Authentic Voices in Children’s and Teen Literature: What’s Socioeconomics Got to Do with It?

A superb high school librarian, in a discussion of making a place for all stories, explained the groups she was expanding her collection to more accurately and completely represent. When I asked about voices of those living in generational poverty, she paused and very honestly replied, "I never thought about representation and socioeconomics," and proceeded to ask me about titles. So in this webinar, we will do just that: think about our children and teens navigating the world today living in poverty – both their joys and challenges, and how to develop our collections to represent their voices. There will be time for questions and answers and sharing our stories. Please visit my website to get a taste of who I am and what I do: www.opendorrs2books.com.

Presenter Bio: Christina Dorr's love affair with books began early when her mother took her to the tiny, red-brick public library in their village. This involvement has led her to become an award-winning librarian, faculty member, author, presenter, and consultant. She has served on a number of state and national book award committees, including the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Geisel Award, and Stonewall committees. Profiles in Resilience: Books for Children and Teens that Center the Lived Experience of Generational Poverty is her third book, and second published by the American Library Association. You can visit her website at www.opendorrs2books.com.


This event was made possible in part by a RAILS EDI Training Grant.