Books for children and teens have been the one bright spot in publishing over the last 7-8 years, particularly young adult novels, which have enjoyed a tremendous increase in sales. The range and quality of books published for teens and children has increased, and some of the best writers and illustrators now work in the field of children’s books. Authors and illustrators enjoy the flexibility and passion of children as readers, which allows for more innovation, resulting in trends such as graphic novels, novels in verse, unusual book formats, and multigenre books, along with all kinds of digital interfaces.
 
On the other hand, challenges remain, particularly in the continuing under representation of books reflecting global and cultural diversity. The focus of this presentation is sharing examples of current trends in children’s literature, both for those interested in this field as a business and those who care deeply about the literacy of children. All children need the opportunity to connect with books that reflect their experiences and identities, and engage them as readers in exploring their lives and world. Young children especially benefit from read aloud experiences as the number one factor associated with school success. 
 
Biography - Kathy Short
 
Kathy Short is a professor in Language, Reading and Culture at the University of Arizona and works with teachers around the world on inquiry-based curriculum. Her research focuses on global children’s and adolescent literature, literature circles, and intercultural understanding. She has co-authored many books, including Essentials of Children’s Literature, Essentials of Young Adult Literature, Creating Classrooms for Authors and Inquirers, Teacher Study Groups, Stories Matter: The Complexity of Cultural Authenticity in Children’s Literature, and Reframing Curriculum: Reading the World through Literature. She is director of Worlds of Words, an initiative to build bridges across global cultures through children’s literature, and was named the 2011 Outstanding Educator of the Language Arts by NCTE. She has served on book award committees, including the Caldecott and is President of the National Council of Teachers of English.
 
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