Rowan faculty help organize South Jersey Children’s Book Festival, a celebration of literary diversity

On April 13, Rowan University Writing Arts faculty Megan Atwood and Lisa Jahn-Clough will be among 15 popular children’s book authors taking part in the South Jersey Children’s Book Festival, a celebration of diverse voices in publishing.

Themed “Celebrating FREADOM,” the festival at Haddonfield Middle School was founded this year to showcase the great variety of works for children by South Jersey and Philadelphia area authors and illustrators.

Featuring writers and artists whose works span a range of genres, the program will offer opportunities for readers to meet the authors and illustrators and take part in author talks, illustrator demonstrations, book signings and more.

Atwood, an associate professor in the Ric Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts (Edelman CCCA) and the author of nearly 70 books for young readers, said the festival was created to highlight and celebrate the great diversity of books for young people.

“We talk about how reading can provide windows and mirrors. In mirrors, kids can see themselves in works of art as heroes. In windows, they can see how other people walk in the world,” she said.

The festival, which will also feature the authors Cece Bell, Liz Montague, Jamar Nicholas and Matt Phelan, among others, will celebrate diverse voices in children’s literature at a time when access to books in some parts of the U.S. has been challenged.

“We’re holding this festival to celebrate all kinds of voices and stories, to give families access to a diverse group of authors/illustrators, and to encourage a useful, productive dialogue,” Atwood said.

Rowan, in partnership with Inkwood Books in Haddonfield, is supporting the South Jersey Children’s Book Festival with a $5,000 STORI grant from the Edelman CCCA.

The festival will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. April 13 at Haddonfield Middle School, 5 Lincoln Avenue, in Haddonfield. For more information, please visit the festival’s website.