Presented by: School Library Journal
Event Date: Thursday, March 25, 2021

The transformative power of literature is undeniable. Books can provide a lifeline or a place of sacred refuge. Yet not all children can readily see themselves reflected in what they read. In a 2017 interview with Literary Hub, Alex Gino, author of 2015’s George, said: “I wonder who I would be now if I had been able to see some reflection of myself when I was younger.”

Children’s literature has begun to spotlight more trans and nonbinary voices, but there are so many other stories that deserve to be heard.

In this one-hour Zoom panel, these trans and nonbinary authors will discuss their work, their creative process, representation in literature, and the repercussions of J.K. Rowling’s recent transphobic tirades on social media.

Confirmed Panelists: 

Kacen Callender, author of the YA novel,This Is Kind of an Epic Love Story and the middle grade novels King and the Dragonflies and Hurricane Child. 

Daniel M. Lavery, author of Something That May Shock and Discredit You, the current "Dear Prudence" at Slate, and the proprietor of the weekly newsletter, The Shatner Chatner.  

Meredith Russo, author of the novel If I Was Your Girl and Birthday. 

Meredith Talusan, author of Fairest, and contributor to The New York Times, The Guardian, The Atlantic, WIRED, and Condé Nast Traveler.  

Moderator: 
Kyle Lukoff, author of When Aidan Became A Brother, the “Max and Friends” series, and many other books for young readers.