The 3rd ReaderCon Panel on Kids and Their Stories: What "Kid" Readers Want

It's a gloomy day but there were bright smiles of kids in the hall at the 5th floor of the Rizal Library Ateneo de Manila University.

I was at the 3rd ReaderCon and the kids who were present during the panel, Kids and Their Stories were just as excited as the panelists themselves. Dr. Luis Gatmaitan (writer), Dang Bagas (author) and Fran Ong (publisher) were all in awe listening at the questions the kids asked.

How do you inspire kids to read? What keeps you motivated as a writer? What stories have you not written yet? These were but a few of the questions they asked. Majority of the kids present were grade six students from CENTEX Manila and grade 3 students of Holy Spirit Elementary School. The sixth graders particularly were very interactive. They huddled close together and in whispers coached each other for questions to ask the panelists.

These kids want non-fiction books; books about the world; genre literature namely, horror, humor, adventure, mystery (no mention of fantasy, perhaps it's because the kids have access to these genre of literature) and stories that show the importance of life. To these responses, the panelists took notes. Teachers of these students could not help but clamor for concept books written in Filipino. There you go, mother tongue! Such books can be used in teaching lessons and units as prescribed by the curriculum. There are textbooks, yes, but these cover only 20% of learning concepts. What non-textbook reading materials can offer are the possibilities of thinking beyond the designed learning plans and acquiring concepts that can be applied in real life situations.

We have our work cut out for us.

As a librarian, I could not help but do a mental scan of places and spaces where kids, parents and teachers can access books they want to read. It is a disservice when libraries could not provide for the needs of its readers. I was a bit disappointed to find out that teens were absent during the panel. Being a Saturday, perhaps they had other "gimik" or event to take part in. Maybe next time, if there will be a next time, book clubs in high schools should be invited to the panel.

The session ended with the kids asking for the panelists' autographs. Go authors! Go Fran, maker of books! You rock!

Filipino Friday (5): What do Readers Want?

It's the last Friday of Filipino Friday 2013 and these are the questions of the day:

What’s your favorite genre/reading material?
Who is your favorite author (local or foreign)?
What kinds of books would you like to see more of from local authors or publishers?
What is your favorite book from a Filipino author?

I prefer reading speculative fiction, fantasy especially. But in my line of work, I have learned to read genres I do not like. Reading has allowed me to accommodate and tolerate different world views and constructs. This is a humbling experience and it's awesome. Knowledge is out there. My respect for the reality and expertise of others grow in every reading journey. Of late, I find myself reading essays and non-fiction. This interest was actually spurred by reading fiction the past few years. Sometimes I think about the thin line that divide fiction from non-fiction. A crafty writer can turn fiction into reality and non-fiction into something wonderful and magical.

This is why I love Gaiman. And Rowling. I've started reading Nicholas Carr's The Shallows this week. His storytelling skill is amazing!

Among friends in the local Children's Literature industry, I hold Augie Rivera, Dr. Luis Gatmaitan and Rhandee Garlitos with great respect for their integrity, prolific writing and passionate advocacy to promote the industry. I am charmed by the works of Robert Magnuson, Jomike Tejido and Russell Molina. I am grateful that every year, the anthology, Philippine Speculative Fiction by the Lit Critters core group is published. Dean Alfar's short story, The Kite of Stars, is my definitive Pinoy speculative fiction. I await for Trese 6 by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo. Still, it has been an interesting experience scouting and picking up new Filipiniana published by local publishers. Eliza Victoria's A Bottle of Storm Clouds surprised me. Bebang Siy's It's a Mens World had me in stitches. Allan Derain's Ang Banal na Aklat ng mga Kumag made me reflect on the morals of myths.

As far as children's books and young adult literature in the country is concerned, I wish to see more of the later and a continued growth of the former. Format is not an issue personally, but print is still important especially for beginning readers. Why? The answer to that question is for another blog post.

My all time favorite book by a Filipino author is Manila, My Manila by Nick Joaquin. I lost my copy years ago and learned recently that the book is out of print.

Kids & Their Stories @ the 3rd ReaderCon

It's only three more days to the 3rd ReaderCon. It will commence at the Rizal Library on November 9, 2013. Dr. Von Totanes, director of Rizal Library, will open this event celebrating books, reading and literacy. This year, I'll be facilitating  a panel, Kids and Their Stories, where authors interview kids and teens who are the audience of that panel. As the theme for this year's ReaderCon proposes, What do Readers Want?, the panelists aim to know what kids and teens are reading and what they want to see on the shelves of libraries and bookstores.

This panel is beneficial to writers, illustrators and publishers of children's and YA books because the information they can get from the audience have a direct effect on their craft and on the business of publishing. But isn't this the same information we school librarians want to know and make use of too? It sounds like market research in action but having a conversion with kids can be a well of insights that can help us improve the process and content in developing the library's collection.

The PBBY will have a booth in the book reco fair at 1PM where the winning books of the NCBA 2010 and 2012 will be featured. Later on in the afternoon, winners of the Filipino Readers' Choice Award will be announced and book discussions by different book discussion groups will take place. It is going to be an exciting day for all book lovers and readers big and small.

Such activities are wonderful ways to celebrate books and reading! If you are a school librarian and you are free on November 9, 2013 attend the 3rd ReaderCon. It is a place where you can learn new things, unlearn some, and relearn a lot.

The 3rd Filipino ReaderCon 2013

The 3rd Filipino ReaderCon

It's back!

And it looks like the organizers are reformatting this year's program. But they're keeping the Reader's Choice Awards! Happiness!

 

 

Nomination guidelines can be read here. If you're a Filipino book blogger and you have not registered, go here.

Happy reading! Happy book blogging!

Mabuhay ang mambabasang Pinoy!