The Inclusive Storyteller: Beating the Odds One Narrative at a Time

Featuring: Rose Brock, Sonya Huber, Kelly Chandler Olcott, Ronnie Sydney

Moderator: Dr. Bryan Ripley Crandall and Denise Howe

Location: The Forum Stage @ The Westport Library

This panel, sponsored by the Connecticut Writing Project at Fairfield University, is a celebration of writing advocacy. One has crafted children’s books that promote the stories of underrepresented voices. A second has published essays on overcoming obstacles and pain to find a voice for disability. A third has spent years studying literacy collaborations, effective writing instruction, and best practices for meeting the needs of all students. Moderated by Dr. Bryan Ripley Crandall, this panel asks the question, “What does it mean to be an inclusive storyteller?”

Book Deserts, Reticent Readers and Project Lit

Featuring:Jerry Craft, Tiffany Jackson, Nic Stone, Ibi Zoboi

Moderator: Jarred Amato

Location: The Forum Stage @ The Westport Library

High school English teacher Jarred Amato is leading an online revolution with #ProjectLit, a national, grassroots LITeracy movement, a network where dedicated teachers and students are committed to increasing access to culturally relevant books and promoting a love of reading in our schools and communities. Amato leads a discussion with four #ProjectLit authors on the work of opening doors to reticent readers.

The Connecticut Nutmeg Book Awards

Featuring: Jake Burt, Susan Hood, Geoff Rodkey, Ibi Zoboi 

Moderator: Mary Parmelee, Director of Youth Services at The Westport Library

Location: Brooks Place @ The Westport Library

Meet current nominees and past winners of the Connecticut Book Nutmeg Awards, a statewide awards program which encourages children in grades 2-12 to read quality literature and to choose their favorite from a list of ten nominated titles.