The
Francelia Butler Conference is
an annual conference, entirely student-run by those in the Hollins
Graduate
Program in Children’s Literature, and named after the late professor,
editor
and friend of children’s literature, Francelia Butler.
Established in 1995, it is now in its 14th
year and continues to offer students the opportunity to submit, read,
select
and hear the best critical and creative work of their peers in the
field of
children’s literature. Professional
scholars and authors are invited to judge the critical and creative
pieces, for
which one, in each category, receives the Shirley Henn Award. In recent years, the conference has expanded
to include a yearly theme, food, entertainment, artwork/illustration
display
(for which one piece receives the Margaret Kates Award), silent auction
and
keynote speaker, all which add to the day-long event.
Usually held during the end of the summer
semester, the Francelia Butler Conference continues to be a wonderful
tradition
of the Hollins Children’s Literature Graduate Program.
| Keynote Speaker | Francelia Butler |
| Judges | Shirley Henn |
| Margaret Kates |