DeAnna Jackson Stalnaker

I am an AACPS: Library Media Specialist & eCoach, Glen Burnie High School

LitCon Volume 5 took place at Glen Burnie High School on March 16, 2023. The event hosted 25 students from each high school in AACPS. Litcon is a free student conference devoted to showcasing and discussing young adult literature.

The authors in attendance were: Ibi Zoboi (keynote speaker), Maria Andreu, Paul Griffin, Brigid Kemmerer, LIzzy Mason, Rory Power, and R. Eric Thomas.

Some of the books spotlighted were: Okoye to the People (Zoboi), Love in English (Andreu), The Orange Houses (Griffin), Defy the Night (Kemmerer), Between the Bliss and Me (Mason), Wilder Girls (Power), and Kings of B’More (Thomas).

The students had the opportunity to have sessions with the authors as well as participate in other activities such as trivia, cosplay, escape rooms, crafts, a writers workshop, and learning about the business of publishing.

Kevin Carr, the principal at Glen Burnie High, had a chance to share his thoughts on the event.

“Lit Con Vol. 5 was another tremendous success. Glen Burnie High School was thrilled to be the host school again to provide opportunities for our students to engage with authors as readers and young literary minds. AACPS and Glen Burnie High School are fortunate to be able to take advantage of this wonderful event and are grateful for the work of many who supported it.”

I also had an opportunity to ask a few questions to 2 of the organizers of the event, Ms. DeAnna Jackson Stalnaker, Library Media Specialist & eCoach at Glen Burnie HS and Ms. Andrea Sporre, Coordinator of Digital Media & Learning Services at AACPS.

What are 1 or 2 things that you felt went best about the event and why?

(Ms. Jackson Stalnaker) The best thing about LitCon is how much fun the students who attend have and how excited they are about meeting the authors.  

What is the process that goes into selecting books and authors?

(Ms. Jackson Stalnaker) We don’t really select a book, but we do factor in our author’s breadth of work when choosing who we ask to attend our event.  Items we consider are: Do they have multiple books and/or short stories that will give a variety of students an access point to their work?  We are also looking for authors who will be engaging to students and that represent the diversity of our county.  

What are 1 or 2 opportunities that LitCon presents that may be outside of the box or undervalued?

(Ms. Jackson Stalnaker) The fact that students get to interact 1-on-1 with best-selling authors, for free, during their school day.  It is an incredible opportunity that I haven’t seen in any other school system.  

What are 1 or 2 things students and teachers can do to help prepare to fully immerse themselves in the opportunities that LitCon presents?

(Ms. Jackson Stalnaker) They should research the various authors that are attending and read as many of their books as possible. 

If you were making a wish list to prepare for the next LitCon and every resource was available to you, what would be 2 things you would add to the event?

(Ms. Sporre) Our literature conference has been designed to duplicate a professional conference experience and begin the event with an amazing keynote speaker.  We are fortunate to live close to so many best-selling authors, but limited funds make attracting dynamic authors living on the west coast challenging.  Keeping in line with a professional conference, we are also hoping to secure an elevated lunch experience for our student participants.

How can students and teachers continue to use the benefits of the experience of LitCon after the event?

(Ms. Jackson Stalnaker) Keep reading and exploring the windows and mirrors they will find in each book and keep writing so they can share their own unique story with the world. 

How can the community be a resource to partner with LitCon to have an increased impact on the community at large?

(Ms. Sporre) This year, with the help of the Partnership Office, we were able to provide the community an opportunity to donate directly to our event through this website: https://litcon5.givesmart.com/.  This helps to offset conference costs and ensures our students have an inspiring experience that lasts beyond their years with AACPS.

Louis Nesbitt, PDM Department