Literacy, Identity, and Belonging: Promoting Inclusive Children’s and Young Adult Literature

Celebrate immigrant stories with Libraries and Learning and our recent acquisition of titles from I’m Your Neighbor Books. Hear from a panel of immigrant advocates, children’s book authors, and University faculty as they discuss the impact of their stories in education and the community. Kids welcome, coloring and picture books will be available!

Panelists:

• Kirsten Cappy, Executive Director at I’m Your Neighbor Books
• Maria Testa, Author, Something About America
• Mindy Butler, Assistant Professor of Literacy Education at USM
• Paula Boyce, Part-time Literacy Instructor at USM
• Charles Mugabe, Director of Migration at Catholic Charities Maine

Moderated by Kim Simmons, Associate Professor of Women and Gender Studies at USM and Board Chair at I’m Your Neighbor Books.

Free and open to the public. Refreshments and children’s coloring books provided.

If you have questions about disability access or need to request disability accommodations (e.g. sign language interpreters, materials in electronic format, etc.), please contact Brittney Smith, brittney.v.smith@maine.edu.