Do you use children's books to explore cultures around the world to promote international understanding among children?  Apply by October 1 for potential program recognition.

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USBBY's Bridge to Understanding Award formally acknowledges the work of individuals and organizations who create programs that use children’s and young adult books to foster cross-cultural understanding.

The award is sponsored and awarded by USBBY as one way the organization furthers its mission:

Established in memory of Arlene Pillar, an educator who served USBBY as newsletter editor from 1984 until her untimely death in 1990, the Bridge to Understanding Award is funded by the Lesesne Family to share their passion for books and reading that bring a cultural awareness to readers.   
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The award carries a monetary prize of $1,000 and is given biennially.  

Ideological Framework: 
The Award Committee appreciates that culture is a complex, varied, and often-contested construction of the human experience.  Programs appropriate for the award help develop the skills of literacy while fostering an appreciation for literature.  Programs may be based on any of a wide variety of cultural perspectives and contexts.   
Timeframe & Participants:  
Programs considered for the award may be a one-time event, or an ongoing series of events, that serve children ranging in age from kindergarten through tenth grade. To be eligible, programs should be current (completed or begun no more than a year before application).  

Deadline:  
The award is given every other year to coincide with the IBBY Regional Conference hosted by USBBY.  Please submit a completed application and supporting materials by October 1,  2022 to be considered.

The Conference Committee is planning for an amazing event. Be sure to join us in Nashville, March 4-6, 2022. Space is limited, so register online today.

The discount for Early Bird Registration ENDS December 31.

Conference Registration Rates
Members
​USBBY Member:
Early Bird (7/1 to 12/31, 2021) $399
Regular rate: $499

USBBY Student/New Career Member:
Early Bird (7/1 to 12/31, 2021): $199
Regular rate: $299

Non-Members
Non-Member:
Early Bird (7/1 to 12/31,2021) $449
Regular rate: $549 (includes one year USBBY membership)

Student/New Career Non-Member:
Early Bird (7/1-12/31,2021) $224
Regular rate: $324 (includes one year USBBY membership)

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Dear USBBY members,
 
We value your membership in USBBY and are always trying to find better ways to serve our members.  In this spirit we decided to move to a calendar year membership so everyone’s membership in USBBY would be from January 1 through December 31. This change will better align USBBY with the practices of other professional organizations and make it easier for you to remember when to renew your membership in USBBY. You should have received an email regarding this transition that is specific to your situation.  We recognize that this change may result in some questions or concerns.  Please reach out to me at freeman.5@osu.edu or to Christina Moorehead at usbby@nl.edu  with any individual questions you may have.  We are committed to meeting your needs as we make this change.
 
Save the date for the USBBY Annual Meeting, virtual again this year on Saturday, November 6, 2021.  The meeting will be held at Noon (Eastern); 11:00 a.m. (Central); 10:00 a.m. (Mountain) and 9:00 a.m. (Pacific).  Sign up here at https://tinyurl.com/usbby2021. Details about the special program will be sent in the next few weeks.

Planning is progressing well for the 14th IBBY Regional Conference at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, March 4-6, 2022.  We hope to see you there.  Early bird registration is now open:  https://www.usbby.org/regional-conference.html

Bookbird:  A Journal of International Children’s Literature is seeking a new editor or editorial team to begin in January 2023.  Information about the editorship and application can be found at  https://www.ibby.org/fileadmin/user_upload/IBBY_Bookbird_Search_for_Editors.pdf

Our Twinning partners, IBBY Haiti and IBBY Lebanon, are experiencing an especially dire time.  An earthquake in Haiti has already killed more than 2000 people and displaced tens of thousands.  Lebanon is in a state of political and economic crisis. Shereen in Lebanon shared that there is no fuel, electricity or medicine.  USBBY has learned about courage and resilience from our Twinning partners who quickly find ways to help children during crisis situations. We hope you will consider contributing to the Children in Crisis Fund to support their efforts: https://www.usbby.org/donate.html

If you have suggestions or ideas for USBBY or would like to volunteer for a committee, please contact me at: freeman.5@osu.edu
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Wishing you all the best,
Evelyn “Evie” Freeman, Ph.D.
USBBY President
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