Navigating the Teen Reading Universe: Trends, Tips, and Titles

Grade Level: 9-12

Session Strand: Collection Development

Presenter
Katie McNamara

Katie McNamara serves as a teacher librarian at a public high school in California, director of the Teacher Librarian Program at Fresno Pacific University, and various EDU boards. She is a Google Certified Innovator and AASL Tech Troubadour. She served as president of the California School Library Association (2020-2021). Katie has authored contributing chapters and published many journal articles. She has won numerous awards for being innovative and sharing content. She enjoys learning, empowering teachers to inspire student learning, and frequently sharing her expertise as a national and global presenter. Inspire.Create.Empower.Repeat. Connect with her on socials @KatieJMcNamara.

Shelly Stevenson

Shelly Stevenson is a teacher librarian at a public high school in central California. She is the facilitator for the CDE 9-12 grade span recommended reading list committee. Shelly served as the Southern Region president of the California School Library Association in 2021. Shelly is passionate about helping students find books they can’t put down. Connect with her on socials @Shelly1913.


Description: School librarians face the exciting challenge of creating transformative YA collections. Discover powerful strategies to streamline collection development, connecting books with readers of all interests.

In this session, we'll share tips on building inclusive, age-relevant, current, and diverse YA collections that cater to both avid readers and those yet to discover the joy of reading.

Learn how to cultivate a multifaceted YA collection covering various topics and experiences, fostering empathy, and dismantling stereotypes. Leave with thoughtfully curated title recommendations beyond standard lists, and gain practical approaches to creating an engaging collection that inspires a lifelong love of reading for every student.