We Need Diverse Books Brings Literature to Life at AASL National Conference General Session

CHICAGO- We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) will bring together a panel to keynote the Friday general session during the 2025 AASL National Conference.  Join bestselling authors Soman Chainani and Ellen Oh, alongside school librarian Lauren Mobley, for an inspiring conversation on bringing literature to life for learners. Facilitated by WNDB board member Jordan Lloyd Bookey, they’ll share firsthand experiences of using their works with students, explore how author studies can enhance literacy instruction, and offer practical strategies for engagement. Discover the challenges, rewards, and transformative impact of connecting young readers with an author’s body of work.

"We Need Diverse Books is thrilled to present this panel to AASL members," said WNDB Executive Director Caroline Richmond. "Author studies are an incredible tool to help students fall in love with reading and open young minds to experiences that might differ from their own."

“We Need Diverse Books is committed to connecting young readers with stories and storytellers that reflect the richness of our world,” said conference co-chair Carolyn Vibbert. “This panel is a celebration of the magic that happens when students truly engage with an author’s body of work."

Panelist, Soman Chainani is the bestselling author of The School for Good & Evil series, has spent 50 weeks on the NYT list and visited over 800 schools worldwide, inspiring students with his belief that reading is the path to a better life. Chainani said, “school libraries are a kid's last bastion against the tyranny of screens; to step into a library is the chance to slow down, be vulnerable, and open themselves up to not just the pleasure of reading, but also a deeper connection with themselves.” His next book, Young World, a global political thriller, launches in 2026.

“As a librarian, I’ve seen firsthand how author studies can light a spark in students,” said conference co-chair Arlene Laverde. “When they hear the author’s voice behind the words, it makes literature come alive in ways no textbook ever could."

Panelist, Ellen Oh is the award-winning author of numerous children’s and young adult books, including the middle grade novels Haru, Zombie Dog Hero, Finding Junie Kim, The Dragon Egg Princess, the Spirit Hunters trilogy, and the YA fantasy The Prophecy trilogy. She is also the editor of acclaimed anthologies such as Flying Lessons and Other Stories, A Thousand Beginnings and Endings, and the starred-reviewed You Are Here. A former lawyer and adjunct college instructor, Ellen is a founding member of We Need Diverse Books, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing diversity in children’s literature.

"When students connect deeply with an author’s work, they’re not just learning about characters, they’re learning about themselves and the world around them,” said conference co-chair Jennifer Sturge. “Author studies are a powerful way to build empathy, inspire curiosity, and foster a lifelong love of reading."

Panelist, Lauren Mobley, a self-proclaimed edtech and book nerd, is the host of the podcast Library on Lock and a Georgia high school library media specialist. Mobley is a member of the American Association of School Librarians and the Georgia Library Media Association, where she serves as the president-elect. Mobley is committed to improving literacy and education by collaborating with teachers and supporting all students. She believes in and strives to empower student joy, voice, and choice.

Facilitator, Jordan Lloyd Bookey is the co-founder of Beanstack (formerly Zoobean), an edtech platform that empowers millions of readers in schools and libraries through personalized recommendations, engaging challenges, and data-driven reading programs. She is also a board member and active advocate for We Need Diverse Books (WNDB), the nonprofit dedicated to creating a world where every child can see themselves in the pages they read.

The AASL National Conference is the only national conference dedicated solely to the needs of school librarians and their roles as educational leaders. A one-of-a-kind conference, the 2025 AASL National Conference will feature daily keynotes, more than 150 concurrent sessions, author panels, research into practice sessions, more than 120 exhibitors, the best practice IdeaLab, poster presentations, author signings, and endless networking opportunities. Content provided at the conference will be rooted in AASL's National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries.

The American Association of School Librarians (www.aasl.org), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.

We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that advocates for essential changes in the publishing industry to produce and promote literature that reflects and honors the lives of all young people. Through initiatives such as mentorship programs, grants, internships, and the WNDB in the Classroom program, WNDB works to diversify bookshelves so that every child can see themselves—and learn about others—through stories. Learn more at diversebooks.org.