Conference on Children's Literature

Join us at the Conference on Children's Literature on Friday September `19, 2025 at 2650 W Sistrunk Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311.

At the Conference on Children's Literature, you'll have the opportunity to connect with authors, illustrators, librarians, and educators who are passionate about inspiring young minds. Immerse yourself in a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who share a love for children's books.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, librarian, or simply a book enthusiast, this event is perfect for anyone who wants to explore the enchanting world of children's literature. Share your own experiences, exchange ideas, and be inspired to create memorable reading experiences for the young ones in your life.

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to be a part of the Conference on Children's Literature! Mark your calendars and get ready to embark on a delightful adventure that will ignite your imagination and reignite your love for children's books. We can't wait to see you there!

The 2025 Conference on Children's Literature is generously funded by the Broward Public Library Foundation and Children's Services Council of Broward. This program is presented through collaborations and partnerships with Broward Reads: The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, Miami Book Fair and Books & Books. Books will be available for sale through Conference on Children's Literature book provider Books & Books.

*Please note that be registering and providing your email address, you agree to allow Broward County Library to contact you.

2025 Featured Speakers

The daughter of a printer, Carole Boston Weatherford was practically born with ink in her blood. She began writing at age 6 and soon after saw her poems in print. Her 80-plus books have garnered 2 NAACP Image Awards and 18 American Library Association Youth Media Awards, including a Newbery Honor, Coretta Scott King Award and 4 Caldecott Honors. Her career achievements have been recognized with the ALA Children’s Literature Legacy Award, the North Carolina Award for Literature, and the Nonfiction Award from the Children’s Book Guild. The 2024 Young People’s Poet Laureate and a retired HBCU professor, she lives in Baltimore.

Jeffrey Boston Weatherford is an award-winning children's book illustrator and a rapper. His latest book, Rap It Up! was inspired by workshops merging writing and technology. KIN: Rooted in Hope won a Coretta Scott King Honor and the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award for Poetry. His debut book, You Can Fly: The Tuskegee Airmen, was named an ALSC Notable Book and a best book of the year by National Council for the Social Studies and Kirkus Reviews. Jeffery's art has been exhibited in Washington, DC, Georgia, Maryland and North Carolina. Formerly a National Book Foundation teaching artist, he holds an M.F.A. from Howard University where he was a Romare Bearden Scholar. He lives in North Carolina.

Carole and Jeffrey Boston Weatherford will be joining us as part of The Ashley Bryan Art Series: Dreams take Flight through Art and Literature. Learn more about Carole and Jeffrey Boston Weatherford at their official website.

Marcus Bridgewater, known on social media as Garden Marcus, is the author of See Marcus Grow and How to Grow: Nurture Your Garden, Nurture Yourself. Media outlets that have featured his work include Vogue, Dwell, the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, and The Drew Barrymore Show. A creator, educator, motivational speaker, and plant enthusiast, he is also the founder and CEO of Choice Forward, a company that offers life coaching, seminars, and workshops. He lives in Texas with his wife, son, and a thousand plants. Learn more at Marcus Bridgewater’s official website and Jumpstart.

Host or Publisher Broward County Library