Joy of Children’s Literacy & Literature Conference Explores How to Inspire Lifelong Readers

Joy of Literacy & Literature Conference Keynote Speakers included award-winning educator and independent reading advocate, Donalyn Miller (left) and New York Times bestselling author, Nikki Grimes.

Joy of Literacy & Literature Conference Keynote Donalyn Miller challenged participants to consider what motivates them and their students to embrace a lifetime of reading.

Joy of Literacy & Literature Conference Keynote Speakers pose with two conference attendees during a break.

by Staff | March 17, 2026

Hosted by the School-University Resource Network (SURN) at the School of Education, the Joy of Children’s Literacy & Literature Conference brought together more than 200 educators from 45 school divisions across Virginia with the goal of helping students develop a lasting love of reading.

Keynote speakers included award-winning educator and independent reading advocate, Donalyn Miller and New York Times bestselling author, Nikki Grimes. During the conference, Miller and Grimes emphasized that “joy isn’t frivolous.” Grimes shared that reading and writing poetry are ways for students to explore their dreams and daydreams and to empower them to pursue them. Miller challenged participants to evaluate their own reading lives as they consider what motivates themselves and their students to embrace a lifetime of reading.

“Reading for the love of reading isn’t an add-on for when students have extra time or for when someone finishes their other work ahead of schedule; it needs to be a part of what our kids experience in school every day,” said SURN Assistant Director for Professional Learning Sarah Hylton B.A. ’89, M.Ed. ’97, Ph.D. ’21.

Attendees said they appreciated the targeted focus of the day, the variety of literature and speakers, and the opportunity for hands-on learning and reflection with other educators.

“It’s validating to hear from professionals that the joy of reading is important,” noted one participant. Another echoed this sentiment: “It was motivating to talk about and discover why reading enjoyment matters.” Associate Professor of Reading Education Kristin Conradi Smith presented with two undergraduate students.

Several faculty members, alumni and current students presented at the conference. Dr. Virginia L. McLaughlin Associate Professor of Reading Education Kristin Conradi Smith ’99 presented alongside undergraduate students Hailey Fisher ’27 and Kirsten Bugget ’27. Their presentation, “30 Books in 30 Minutes” covered how to align picture books with Virginia third-through-fifth grade Standards of Learning. Clinical Associate Professor in Counselor Education Pamela Harris’s session, “What Teens Want from Books (& How Stories Earn Their Trust),” explored why some books ignite passion while others shut students down. Harris holds both a bachelor’s and an MFA in creative writing and recently published her second young adult fiction novel.

Alumna Stephanie McGuire ’12, M.A.Ed. ’13, Ph.D. ’23, a school leader and joy researcher, shared techniques and strategies for cultivating classroom climate and school culture in her session, “Creating a Climate and Culture of Joy.” Kat Wheeler ’07, M.A.Ed. ’08 (elementary education) and Brooke Dammon M.A.Ed. ’26 (Literacy Leadership) led “‘A Novel Idea’” – Transform your literacy block into inclusive, engaging experiences for every student through building background knowledge and implementing explicit vocabulary instruction.

The Joy of Literacy & Literature Conference provides a space for teachers and leaders to gather annually to examine and share new ideas and trends in children’s and young adult literature and to explore the question, “What do students need to find joy in reading?”