This 2 day conference provided a wonderful opportunity for me to expand my knowledge of young adult literature. Attendees were treated to presentations by many of the more popular and acknowledged authors who write for teens. These authors took to time to explain their passion for teen literature, and how there were attempting to create a venue for teens to explore their emotions and reactions to the world around them.
The keynote speaker, Sherman Alexie, author of The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, was truely inspiring. Health and appearance issues, along with the burden of being a Native American in our society were things that he overcame - with humor. His speech, along with his book, was the best.
The authors that followed included Chris Crutcher, discussing censorship, Gloria Whelan, on teens from other cultures, Cecil Castellucci and Holly Black on mean girls and life in the fast teen track, and many more. Hearing authors talk about their books, is truely inspirational. I only wish that they had not priced them out of the library market for presentations.
Spending two days totally surrounded by young adult authors and their books was a wonderful experience. I will use the enthusiasm gained through this conference to booktalk these books at our Bethesda branch, and in local middle schools. I cannot wait for the opportunity.
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