The last session of the day, on the last day of the conference no less, Manga Goes to School, was heavily attended. Could it be the draw of the topic or the expertise of the presenters? Actually, it was both. Manga is all the buzz among young people across the country. It is read quickly and has a loyal following. If you are a school librarian like me, or a youth services librarian, this is a topic you need to keep on top of.
Category: ALA Annual 2024
“A Form of Protest”: The Stonewall Book Awards at #alaac24
Dearest Gentle Reader, As I eat at the same Thai restaurant for the fourth time during #alaac24 (no regrets!), string covers of Top 40 hits playing in the background, I feel like I’m in Shonda Rhimes’ Mayfair. This is because I just spent the afternoon at the Stonewall Book Awards amongst “The Ton” of LGBTQIA+ literary creators.
Be Realistic: Managing Time and Expectations
As noted by many conference attendees, and my fellow bloggers, being at #alaac24 is exciting and energizing, but the options are overwhelming. I like to block chunks of time to tour the exhibit hall where conference attendees can meet with vendors, take a peek at advance copies (ARCs) of new titles, and meet authors and illustrators. I usually plan these trips to the exhibit hall around one or two authors or illustrators whom I’d like to meet, and I have a backup plan in case the line is too long, so I don’t endlessly stroll the exhibit hall eating free candy.
An Experience to Remember – The Caldecott Newbery Legacy Banquet
As an educator and school librarian with over three decades of experience, I’ve attended numerous literary events. However, attending the Caldecott Newbery Legacy Banquet for the first time during #ALAAC24 was a uniquely inspiring and unforgettable experience.
Game On! with ALA Play
One of my favorite events at #ALAAC2024 is ALA Play sponsored by the Games and Gaming Round Table. Traditionally, it is on the Friday night of Annual and takes place in an entire ballroom. Yes, there are that many games! What happens at ALA Play? Everyone plays games! Board games, Role-Playing Games (RPGs), and, this year, video games on Nintendo Switch.
The Magical Comics Tea at #ALAAC24
Drink tea, Talk comics, Repeat! The Magical Comics Tea at #ALAAC24 is basically speed dating with graphic novel and comics creators. The Tea is a ticketed event sponsored by the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table.
“Every Choice is Political”: The Newbery Caldecott Legacy Awards Banquet at #alaac24
Last night, Vashti Harrison became the first Black woman to win the Randolph Caldecott Medal since it was first awarded in 1938. In her acceptance speech at #alaac24, which will be published online, Harrison spoke of implicit bias and how BIG was her own first step in “the important work that we all need to do.”
A Herd of Unicorns: The #alaac24 Library Marketplace
I set aside today for the #alaac24 Library Marketplace. The first giveaway that went into my tote bag was an autographed copy of Dear Black Boy by Martellus Bennett. When I asked the writer/animator/director/educator/cartoonist/designer to make it out to “The Unicorns” (our school mascot), the Super Bowl Champion shared that he was known as The Black Unicorn in his NFL days. It was a sign that today would be what they call a herd of unicorns: a blessing.