The conference was established to provide a forum for the discussion of multicultural themes and issues in literature for youth. Appropriately, the conference honors Virginia Hamilton. Born and raised in Yellow Springs, Ohio, where she now resides with her husband, award-winning poet Arnold Adoff, Virginia Hamilton has received every major award and honor accorded American authors of literature for youth. Ms. Hamilton has had a long association with some of the professors at Kent State. It was they who initiated the whole idea of a conference in her name - Dr. Tony Manna and the late Dr. Clara Jackson. Through hard work, they brought it to fruition, and established a conference to provide a forum for the discussion of multicultural themes and issues in literature for youth. The Conference is now sponsored by the Kent State University College of Education and the School of Library and Information Science through the College of Continuing Studies. The Virginia Hamilton Essay Award has been established, sponsored by Highsmith and Highsmith Press. The Hamilton Conference is now in its twelfth year and draws a wonderful crowd of approximately 400 educators, teachers, librarians, students - citizens! each year. Mark your calendar! For the 13th Annual Virginia Hamilton Conference, April 11, l997. Conference information: contact Carolyn S. Brodie, School of Library and Information Science at (330) 672-2782 or fax number (330) 672-3407. Virginia Hamilton's original manuscripts, drafts of manuscripts, copy-edited manuscripts, notes pertaining to manuscripts, author/editor correspondence and all aspects of print media having to do with the Hamilton Work is housed in the Special Collections section of the Kent State University Library. All queries should be addressed to University Libraries and Media Services, Department of Special Collections and Archives, Kent State University, P. O. Box 5190, Kent, Ohio 44242, Attention: Nancy Birk, Archivist. The department may be contacted at phone (330) 672-2270, fax (330) 672-4811 or http://www.library.kent.edu/exhibits/4may95/other.html. WORKSHOP SESSIONS WEST MEETS EAST - A JOURNEY TO EAST ASIA A brief overview of books will be given to introduce you to the literature of the countries that comprises East Asia. Materials will be appropriate for grades K-6. Realia will be on display to use in units of study in the classroom. Floyd Dickman, coordinator, Library Programs and Development, State Library of Ohio NEW VOICES, NEW VISTAS This workshop will focus on the use of reading multicultural literature in the secondary English Roosevelt High School, Kent, Ohio HOW DO THEY STACK UP? BEST PICTURE BOOKS FROM ABOARD How do the best in translated children's picture books compare with the best books by U.S. illustrators? Outstanding translated picture books published between 1992 and 1996 will be highlighted. Maureen White, assistant professor, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Texas SELECTING MULTICULTURAL LITERATURE: A JOY AND A RESPONSIBILITY This workshop will focus on the importance of positive imagery in children's literature. Deborah McHamm, owner, A Cultural Exchange, Cleveland, Ohio TOTAL RECALL - THE VISUAL STORYTELLING EXPERIENCE One visual incorporated into the storytelling process helps the student better recall and understand details of a story. Often, visual storytelling promotes the integration of art, science, and math. Wendy Webb, director of instruction, Youngstown City Schools, Ohio I DARE YOU TO READ THIS! BOOKS FOR BOYS (AND GIRLS TOO) This session will discuss books that both boys and girls love to read and that teachers love to teach. Creative activities will be demonstrated to find joy and laughter in reading. Art, Music and poetry will enhance this demonstration. Sharon Draper, author and teacher, Cincinnati Public Schools, Ohio SCIENCE AND LANGUAGE ARTS: ALIEN INTRUDERS? Can science and language arts truly coexist in the same classroom without artificial connections? In this session, you will compare science books for children, discover how the processes of science and language arts are similar and participate in a hands-on science language arts experience. Brenda Dales, visiting assistant professor, Miami University, Ohio BATTING 1 ,000 Explore the writing of "Black Diamond," the work Fred is doing on "Hoops," (Scholastic, Inc.), and sports writing in general, with an emphasis on research. Fred McKissack Jr., co-editor of the Progressive Media Project, Madison, Wisconsin