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Student Reading In An Empty Corridor

The Best New Young Adult Books and The Best Diverse Young Adult Books

In-person, online, and recorded seminars specifically designed for teachers, school librarians, and public librarians.

Presented by Kathleen Odean, a nationally recognized seminar presenter.

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  • Lively presentations with useful handouts.
  • Books for grades six through twelve.
  • Contact and clock hours verification available.
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Teenager reading a book in the library

The Best New YA Books of 2021

SEMINAR DATES – Please note that we are requiring everyone who attends the in-person seminars to be vaccinated.

  • Hartford, CT (Bristol) — Thursday, October 28, 2021
  • Portland, ME — Monday, November 1, 2021
  • Concord, NH — Monday, November 8, 2021
  • Boston, MA (Natick) — Tuesday, November 16, 2021
  • Providence, RI (Seekonk, MA) — Tuesday, November 30, 2021
  • Online — Wednesday, December 8, 2021
  • Online — Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Also available as an online videorecording with 90-day access.

African American Girl Reading A Book

The Best Diverse Books of 2015-2021

SEMINAR DATES

  • Online: Grades 6-12 — Tuesday, January 11, 2022
  • Online: Grades 9-12 — Thursday, January 20, 2022
  • Online: Grades 6-9 — Wednesday, January 26, 2022

All three seminars are also available as online
videorecordings with 90-day access.

About the Program

In these lively seminars, Kathleen Odean introduces the best books for grades 6-12 from 2021 and the best  diverse books for grades 6-12 from 2015-2021.  She brings the books to life with descriptions, quotes, and analysis.  Kathleen also shares practical activities and strategies for promoting the books to teens and integrating them into your program.  Participants have opportunities to chat briefly with each other about books and ideas.  Everyone receives a handout with booklists and resources.  This is Kathleen’s 19th year of presenting seminars that receive excellent evaluations from participants.  Join her for this celebration of wonderful new books!

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Testimonials

Love the program!

Allison Krause, English Teacher, Manchester-Essex, NH

This seminar gave me great ideas to promote books in my language arts class. Thank you!

Shannon Witman, ELA Teacher, West M.S., Andover, MA
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