19th Annual Reading Round-Up of Children’s and Young Adult Literature Conference

Reading Round-Up is a conference to learn ideas for promoting, marketing, evaluating, and purchasing noteworthy juvenile literature.

Photos from the 2008 Conference

Pat Feehan, Keynote Speaker at the 2008 Reading Round-Up Conference

The 19th annual Reading Round-Up Conference of Children's and Young Adult Literature at the Augusta Civic Center sold out once again this year. Over 350 librarians from schools and public libraries attended the April 17, 2008, program titled "Can Read But Don't Wanna."

Information about motivating alliterate readers was covered during the keynote presentation by University of South Carolina professor Dr. Pat Feehan. Feehan also conducted a breakout session about reading choices for young adults.

Ethel Pochocki receives the Katahdin Award at the 2008 Reading Round-Up Conference

This year's Katahdin Award from the Maine Library Association’s Youth Service Section was presented to Maine author Ethel Pochocki. Her books for young readers include Rosebud and Red Flannel (which won the 1991 Lupine Award) and Penny for a Hundred (based on true events in Aroostook County during WW II).This lifetime achievement award is given to recognize an outstanding body of work in the field of Maine children's and young adult literature.

Kevin Hawkes and Alan Madison at Reading Round-Up 2008

Maine illustrator Kevin Hawkes (left) and New York city author Alan Madison received the 2007 Lupine Picture Book Award for Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly. Each received a specially-designed plate, the official Lupine award.

Cynthia Lord at the 2008 Reading Round-Up Conference

Maine author Cynthia Lord, who received a Newbury Honor for her book Rules about an autistic child, was a presenter with Maine publisher Jennifer Bunting (not pictured) from Tilbury House.

Alan Madison, Maria Testa, Sarah Thomson, and Jamie Hogan at the 2008 Reading Round-Up Conference

Authors Alan Madison, Maria Testa, Sara Thomson, and Jamie Hogan (left to right) share a lighthearted moment during the conference.

2008 Program

Keynote: “Aliteracy – Motivating the Dormant Reader” -- Pat Feehan
Cream of the Crop (pre K-lower elem.) -- Louise Capizzo, Falmouth Memorial Library; Kathy George, Gray Public Library; Marilyn Taylor, Scarborough Public Library
Cream of the Crop (Gr. 3-12) -- Leslie Rounds, Dyer Library, Saco; Vicky Smith, Children's Book Review Editor, Kirkus Reviews, New York, NY (formerly Director, McArthur Public Library, Biddeford)
The Newest Maine Children's Books (all ages) -- Lynn Plourde
Sharing Session for School Librarians (Grades 3-5) -- Susan Pease, Facilitator
Add Signing to Your Storytime (babies/toddlers/preschool) -- Mary Buckley
Accessible, Relevant Poetry: The Power of a Few Words and Lots of White Space (upper elementary, middle school and up) -- Maria Testa
Luncheon breakout: “Margaret Chase Smith: A Woman for President” -- Lynn Plourde
Not for Adults Only: Recommended Adult Good Reads for Young Adults (tweens and teens) -- Pat Feehan
Authors & Publishers – The Magic! (all ages) -- Jennifer Bunting, Cynthia Lord
Sharing Session for Public Libraries -- Jan Hamilton, Facilitator