Author and Advocate Mia Wenjen Set to Appear at the Connecticut Association of School Librarians Annual Conference

Author, blogger, and literacy advocate Mia Wenjen has announced her upcoming appearance at the Connecticut Association of School Librarians (CASL) annual conference. The event brings together educators, school media specialists, librarians, and literature advocates from across the region to celebrate the vital role of school libraries and foster discussions on contemporary children’s literature, student advocacy, and educational resources. Wenjen will be attending the conference in person to connect with educators, discuss her extensive body of work, and share valuable insights into multicultural education and library programming.

The conference, scheduled to take place in Mystic, Connecticut, serves as a premier professional development gathering for school librarians in the state. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with keynote speakers, participate in workshops, and explore the latest advancements in library media services. Wenjen is scheduled to be present at the venue on Monday, November 2nd, between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. During these hours, she will be available to meet with conference participants, discuss her literary projects, and share resources designed to enrich school library collections and classroom curricula.

Wenjen’s participation highlights her long-standing commitment to supporting school librarians, whom she has frequently championed as indispensable figures in the educational ecosystem. Over the years, her writing and advocacy have consistently emphasized the profound impact that dedicated librarians have on young readers, helping to shape lifelong reading habits and foster inclusive learning environments. Her presence at the CASL conference provides a direct platform for educators to converse with an author whose works frequently intersect with themes of history, social justice, multicultural representation, and everyday childhood experiences.

As an established voice in children’s and young adult literature, Wenjen brings a diverse catalog of books to the conference, ranging from historical picture books and biographies to thematic non-fiction and early childhood stories. Among her prominent recent works is Barbed Wire Between Us, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación. The book explores complex historical narratives, supported by comprehensive educational materials including a free, downloadable teacher’s guide, a dedicated music video, and a cinematic book trailer. Her works often bridge educational gaps by providing teachers and librarians with accessible entry points into difficult historical and social conversations.

Another notable title in Wenjen’s portfolio is Postcards from Malcolm X: How Yuri Kochiyama Became a Civil Rights Activist, illustrated by Keith Henry Brown. The picture book biography sheds light on the remarkable life and legacy of civil rights activist Yuri Kochiyama, detailing her friendship and correspondence with Malcolm X. Through this work, Wenjen contributes to the growing body of literature highlighting Asian American historical figures and their integral roles within broader American civil rights movements. The book has been accompanied by promotional and educational resources, including an official book trailer designed to assist educators in introducing these historical figures to students.

In addition to her biographical and historical works, Wenjen has authored several non-fiction books that explore cultural history, geography, and sustainable living. Fortune Cookies for Everyone! (Smithsonian): The Surprising Story of the Tasty Treat We Love to Eat, illustrated by Colleen Kong-Savage and published in partnership with the Smithsonian, delves into the fascinating origins and cultural evolution of a widely recognized food item. Similarly, The Traveling Taco: The Amazing and Surprising Journey of Many of Your Favorite Foods examines the multicultural roots and global pathways of popular foods enjoyed by children, reinforcing cross-cultural understanding through familiar culinary subjects.

Wenjen’s commitment to environmental education and social advocacy is further reflected in titles such as Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng. The book introduces young readers to innovative farming practices and environmental stewardship across different global communities. Recognized by Bank Street College as one of the Best Children’s Books of the Year, the title underscores Wenjen’s ability to tackle pressing contemporary issues in a format tailored for young learners. Other works, such as We Sing from the Heart: How the Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court, explore landmark legal battles and First Amendment rights through an engaging, accessible narrative lens.

Beyond her non-fiction and biographical projects, Wenjen has also contributed to sports literature and children’s fiction. Her book Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes highlights the achievements and perseverance of pioneering women in sports. In collaboration with co-author Alison Foley, she wrote How to Coach Girls, offering guidance for youth sports coaches and parents. Her fictional and poetic works, including Sumo Joe, Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!, and contributions to poetry collections like Gnomes and Ungnomes: Poems of Hidden Creatures, demonstrate her versatility across multiple genres.

For school librarians attending the CASL conference, Wenjen’s appearance offers a valuable networking and professional development opportunity. Librarians seeking to expand their collections with diverse narratives, historical biographies, and engaging non-fiction will be able to examine her catalog firsthand, learn about supplementary teaching guides, and discuss ways to integrate these resources into their school libraries. The event underscores the collaborative relationship between creators and library professionals in promoting literacy and equitable access to diverse stories for all students.