GUEST SPEAKERS

2024 Keynote Speaker

Lesléa Newman

Lesléa Newman

2024 Keynote Speaker

Lesléa Newman has created 86 books for readers of all ages including the YA novel-in-verse, October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard, the illustrated poetic biography, Always Matt: A Tribute to Matthew Shepard, the middle-grade novel Hachiko Waits, and the picture books Joyful Song: A Naming Story, Ketzel, the Cat Who Composed, Welcoming Elijah: A Passover Tale with a Tail, The Babka Sisters, Sparkle Boy, and Heather Has Two Mommies. Her literary awards include two National Jewish Book Awards, two ALA Stonewall Honors, the Sydney Taylor Body-of-Work Award, the Massachusetts Book Award, the Dog Writers Association of America Maxwell Medallion, and the Cat Writers Association Muse Medallion. From 2008 - 2010, she served as the poet laureate of Northampton, MA. Currently she teaches at the Naslund-Mann School Graduate School of Writing.

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2024 Success Story Speaker

Each year a formerly unpublished conference attendee, who has gone on to publish in the field of children's literature, shares his or her experience with aspiring authors and illustrators.

Robin Constantine

Robin Constantine

2024 Success Story Speaker

Robin Constantine is a native Jersey girl. She graduated from Montclair State University, with a BA in Communication Studies. Robin is the author of four young adult novels, including, The Promise of Amazing (B+B/HarperCollins), The Secrets of Attraction (B+B/HarperCollins), The Season of You & Me (B+B/HarperCollins), and most recently in 2023, Someone You Loved (B+B/HarperCollins). She got her start in publishing after winning the 2009 Get Your Stiletto in the Door contest run by ChickLitWriters.com, through which she met and signed with her agent, Tamar Rydzinski. She is a former RUCCL mentee and is thrilled to be the Success Story Speaker for 2024. When not writing, you can find her reading, spending time with family, and/or possibly planning her next trip to Disney.

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Previous Keynote Speakers

Previous Success Story Speakers

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