CSLA Virtual Conference
John & Madeline participated in the California School Library Association’s 2022 Virtual Conference Social Justice Children's Authors Panel on February 19, 2022.
Description from the CSLA conference website:
Meet passionate children's book authors from small presses who will introduce their books, share the story behind their creation, and explain what role they can play in advancing social justice in these times. Moderated by Peter Limata of Story Time with Mr. Limata. Story Time with Mr. Limata strives to connect with kids and the young at heart and to share joy and learning through story time.
Panelists include:
1) Laura Atkins: Blending free verse, illustrations, and primary source materials, Fighting for Justice series biographies Fred Korematus Speaks Up and Biddy Mason Speaks Up introduce middle grade readers to historical California activists, and encourage young people to speak up today.
2) Alejandra Domenzain: For All/Para Todos, a bilingual picture book about a young undocumented gir's journey to crossing the border, discovering the power of storytelling, and becoming an activist for immigrant rights.
3) John Casselbery and Madeline Connor Casselbery: The Konscious Kidz is a fun and engaging chapter book about an ethnically and culturally diverse group of six neighborhood friends who play and grow together as they face many different challenges and adventures of life as a community. Colorful and inspiring illustrations and art murals allow children to see themselves represented in the stories.
4) Hayley Diep: If You Give a Girl A Bike - Fearless girls shatter gender norms by doing sports that are typically dominated by white men: mountain biking, skateboarding, rock climbing, and surfing.
