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There exists a humorous anecdote within the Department of Language and Literacy Education at the University of Georgia. 

“Two significant events took place in 1969,” says clinical professor Petros Panaou, smiling broadly. “We touched down on the moon, and the Georgia Conference on Children’s Literature was established.” 

Maybe it’s an exaggerated analogy, but one cannot overlook the significance of one of the most enduring literature conferences nationwide. It’s a gathering where authors, illustrators, and educators convene annually to shape the future of children’s literature. 

Children’s Book Awards 

The conference was established to honor the writers who received the Georgia Children’s Book Awards. These awards were initiated by Shelton Root, a former educator in UGA’s College of Education, who aimed to foster a community of readers and informed citizens. 

Mary Frances Early College of Education faculty members Sara Kajder and Jennifer Graff are at the forefront of forming connections. Graff served as committee chair from 2010 to 2021, while Kajder has been chair since 2015. They engage with teachers and librarians, reach out to homeschool groups, and connect with students throughout Georgia to ensure the entire state is represented in committee participation and book choices.

“It’s a testament to the adults and educators who recognize that excellent writing and reading are vital for children. Equally impressive, kids realize these books are essential for their future as active citizens and imaginative thinkers,” Graff remarks. 

The awards draw individuals from every aspect of children’s literature—teachers, media specialists, librarians, graduate students, authors, illustrators, and, most importantly, children. 

Children cast votes for the winning titles: one for picture books and another for older readers. Every finalist is selected by thousands of young readers. One year saw as many as 51,000 students from Georgia participating in the voting process. 

However, before the voting commences, each book award committee curates a substantial list of nominations from publishers, educators, and students. Each committee then shares the refined list with schools and libraries statewide. Subsequently, these lists are presented to children and families for reading and voting before announcing the winners at the conference. This year’s winners were Mr. S by Monica Arnaldo and Hands by Torrey Maldonado, respectively.

Nancy Heiss, a graduate assistant for the book awards, states that the process empowers young readers. She motivates all children, including her own, to participate in voting. 

“I believe it’s crucial for kids to be aware that their opinions are valued,” Heiss explains. “Rather than having adults dictate what they can read, this is their opportunity to connect with the books they cherish and to share them with their peers.” 

Georgia Conference on Children’s Literature 

Once the winners are determined, it’s time for the showcase. 

Panaou, who has been the conference chair for the last eight years, remarks that each event is crafted by and for the attendees. Librarians share programs to captivate children. Educators present on integrating literature in the classroom. Authors and illustrators discuss their techniques with fellow creatives. 

Topics vary from grammar to gamification, but the energy continues even after speakers depart the stage. Participants interact with their favorite authors following sessions, and educators communicate with publishers about how to place books into children’s hands.

“The most engaging discussions occur in the corridors or during lunch, often highlighted by UGA’s renowned strawberry ice cream pie,” Panaou shares. “That’s what makes it memorable. People meet their idols here and converse with them as equals.” 

The conference marked its 50th anniversary in 2019, achieving record attendance. Newbery Award-winning author and poet Kwame Alexander delivered the keynote address. Students from Athens even participated in a book club reading his works. 

“When they finally encountered him at the conference, they treated him like a celebrity—just as we would for a football player or a rock star,” Panaou recalls. “The entire experience left a profound mark on me. It’s a memory I’ll cherish forever, and so will they.” 

This affection between children and authors remains unchanged throughout the years. Numerous children penned letters to Doris Buchanan Smith after she received the Georgia Children’s Book Award in 1975.

Children’s Literature Conference on Display

The exhibition area transforms annually to align with the needs of emerging and evolving young
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In one year, the venue showcased an international silent book exhibition featuring wordless picture books. The following year, the exhibition Remarkable

International Books for Youth with Disabilities showcased literature for visually impaired youngsters as well as titles centered on and for children with autism. These books were sensory-rich and inventive, often unfamiliar to many readers.

“We aim to inform every child that there exists a book for them and that their narratives hold significance,” states Heiss. “Literature serves as a means to acknowledge one another, and I find it truly beautiful.”

This year’s exhibition, orchestrated by the Comics Appreciation Project, honored the significance of graphic novels. While timeless superhero comics will always be revered, the Comics Appreciation Project underscored the myriad profound themes that contemporary graphic novels delve into. From the Civil Rights Movement to war-stricken fantasy tales, these narratives transcend mere entertainment to examine intricate emotions and challenges in a manner unique to graphic novels.

“A key aspect of this literature conference is to demonstrate to educators the resources available,” remarks Panaou. The more educators are aware of diverse children’s literature, the better they can integrate these books into the reading environments of children in need.

The Larger Perspective (Book)

While the conference aims to foster knowledge and involvement in youngsters, it’s evident that adults gain equally from this community.

One of the keynote speakers for 2025, esteemed children’s book author Jessica Kasper Kramer, initiated her presentation with an account of meeting her literary hero, Andre Norton, during her childhood.

Norton, a prolific writer in the science fiction genre, held a book signing event, and Kramer was the sole child present. She recalls Norton pulling her to the forefront of the line, engaging with her longer than with anyone else, and responding to her inquiries with the seriousness befitting a top literary critic. That moment made a lasting impression on Kramer.

“I believe stories possess the ability to rescue us,” she expressed in her address.

Kramer, like her fellow attendees at the literature conference, holds a firm belief in the transformative influence of literature to assist young readers in reshaping their world in profound and innovative manners.

Harold with his purple crayon. Ada Twist with her inquisitive queries. Matilda with her enchanting abilities. Children’s literature frequently serves as the backdrop for our initial heroes and inspirations. At the Georgia Conference on Children’s Literature, enchantment intertwines with the ordinary in a narrative that is perpetual.

Special appreciation to Amy Pulliam and Jie Zhang for their research and reporting.

The article Once Upon a Conference initially appeared on UGA Today.

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