Disability Made Visible

Room: Pocket Room (left side of Children's Room), 1st Floor | 12:00 PM- 12:45 PM

After the presentation, attendees are welcome to purchase a book and/or get their book signed.

Pre-registration is extremely helpful for planning purposes, but is not required. Pre-registered attendees will get priority seating in the event of limited seating. Walk-ins are welcome if capacity allows.

Description

In this session, perfect for both educators as well as families, authors of all backgrounds discuss writing disability into their work in ways that are authentic, joyful, and educational.

Biography

Joy Givens is a Program Specialist for resettled refugee youth and the lucky mother of four small superheroes. She has published several award-winning short stories and writes children’s fiction to celebrate the fresh, fierce, fantastic side of life. Joy's debut picture book, THE UNSTOPPABLE JAMIE, called “Heartwarming and reassuring” by Kirkus Reviews, was released by Two Lions in Fall 2023.

Phyllis Leyden-Alexander is Noah’s grandmother, whose adventures are captured in the book series, Adventures in Noahland. She writes to reduce discomfort others feel around kids with a disability. Her books have been used to develop lesson plans for early education instruction. Phyllis resides in PA with husband Louis. They share 6 incredibly perfect grandchildren of whom Noah is the youngest.

Katie Mazeika is an award-winning author and illustrator who loves creating stories based on real people and events. Katie is passionate about highlighting disabled voices in her work. She strongly believes all children should see themselves in books. Katie hopes her work as a creator and advocate creates a space to openly discuss disability and neurodiversity.

Hena Khan writes award-winning children’s books in various formats. Hena’s bestselling novels include Amina’s Voice and More to the Story. She is the author of the Zayd Saleem Chasing the Dream, Zara’s Rules, and Super You! series. Hena’s acclaimed picture books include Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns, Under My Hijab, and Behind My Doors.