at work on a keynote, and congratulating Cat Mosier-Mills, selected as a finalist for 2014 YoungArts

This morning I'm again at work on the keynote talk I'll be giving this weekend in New York City at the Bank Street Mini-Conference. I have something to say about the sideways process. I have something to learn from my fellow participants—Roger Sutton (The Horn Book), Vicky Smith (Kirkus Reviews), Luann Toth (School Library Journal), and Sarah Smith (children's editor of The New York Times Book Review), not to mention the show's creator, Jennifer Brown.

As I work, I am reflecting back on the students I've met along the way. The young people I have loved and who have taught me most of everything.

I share this photograph this morning, of a particular morning in Miami with the YoungArts writers, both because it reminds me of a very happy time and because a very special young woman—Cat Mosier-Mills—has just been named a writing finalist for 2014 YoungArts. Cat is the daughter of my friends Elizabeth Mosier and Chris Mills. She is a young person I had fervently hoped would have the opportunity to experience the wealth of talent in the multiple disciplines—cinematography, dance, voice, and many others—that YoungArts brings together. Cat is the perfect contributor to a world like this one, and she will, in her own poised, never blaring, always thoughtful way, shine her own bright light.

So today I am looking back and I am looking forward, and I am thinking sideways. I am thinking about gorgeous Cat, and the journey she's about to go on. I am grateful for organizations that care about our children and the talents that they have.

There's still time to register for the Bank Street Mini Conference. I hope to see you there.

Read more...

An amazing vista for writers and teachers at the Bank Street Mini-Conference: Please Join Us

I would be posting this event even if I had not already said yes to participating many months ago.

Because the Great Jennifer Brown (our children's book ambassador, as I always like to say, in honor of all she contributes to both Bank Street and Shelf Awareness and children's books in general) has assembled the cast.

Because the cast is exceptional.

Because those who say yes to this opportunity on November 9, 2013 in New York City will get to hear the thoughts of Roger Sutton (The Horn Book), Vicky Smith (Kirkus Reviews), Luann Toth (School Library Journal), and Sarah Smith (children's editor of The New York Times Book Review). They'll get to sit down and talk about Mo Willems, Margaret Wise Brown, Arnold Lobel, Judy Blume, J.K. Rowling, M.T. Anderson, Lois Duncan, Marcus Zusak, David Levithan, Elizabeth Wein, and so many others with working writers. They'll have a chance to participate in one-on-one manuscript and portfolio critiques with editors, agents, and art directors. And first thing in the morning, I will raise the great neon orange flag of Handling the Truth, in a talk about how we teach the things that matter.

Did I mention that the Great Jennifer Brown will be in the house?

Please check out all the details here. Please join us. And please do help us spread word.

Thank you.

Read more...