Fighting for Books That Matter: 40 Years of the Shenandoah Children's Literature Conference with Dr. Karen Huff

"Any book a child loves is a good book," but when a teacher says she has to "sneak in" Number the Stars, something is broken. Dr. Diane welcomes Dr. Karen Huff, chair of the Shenandoah University Children's Literature Conference, to celebrate 40 years of fighting for books that matter. We discuss the importance of honoring diverse voices and creating communities of readers -- spaces where teachers, librarians, and authors come together to champion books that build empathy, connection, wonder, and joy.

Summary:

The Shenandoah University Children's Literature Conferencecelebrates its 40th anniversary in June and Dr. Karen Huffhas been there from the start. From its roots with Nancy Larrick, Laura Robb, and 85 teachers, the annual conference has grown into a beloved community event, featuring award-winning authors like Katherine Applegate, Jacqueline Woodson, Jerry Pinkney, Walter Dean Myers, and John Scieszka. They discuss Nancy Larrick's groundbreaking 1965 article The All-White World of Children's Books, Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop's vision of books as Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors, and why teachers feeling they must "sneak in" read alouds like Number the Stars reveals a broken system. 

Dr. Huff reflects on the power of author visits, why children's lit deserves respect, how quality children's literature builds vocabulary and background knowledge, and unforgettable conference moments—from Jerry Pinkney's humility to 500 families showing up for Lucky Diaz. This is a celebration of quality children's literature, reading communities, and the educators who fight for books that change lives.

Chapters & Timestamps

[00:00] Welcome to 40 Years of Children's Literature 

[01:41] From 85 Teachers to 300: How the Conference Grew 

[07:46] Finding the "Good For" Book That Unlocks Wonder and Builds Lifelong Readers

[14:06] Creating School-Wide Communities of Readers 

[18:13] Nancy Larrick and The All-White World of Children's Books

[27:34] 40 Years of Unforgettable Moments 

[33:56] Author Visits and STEM Connections 

[39:48] Join the 40th Anniversary Conference – What to expect from in-person and virtual events in June 2026

[49:03] Books That Stay with You 

[54:08] What Brings You Hope? 

Links & Resources:

• Shenandoah University Children's Literature Conference
• Follow @childrenslit_su on Instagram
• Nancy Larrick's The All-White World of Children's Books(Saturday Review, 1965)
• Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop's Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors (RIF, 1990)
• Mr. Schu's Blog with Dr. Karen Huff
• EveryLibrary and PEN America