M. Gonzalez.
Meg's appearance is generously supported by Candlewick Press.
Friday Big Ideas Session: Daniel Nayeri
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Award-winning author Daniel Nayeri, who was born in Iran and immigrated to Oaklahoma, captivated readers with his poignant memoir Everything Sad Is Untrue (Printz Award) and the epic adventureThe Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams (Newbery Honor). A former publisher, editor, and pastry chef, he resides on the East Coast with his family.
At National Institute, Daniel will chat with local Colorado author J.E. Thomas about writing for children.
Daniel and J.E.'s appearances are generously supported by Levine Querido.
Big Ideas Session: OVERDUE - Weeding Out Oppression in Libraries
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"" is a podcast from the Oregon Library Association's Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Antiracism Committee, launched in March 2022. Since that time, the podcast has featured a number of guest speakers and a variety of hosts that highlight the radical inequities and oppressive nature of the library profession, particularly as it relates to BIPOC professionals.
During this Big Ideas Session, two of OVERDUE's hosts - Pia Alliende and Ericka Brunson-Rochette - will chat with each other about the podcast: the impact the podcast has had on the field and the importance of telling our own stories in creating an equitable, inclusive library space for patrons and staff.
This session is generously supported by the Carole D. Fiore Leadership Fund, which supports leadership development programming within ALSC.
Closing General Session: Celebrating 10 Years of We Need Diverse Books!
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ALSC is thrilled to celebrate 10 Years of , an organization that advocates essential changes in the publishing industry and promotes literature that reflects and honors the lives of all young people. To help celebrate this important milestone, the Closing Session of National Institute will feature a panel of creators – Amina Luqman-Dawson, Malia Maunakea and Caroline Richmond, who also currently serves as the Executive Director of WNDB – in a conversation moderated by WNDB Board Member, Beanstack co-founder, and podcast host Jordan Bookey.
This session is generously supported by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Penguin School & Library, and We Need Diverse Books.
