At ALA Annual in Washington D.C. - Ms McDaniel’s Memorable Moments

Jump to Comments

Meeting Charlene Schiff was a real highlight for me. She is a survivor is the truest sense of the word. Charlene’s courage and strength are a source of inspiration. Thank you for the message of compassion that you spread in the world. I sincerely hope that our paths cross again.

I was GREAT to see Jane Irwin and Paul Sizer again. Paul, congratulations on Moped Army making the Great Graphic Novels for Teens list! We just have to bring you both back to Maine!

Irshad Manji was brilliant!

I had read about her and her book, The Trouble with Islam Today: A Woman Calls for Reform in Her Faith. I have never considered religion and faith as thoughtfully as I did in the days following her presentation. She made me think, really consider, carefully, my own thoughts and ideas about religion and faith and community. It was wonderful! I cannot give higher praise than, “You really made me think!” Thanks, Irshad!

I also really enjoyed my conversation with Jean the night of the Printz Award Reception. On the day that Irshad stretched my mind, you invited me to stretch it even further with your French philosophy.

I loved meeting Alison Bechdel (Fun Home, Houghton Mifflin, 2006) and hearing about how she created her graphic novel memoir.

It was really wonderful to see Betsy Franco (You Hear Me? Poems and Writing by Teenage Boys & Things I Have to Tell You: Poems and Writing by Teenage Girls, Candlewick Press) again; it’s been how many years?! This has been a stressful trip (in some respects) and I didn’t realize how much I really needed to see a friendly face and get an it’s-SO-GOOD-to-see-you hug. Thanks, Betsy!

Meeting Congressman John Lewis was a once in a lifetime experience, but I will try to step back and let it be Otrell’s experience.

But, I must admit, that the thing I loved the very most about this trip was being with my former students, Kayla and Tess.

You are wonderful and I love you both! I hope that our trip lived up to your expectations …

1 Comment

Filed under Library Conference