Breaking into Publishing After Age 50

You don’t need to be young to write books for young children. Seven children’s book creators share their experiences breaking into publishing after 50, offering tips to help older writers stay current, create community, and draw (literally) on life experiences while avoiding the “teaching” book trap. Other topics will include the importance of NOT acting your age, how to access your authentic childlike voice, why representation matters, and the joys of funneling both lifelong passions and passing fancies onto the page. Attendees, regardless of age, will gain the tools and inspiration needed to put their publishing dreams into action

Show Me Myself: Representation Matters

To build a community of readers, children need to see themselves in the books they read. It’s true that some children love to read and will read any book they can grab. Others, however, feel disconnected from reading because they don’t see, between the pages of books, people who look like them or enjoy their activities or share their cultural traditions. If we want to build a literate society of diverse readers, writers, and thinkers, we must put into their hands books that excite them: books where they can see themselves and learn about the experiences of others

Play is Equity!: The Role Picture Books Play in Creating a Just Society for Our Most Vulnerable Readers

The depiction of play in children’s literature and school curricula plays a key role in creating an antiracist and equitable classroom, school, and society for our most vulnerable readers. For all children, and in particular BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ children, the representation of play can nurture social and emotional development and support mental health or reinforce sexist, racist, and homophobic attitudes and behaviors. In this panel, we will examine how to disrupt antiquated and problematic representations of play and share literature that empowers children through play and entitles them to validation and joy

Increasing Public Health Mosquito Surveillance in Hidalgo County, Texas to Monitor Vector and Arboviral Presence

From 2016 to 2018, Hidalgo County observed the emergence of Zika virus (ZIKV) infections along with sporadic cases of Dengue virus (DENV) and West Nile virus (WNV). Due to the emergence of ZIKV and the historical presence of other mosquito-borne illnesses, Hidalgo County obtained funding to enhance mosquito surveillance and educate residents on arboviruses and travel risks. During this time period, Hidalgo County mosquito surveillance efforts increased by 1.275%. This increase resulted in >8000 mosquitoes collected, and 28 mosquito species identified. Aedes aegypti, Ae albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus made up approximately two-thirds of the mosquitoes collected in 2018 (4122/6171). Spatiotemporal shifts in vector species composition were observed as the collection period progressed. Significantly, temperature variations (p < 0.05) accounted for associated variations in vector abundance, whereas all other climate variables were not significant