Three award-winning children's writers and illustrators will be the lead presenters at the University of Kentucky's School of Library and Information Science's annual McConnell Youth Literature Conference next month.
The program, March 23 and 24 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Lexington, will include sessions with authors and illustrators, a variety of breakout sessions and book signings.
This year's guest presenters will include M.T. Anderson, author of 2009 Printz Award winner The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party; Jennifer Holm, author of 2011 Newbery Honor winner Turtle in Paradise; and Lisa Desimini, an award-winning illustrator.
Anderson has written many stories for children and young adults, including Jasper Dash and the Flame-Pits of Delaware, Thirsty and The Game of Sunken Places trilogy. His young-adult book Feed was a finalist for the National Book Award and won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Octavian Nothing won the National Book Award and the Boston Globe/Horn Book Prize and, along with its sequel, Octavian Nothing: The Kingdom on the Waves, won the Printz Award.
Holm's first novel, Our Only May Amelia, was inspired by a great-aunt's diary and received a 2000 Newbery Honor. Two later novels, Penny From Heaven (2007) and Turtle in Paradise (2011) also received Newbery Honors. Holm also writes series for younger readers, such as her Babymouse series, which she co-authors and illustrates with her brother Matthew Holm.
Desimini has written and illustrated more than 30 books for children. Her books have won several awards and honors, such as a New York Times best illustrated book of the year, Publisher's Weekly best picture book of the year, a BCCB Blue Ribbon Book and a School Library Journal best book of the year. One of her titles, Dot the Fire Dog, has been adapted to video.
Advance registration is required; the deadline is March 16. The fee for both days of the conference is $130; Friday-only registration is $55 and Saturday-only is $75. Special events require payment of additional fees. Student discounts are available. An registration form is available at Cis.uky.edu/lis/node/380.
