Yes, we're doing it again. Last year's panels in Children's Literature at the Southwest/Texas Popular Culture/American Culture conference in Albuquerque were such a resounding success thanks to some outstanding presenters and topics. I'm glad to announce that the 2001 Conference will again be held in Albuquerque, and I'm sending out a call for papers dealing with any aspect of Children's and Young Adult Literature (the panels on YA lit were awesome in 2000!).

Here are the particulars:

The Southwest/Texas Popular Culture Associations and American Culture Associations are holding a series of panels at the next meeting of these regional groups, March 7-11, 2001 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the Sheraton Oldtown Hotel.

PLEASE NOTE: Papers are welcomed for our meeting in ANY language-not simply English. Any non-English paper must be accompanied by a 500-word abstract on a single sheet of paper (bring at least 50 copies; front/back printing is recommended). Papers should be delivered in the language of the speaker's choice and should be accompanied by overhead projections or other complementing AV materials. Please note that submissions to the Area Chair should be in English.

The scope for Children's and YA literature is broad, so here are a few possible topics to consider (but not limited to):

The future of Children's or YA literature in this third millenium How will the approaching trend of e-publishing affect these important markets? What issues will confront writers/readers of Children's or YA literature, and are they being addressed? Will the popularity of J.K. Rowling's _Harry Potter_ books mean in increase in Fantasy for Children's and YA literature? (especially in light of the new Harry Potter film getting ready to go into production under Steven Spielberg's studio?)

And, of course, issues of ethnicity, gender, culture, literacy, and the use of Children's and YA literature for educational purposes are always encouraged and welcomed. Any topic relating to Children's or YA literature will be considered -- so send it on in!

Abstracts/Proposals for either single presentations or panel presentations are due by December 1, 2000 at the address(es) below. Proposals submitted after this date will be considered as time/space allows. Along with your proposals, please send any AV requests you may have (we can provide a screen, slide projector, overhead, tv/vcr combo -- any special AV equipment needed beyond that should be provided by presenter [or presenter should modify presentation to accommodate what equipment we can provide]). Please keep in mind that we will make every effort possible to provide equipment you request, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Preferred submission of Abstracts/Proposals is via electronic mail at the address below. Regular postal mail is, of course, also accepted. (Please send attachment in: Word (.doc), Text (.txt), or Rich Text Format (.rtf) ONLY, for compatibility reasons -- otherwise, please send proposal in the body of your e-mail -- preferred to avoid problems).