The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg will hold its 21st annual Children’s Literature Conference on Friday, May 5. Jay Asher, award-winning author of “Thirteen Reasons Why,” “The Future of Us,” and “What Light,” will be joined by Suzanne Bloom, award-winning author and illustrator of “A Splendid Friend Indeed,” “Bear Can Dance,” and “No Place for a Pig,” as this year’s keynote speakers.
A variety of breakout sessions will be offered with topics designed specifically for writers, teachers, and librarians. The Conference offers ACT 48 and ACT 37 educational credits.
Topics and presenters include:
- “Paws” to Read Challenge presented by Cyndi Gargan, librarian at Jefferson Elementary School;
- “Oh, the Place You’ll Go,” presented by Darius Phelps;
- The Business of Self-Publishing a Novel or Short Story, presented by Luke Fetkovich;
- Exploring Kate Dopirak’s Books, presented by Marcy Canterna and Kate Dopirak;
- Move & Groove with Books, presented by Dr. Sandra Reidmiller & Melissa Billingsley;
- Social Studies and ELA: A Perfect Partnership, presented by Jeff Kuntz, classroom teacher at Punxsutawney Area Middle School;
- The Art of Storytelling: Kamishibai, presented by Patty Graff, Extension educator of Westmoreland County Penn State Extension, and Diane Hendrick, director of Westmoreland County Community College Children’s Center;
- Reinvent Your Classroom Library!, presented by Danielle Henzler, director of the Curriculum Center at Duquesne University;
- Introducing the SCBWI Class of 2014-2017, presented by presented by Marcy Canterna & Kate Dopirak of the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of SCBWI;
- Using Adult Learning Principles to Engage Children in a Writing Workshop, presented by Doug Rosensteel, author of the “Psi Fighter Academy Series.”
Conference fee is $80 with special rates of $60 for retirees and $30 for full-time students. Registration includes a continental breakfast, lunch, and book signing.