November 8, 2023
8:00 am - 3:50 pm
Young people are increasingly aware of the challenges to our planet. With each new environmental crisis, they are demanding action and asking leaders to acknowledge that, in President Kennedy’s words, “The supreme reality of our time is our indivisibility …and our common vulnerability on this planet.” This day-long conference will explore how literature can help students to understand the interconnectedness of the natural world and how educators can prepare young people to face the urgent challenges of a changing climate.
Join keynote speaker Dr. J. Drew Lanham and award-winning authors Laurie Lawlor, Sy Montgomery, Anita Sanchez and Melissa Stewart to discuss the impact of climate change and how literature can empower students to navigate the future with hope and determination.
Additionally, conference participants will be able to browse and purchase books, converse with colleagues, meet the authors/illustrator, and participate in workshops on climate justice and strategies to cultivate environmental empathy in the classroom.
Conference Downloads
Download the conference brochure.
Download an annotated bibliography of over 140 recommended books related to the conference theme.
Dr. J. Drew Lanham, Keynote | 
Dr. Grace Enriquez, Moderator | 
Laurie Lawlor |
Sy Montgomery | 
Anita Sanchez | 
Melissa Stewart |
Registration Information
Registration includes lunch, handouts, and annotated bibliography of recommended children’s books related to the conference.
Early registration fee: $85 August 14 - October 11, 2023
Regular registration fee: $100 October 12 - November 1, 2023
Register with a Purchase Order (PO) Number.
Register with a credit card.
For information, contact Esther Kohn, esther.kohn@nara.gov.
Supported by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation