Authors' Corner

Authors’ Corner: Javaka Steptoe

By Anna Gerwig, Worlds of Words Intern

Javaka Steptoe Photo Credit Gregg Richards

Photo Credit Gregg Richards

Javaka Steptoe is a children’s book author and illustrator creating a dialog between art and life with thought-provoking collages. Son of award-winning artist John Steptoe, Javaka finds inspiration in his parents’ artistry, experimentally blending ideas like his father’s retelling of Cinderella, Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale. In his 2016 picturebook, Radiant Child, he uses New York City as a canvas to challenge the perceptions of art. There’s not just one interpretation or understanding of a story, so Steptoe works to create picturebooks that connect with children from all backgrounds. He’s received various awards, a BFA from the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art and interacts with readers and educators at schools, libraries, museums, conferences and festivals. Continue reading

WOW Mini-Conference: Journeys of Possibility in Children’s Literature

Keynote speakers: Javaka Steptoe and Kekla Magoon share their journeys and processes in creating children’s books. Javaka is an award-winning illustrator who won the 2017 Caldecott Medal for Radiant Child. Kekla is the author of middle grade and YA novels, including The Season of Styx Malong, How It Went Down and Camo Girl. Text sets around the themes related to journeys will be shared.

PROGRAM
4:00-4:15 Registration
4:15-5:15 Concurrent Keynotes
5:15-5:45 Snacks and Text Set Presentations
5:45-6:45 Concurrent Keynotes
6:45-7:30 Autographing, text sets, conversation and food

Javaka Steptoe Photo and Radiant Child Cover

Kekla Magoon Photo and How It Went Down Cover

UA BookStores will be on site with copies of Steptoe’s and Magoon’s books for purchase.

Professional development credit is available. Please RSVP if you plan to attend: wow@email.arizona.edu.

Check back as more details may be added.