Author and Advocate Mia Wenjen Set to Lead Panels and Book Signings at NCTE 2026 in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — Author, speaker, and literacy advocate Mia Wenjen is preparing for a busy and impactful week at the upcoming National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Annual Convention, set to take place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Wenjen has been confirmed as a featured participant across two major convention sessions, bringing her extensive experience in children’s literature, civil rights history, and diverse storytelling to educators, authors, and literacy professionals from across the country.

The annual convention serves as a premier national gathering for English language arts teachers, school administrators, librarians, and creators, offering a collaborative space to discuss modern literacy education, curriculum development, and the profound role that storytelling plays in the lives of young learners. Wenjen’s participation underscores her ongoing commitment to championing inclusive literature that reflects diverse experiences and empowers students to find their voices.

Detailed Convention Panel Schedule

Wenjen’s convention schedule begins on Friday, November 20, 2026, when she speaks on a featured panel addressing themes of displacement, resilience, and identity.

The session, titled "Seeking Home: Literature of Heartache and Hope to Inspire the Imaginations of Readers & Writers, Creators & Communicators," is scheduled from 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM EST in Room 202-A of the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The panel brings together a distinguished group of literary professionals and educators. The conversation will be moderated by Nancy Johnson of Authors & Illustrators Abroad. Alongside Wenjen, the panel features author Scott Riley of Millbrook Press/Lerner; Violeta Encarnacion representing Red Comet Press; Victoria Chang from Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group; and Jeni Logan and Megan Sloan, a third-grade teacher, both representing the Snohomish School District. This panel presentation is designed to explore how literature dealing with complex emotional landscapes can resonate deeply with student readers, encouraging them to process their own experiences and express themselves creatively.

On Saturday, November 21, 2026, Wenjen will participate in a second major event, joining a Special Interest Group (SIG) session geared toward forward-looking literacy education.

The session, titled "Exploring Imagination, Belonging, and the Courage to Create Futures through Children’s Literature," will take place from 5:45 PM to 7:00 PM EST in Room 118-C. This large, collaborative panel features an extensive roster of prominent educators, researchers, and award-winning authors. Participants include Suriati Abas of SUNY Oneonta, Deanna Day of Washington State University, Kathy G. Short, Regents Professor at the University of Arizona, Wenyu Guo of the University of South Florida, Matthew Panozzo, Assistant Professor of Literacy at the University of Memphis, Darshna Katwala of Nassau Community College, and Rene M. Rodriguez-Astacio of California State University Fresno. They will be joined by fellow acclaimed authors and creators including Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow of Random House Children’s Books, Linda Sue Park of Clarion, Meg Medina of Candlewick Press, and returning co-panelist Violeta Encarnacion of Red Comet Press. The session aims to highlight how contemporary children’s literature acts as a vital tool for cultivating belonging, fostering imagination, and empowering students to envision and build a more equitable future.

Exclusive Book Signings and Featured Works

In addition to her panel engagements, Wenjen will host two dedicated book signing events, offering attendees the opportunity to meet the author, discuss her works, and secure signed copies of her celebrated books.

The first signing takes place on Friday, November 20, from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM EST at Booth 715, hosted by Red Comet Press. During this hour, Wenjen will be signing copies of her acclaimed historical picture book, "Postcards from Malcolm X: How Yuri Kochiyama Became a Civil Rights Activist," illustrated by Keith Henry Brown. The book details the inspiring life of civil rights activist Yuri Kochiyama and her profound friendship with Malcolm X, introducing young readers to pivotal moments in American activism and social justice history.

The second signing is scheduled for Sunday, November 22, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am EST. Wenjen will be joined by illustrator Violeta Encarnacion to sign copies of their collaborative work, "Barbed Wire Between Us." The book explores complex historical themes with emotional depth, supported by Encarnacion’s striking artistic vision. To assist educators utilizing the book in classrooms, a free, downloadable teacher’s guide has been made available alongside multimedia resources, including an official book trailer and music video designed to engage students with the story’s core themes of resilience and community.

A Continuing Legacy of Advocacy and Literacy

Wenjen’s active presence at NCTE 2026 follows a long history of engagement with national literacy and educational organizations. Her previous conference appearances—including presentations and roundtables at NCTE conventions in Boston, Denver, and Philadelphia, alongside engagements with the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)—have consistently focused on leveraging stories to help students feel brave, navigate risks, and embrace multicultural perspectives.

Beyond her historical non-fiction works, Wenjen’s diverse bibliography spans multiple genres and topics designed to capture children’s imaginations and connect learning to everyday life. Her notable titles include "Fortune Cookies for Everyone! (Smithsonian): The Surprising Story of the Tasty Treat We Love to Eat," which explores the cultural history behind the popular confection; "The Traveling Taco: The Amazing and Surprising Journey of Many of Your Favorite Foods," highlighting the global roots of beloved culinary staples; and "We Sing from the Heart: How the Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court," which details the landmark legal battle for free expression.

Her literary contributions also extend to early childhood and middle-grade interests, including titles such as "Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime," "Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World," "Sumo Joe," "Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes," "Gnomes and Ungnomes: Poems of Hidden Creatures," "The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide," "How to Coach Girls," and collections highlighting Asian Pacific American heroes. Many of these works have received critical acclaim, including recognition on Bank Street College’s list of The Best Children’s Books of the Year, and are supported by classroom guides and video trailers to aid educators in integrating multicultural and informative literature into their curricula.

Attendees of the NCTE 2026 convention in Philadelphia are encouraged to attend Wenjen’s panel presentations and visit the publisher booths to connect with the author and explore resources dedicated to fostering inclusive, imaginative, and courageous classrooms.