WHAT: Titled "Look Backward With Pride—Look Forward With Hope," the 23rd Annual Virginia Hamilton Conference on Multicultural Literature for Youthwill provide a forum for discussion of multicultural themes and issues in literature for children and young adults.

This year's conference features Kadir Nelson, Pam Munoz Ryan and Javaka Steptoe. The Thursday evening program will feature a keynote address by Eloise Greenfield, recipient of the 9th Annual Virginia Hamilton Literary Award; an African drum and dance performance by the Sogbety Diomande troupe; an autograph session; and a dessert reception.

On Friday, a variety of local and national speakers will present workshop sessions on multicultural picture books, notable books for a global society, young adult novels for girls, cultural graphic novels and puppetry. Friday's conference agenda also will include a conversation session with the four featured presenters. In addition, recipients of the 2007 Virginia Hamilton and Arnold Adoff Creative Outreach Grant for Teachers and Librarians will be announced.

WHEN: 7–9:30 p.m., Thursday, April 12; 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Friday, April 13

WHERE: Kent State University Student Center, Kent Campus

CONTACT: For more information or to register, visit the conference Web site at http://www.dept.kent.edu/virginiahamiltonconf or call the College of Continuing Studies at 330-672-3100 or 800-672-KSU2.