Cynthia Leitich Smith to deliver 2026 Children’s Literature Lecture

PHOENIX – Author Cynthia Leitich Smith will deliver the 2026 Children’s Literature Lecture. The announcement was made today by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), during LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience held January 24 – 27 in Phoenix.

“Cynthia is a gifted author using her platform to celebrate children’s literature and elevate Native American creators through a groundbreaking publishing space and online presence,” said 2026 Children’s Literature Lecture Award Committee Chair Casey O'Leary.

Smith (Muscogee Nation) is The New York Times bestselling author of more than 20 books for children and young adults. Her 2018 book “Hearts Unbroken” won the 2020 American Indian Youth Literature Award. Smith is the curator of Heartdrum, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers focused on Native authors for children and young adults. A former board member for We Need Diverse Books, she is the Native writing intensive coordinator for the organization.

The Children’s Literature Lecturer, announced annually, may be an author, illustrator, editor, critic, librarian, historian, or teacher of children’s literature, of any country, who shall prepare a paper considered to be a significant contribution to the field of children’s literature. The paper is delivered as a lecture each April or May. Once the name is made public, institutions wanting to host the lecture may apply. A library school, department of education in a college or university, or a public library system may be considered. Applications to host the lecture will be available online from ALSC at www.ala.org/alsc this spring.

Members of the 2026 Children’s Literature Lecture Award Committee are Chair Casey O’Leary, Indianapolis Public Schools, Indianapolis, Indiana; Lucia Acosta, Princeton, New Jersey; Eti Berland, Wilmette Public Library, Wilmette, Illinois; and Robyn L. Carr, St. John’s County Public Library, Ponte Verda, Florida.

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association (ALA) is the only non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated entirely to America's libraries and library professionals. For almost 150 years, ALA has provided resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. The ALA serves academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org

About the Association for Library Service to Children

ALSC, a division of the American Library Association, is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children. With a network of more than 3,300 children’s and youth librarians, literature experts, publishers and educational faculty, ALSC is committed to creating a better future for all children through libraries. Visit www.ala.org/alsc.

For more information on the Children’s Literature Lecture Award and other ALA Youth Media Awards, please visit www.ala.org/yma.