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By Michael Gardner '25
Framingham State University hosted the annual Swiacki Children’s Literature Festival on Thursday, November 7th. The festival is an opportunity to learn about new children’s books, listen to people who work in the field of children’s literature, and buy some books.
The first place I went was the Mazmanian Art Gallery, where Ibi Zoboi and Duncan Tonatiuh were signing books. Ibi Zoboi is an award-winning author while Duncan is an author and illustrator. They were both gracious enough to come to campus and speak with some interested children’s literature scholars. There was also a book sale in the 1839 room, which looked like FSU’s very own bookshop.
Samantha Westall and Laura Hudock hosted a workshop called “What’s New in Children’s Literature” in the McCarthy Forum, where they walked through a list of new children’s books. They discussed what each book is about and why they are so important in today’s world. Finally, there was a buffet dinner and lectures given by Ibi Zoboi and Duncan Tonatiuh.
Over the course of the night, I learned that the name “children’s literature” can be misleading because it is not only for children. The books they showcased speak to social issues and themes that ring true for people of all ages and backgrounds: discrimination, assimilating to a new culture, living with disabilities. Children’s literature does the same thing that any other category of literature does: it opens up discussions about difficult topics and exposes the reader to things they may never have experienced before.
Books like the ones showcased during the festival are a powerful way to get kids excited about reading and learning. Reading about new topics will only serve to grow children’s empathy and understanding of each other and the world around them.
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