I have learned not to be late for things. It’s taken nearly all of my 46 years, still, I have learned. But on Sunday, I arrived at the Coretta Scott King Book Awards Breakfast after everyone had been seated (and breakfast was already being served). Oops. I recalled my father’s childhood confidence-building advice to “act like you own the place” and walked down the center aisle to the front of the room, looking for a seat. I spotted the beloved Mychal Threets sitting at a table with three empty seats, and asked the group if I could sit. Wouldn’t you know, I had also joined outgoing ALSC President Rob Bittner, newly elected Vice-President/President Elect Ariana Hussain, and ALSC Awards Coordinator Ana Cackley. I had been emailing both Rob and Ana–Rob about committee work and Ana about the Penguin Random House Young Readers Group Award that I received to attend my first ALA annual conference (more on that later!). They both said something like, “oh, you’re Alicia?!” and I nearly died.

The breakfast was inspiring and full of moments I will not soon forget. Witnessing honor author Kwame Alexander (Black Star) deliver his powerful speech in verse, recalling his ancestors. Watching illustrator winner C. G. Esperanza (My Daddy Is a Cowboy) act as game show host and award original paintings (!!!) to attendees who answered black cowboy history trivia correctly, then leading a call-and-response “neigh!” Listening to author winner Jason Reynolds (Twenty-four Seconds from Now…) tenderly speak of giving Black boys a space to learn about and how to love.

Later that day, I walked to a lunch hosted by Neal Porter Books. In my agenda, it began at 12:30 p.m. In reality, it started at noon. One of the last to be seated, I joined a table where Neal Porter himself and author-blogger-podcaster extraordinaire Travis Jonker were seated. To my left was an empty seat. To my right, Yuyi Morales. Yuyi Morales! Who arrived later than me? Jason Chin, who took the empty seat next to me. Again, I died.

For a new-to-the-profession youth services librarian and complete children’s lit (specifically picture book) nerd, this was a pretty special day. At breakfast, I spoke to Ariana about her involvement in ALSC, which included time on the Notable Children’s Books Committee (like me!) and Morris Seminar alum (like I hope to be!). At lunch, I talked with Jason Chin about living in New England and reminded Yuyi Morales of her 2023 visit to Worcester, MA, where I live and work, for a multilingualism conference for the city’s educators. I also connected with Susannah Richards, education professor and children’s lit expert. I will try to be on time for all things in the future, but, on Sunday, I couldn’t help but be happy to be late to the party.

(All images taken by A. Rogers.)

Alicia Rogers (she/her/hers) is the Tween Services Librarian at Worcester Public Library–the library’s first! She hosts programs and builds collections for children ages eight to twelve in the children’s center and provides reference and reader’s advisory service in the library’s teen room to ease patrons’ transition between the spaces. Through her work, she strives to build community among the tween patrons who are craving some independence. Alicia is a member of ALSC and the Notable Children’s Book Committee and reviews for Booklist, The Horn Book, Library Journal, and School Library Journal. She loves books of all kinds (can you tell?), so is most looking forward to meeting and hearing from authors at the conference.

Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.

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 I have learned not to be late for things. It’s taken nearly all of my 46 years, still, I have learned. But on Sunday, I arrived at the Coretta Scott King Book Awards Breakfast after everyone had been seated (and breakfast was already being served). Oops. I recalled my father’s childhood confidence-building advice to “act like you own the place” and walked down the center aisle to the front of the room, looking for a seat. I spotted the beloved Mychal Threets sitting at a table with three empty seats, and asked the group if I could sit. Wouldn’t you know, I had also joined outgoing ALSC President Rob Bittner, newly elected Vice-President/President Elect Ariana Hussain, and ALSC Awards Coordinator Ana Cackley. I had been emailing both Rob and Ana–Rob about committee work and Ana about the Penguin Random House Young Readers Group Award that I received to attend my…
The post CSKBART Awards Breakfast & Lunch with Luminaries #alaac25 appeared first on ALSC Blog.  Read More

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