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A humorous ongoing cliche exists in the University of Georgia’s Department of Language and Literacy Education.

“Two extremely significant events took place in 1969,” remarks clinical professor Petros Panaou with a smile. “We reached the moon, and the Georgia Conference on Children’s Literature was established.”

Perhaps an overblown comparison, but the influence of one of the longest-running literature conferences in the nation is undeniable. It’s a venue where writers, illustrators, and educators convene annually to discuss the future of children’s literature.

Children’s Book Awards

The conference was established to honor the writers who secured the Georgia Children’s Book Awards. The awards were initiated by Shelton Root, a former educator at UGA’s College of Education, who aimed to cultivate a community of readers and informed individuals.

Mary Frances Early College of Education faculty members Sara Kajder and Jennifer Graff are actively involved in fostering connections. Graff chaired the committee from 2010 to 2021, while Kajder has held the chair position since 2015. They engage with teachers and librarians, connect with homeschooling groups, and communicate with students across Georgia to ensure statewide representation in committee membership and book selections.

“This reflects the dedication of adults and educators who recognize that excellent writing and reading are crucial for children. Equally impressive, the children understand these books are vital for their development as active citizens and innovative thinkers,” Graff states.

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

Children participate in voting for the winning books: one winner for picture books and another for older readers. Each title on the finalist list receives votes from thousands of young readers. In one instance, as many as 51,000 students across Georgia cast their votes.

Before voting commences, each book award committee shortlists an extensive list of nominations submitted by publishers, educators, and students. Each committee forwards the condensed list to schools and libraries statewide. Then, the lists are shared with children and families to peruse and vote on before the winners are revealed at the conference. This year, the recipients were Mr. S by Monica Arnaldo and Hands by Torrey Maldonado, respectively.

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

“It’s crucial for children to feel that their opinions matter,” Heiss explains. “Rather than having adults dictate what they should read, this is their opportunity to engage with the books they cherish and share them with their peers.”

Georgia Conference on Children’s Literature

Once the winners are announced, it’s time to shine.

Panaou, who has been the conference chair for the last eight years, asserts that each event is crafted by and for the attendees. Librarians talk about initiatives to involve children. Educators present on ways to integrate literature into their classrooms. Authors and illustrators exchange techniques with fellow creatives.

Subjects vary from grammar to game-based learning, but the energy doesn’t wane when speakers finish their sessions. Attendees interact with their favorite authors after the presentations, and educators inform publishers about how to effectively deliver books to children.

“The most captivating discussions occur in hallways or during lunch, often over UGA’s renowned strawberry ice cream pie,” says Panaou. “That’s what makes it unique. Individuals meet their idols here and converse with them as equals.”

The conference marked its 50th anniversary in 2019, attracting the largest crowd ever. Newbery Award-winning author and poet Kwame Alexander delivered the keynote speech. Students in the Athens area even read his works for their book club.

“When they finally encountered him at the conference, they revered him like a celebrity—similar to what we would expect for a football star or a rock musician,” Panaou reflects. “The entire experience left a profound impression on me. It’s a moment I’ll always remember, and so will they.”

This affection between children and authors has persisted over the years. Numerous children mailed letters to Doris Buchanan Smith after she secured the Georgia Children’s Book Award in 1975.

Children’s Literature on Display

The exhibition
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The space transforms annually to align with the requirements of fresh and evolving young readers. One year, the area showcased an international silent book exhibition featuring wordless picture books. On another occasion, the exhibition Outstanding

International Books for Youth with Disabilities highlighted literature for visually impaired children as well as books focusing on and about children with autism. These books were tactile, imaginative, and previously unfamiliar to a wide array of readers.

“We aim to ensure that every child realizes there’s a book for them and that their narrative holds significance,” states Heiss. “Literature serves as a means to connect with one another, and I find that truly beautiful.”

This year’s exhibition, arranged by the Comics Appreciation Project, honored the significance of graphic novels. While traditional superhero comics will perpetually be valued, the Comics Appreciated Project drew attention to the many profound themes that contemporary graphic novels address. From the Civil Rights Movement to fractured fantasy tales, these narratives venture beyond mere amusement to delve into intricate emotions and obstacles in a manner unique to graphic novels.

“A vital aspect of this conference is to demonstrate to educators the resources available,” mentions Panaou. The more educators understand various genres of children’s literature, the better they can integrate them into the reading environments of youth who require them.

The Bigger Picture (Book)

Though the conference primarily aims to spark knowledge and engagement among children, it’s evident that adults also gain advantages from this community.

One of 2025’s keynote speakers, renowned children’s literature author Jessica Kasper Kramer, began her presentation by recounting

the tale of meeting her literary hero, Andre Norton, during her childhood.

Norton, an exceptionally prolific science fiction author, hosted a book signing, with Kramer being the only child present. She recalls Norton drawing her to the front of the line, conversing with her for longer than anyone else, and addressing her inquiries as if she were a top literary critic. That encounter profoundly influenced Kramer.

“I am convinced that stories can save us,” she claimed in her address.

Kramer, like her conference colleagues, has faith in the transformative ability of literature to assist young readers in shaping their realities in innovative and impactful manners.

Harold and his purple crayon. Ada Twist with her inquisitive inquiries. Matilda wielding her magical 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 remains everlasting.

The post Once Upon a Conference first appeared on UGA Today.

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