This June in Beirut: A Conference on Politics in Children’s Literature

It wasn’t that long ago that I asked, “Where are the children’s books of the Arab Spring?” Others have apparently been thinking along similar lines: Now, a conference in Beirut — set for June 16-17 — will likely address this question and many more.

The conference, titled “What a Story: Politics in Children’s Literature,” is set to be held at the Lebanese University, Hadath Branch.

eatured speakers include Lebanese illustrator Jana Traboulsi, Jordanian bookseller Flora Majdalawi, the fabulous (and funny, and political) Lebanese children’s-book author Samah Idriss, Lebanese novelist and publisher Rasha al-Ameer (Judgment Day), and a number of others from around the globe.

Key topics under discussion are: Conflicts & Political Attitudes in Children’s Books, Making Opinions and Political Orientations in Children’s Books, Identities and Diversity in Children’s Books, Political Functions in Children’s Books, Citizenship in Children’s Books, and What is the Content Required from Children’s Literature?

Download the whole schedule here.

Also, organizers note that, “Sending the registration form to info@bahithat.org would help us a great deal in keeping a head count of the attendees.” Download the registration form here.