INF330 | Professional Development – Young Peoples Book Awards | 4 min read
Introduction
‘Kidlit These Days’ by Book Riot is a podcast presented by Mathew Winner and Nichole Young, a pair of children’s book specialists who discuss children’s literature in correlation to industry, schooling, and libraries (Book Riot). Episode twenty-two of their podcast series discuss the American Library Association 2020 Youth Media Awards. Moreover, it describes the processes involved in selecting books for the awards and discusses how the awards categories provide consideration for various types of media and their impact on their target audience (Winner & Young, 2020).
Description of the Task
For this professional development task I chose to review a podcast designed for children and adults on delivering library services, I chose to write notes throughout the podcast which allowed me to reflect upon the contribution to my professional development. Finally, I focused on understanding the importance that the awards play and how they impact the industry rather than the induvial books themselves.
What Did I learn?
Initially I had a brief comprehension of children’s book awards, however, after extensive research and a review of the podcast I gained a deeper understanding of the importance of Youth Awards and the role they play in the industry. Young people’s book awards provide an opportunity for voices of colour and diversity to serve various communities and to represent underrepresented groups in complex and insightful ways.
Furthermore, it allows libraries and school systems to centre books that represent a core message, as the books awarded are carefully selected for their ability to provide thoughtful literature (Winner & Young, 2020). Also, it gives authors an opportunity to portray media in various ways and forms. For example, ‘New Kid’ a graphic novel by Jerry Craft won the Newbery award, an award that represents the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children (Yorio, 2020). Proving that complex text and literature is valid despite its form.
How was the activity relevant?
Learning current trends in children’s media is essential to my development as a youth librarian, it allowed me to gain valuable insight into the methods in selecting appropriate books for children and the message they portray (Stewart, 2020). In summary, I now understand the system that the awards use and how they help readers and caregivers seek literature that avoids stereotypes or has underlying messages. As providing the correct books for the target audience is essential for inspiring young readers and fostering the love of learning (Winner & Young, 2020).
Moving forward
Looking towards my future development as a librarian I have come to understand the versatility that Podcasts offer, the platform often offers a discussion panel that offers multiple varied opinions that are important for forming an educated opinion. Furthermore, they are excellent professional development tools that aid learning (Lynch 2019). Moving forward I plan to utilize podcasts to stay connected to current trends and issues that are important to my industry and personal learning network (Hermon, 2019).
References
Book Riot. (2020). Kidlit These Days. Book Riot. https://bookriot.com/listen/shows/kidlit-these-days/
Hermon, A. (2019). The value of podcasts for school library staff. Schools Catalogue Information Service. https://www.scisdata.com/connections/issue-110/the-value-of-podcasts-for-school-library-staff/
Lynch, M. (2019). Teachers are using podcasts for professional development. The Tech Advocate. https://www.thetechedvocate.org/teachers-are-using-podcasts-for-professional-development/
Stewart, A. (2020). How to use book awards to find great children’s books. Brightly. https://www.readbrightly.com/use-book-awards-find-great-childrens-books/
Winner, M., & Young, N. (Presenters). (2020, February 6). E22: serving up the 2020 Youth Media Awards [Podcast]. Kidlit These Days. https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/kidlit-these-days/e22-serving-up-the-2020-D1VP8RLdcbZ/
Yorio, K. (2020). Graphic novels break through at the 2020 Youth Media Awards. School Library Journal