About the Instructor – Bonnie Kunzel

Uniquely Qualified Instructor

Bonnie Kunzel is a young adult librarian and nationally known speaker and author on the subject of young adult literature. A past president of YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association, a division of the American Library Association), her passion for reading and talking about books, combined with her expertise in programs and services for teens, has made her a familiar figure around state and national conferences, bookfests and forums. She was selected as the 2006-2007 Librarian of the Year by her state.

Bonnie is the co-author of Readers into Leaders: Teen-Centered Book Clubs in Your Library, with Constance Hardesty (Greenwood, 2005); Strictly Science Fiction with Diana Tixier Herald (Libraries Unlimited, 2002); Fluent in Fantasy: the Next Generation with Diana Tixier Herald (Libraries Unlimited, 2007); and Tamora Pierce: Teen Reads: Student Companions to Young Adult Literature with Susan Fichtelberg (Greenwood, 2007).

In addition, she is the co-editor of The Continuum Encyclopedia of Young Adult Literature with Bernice Cullinan and Deborah Wooten (Continuum Press, 2005). She is also a regular reviewer for VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates). And, of course, Bonnie is the author of The Best of the Best in Young Adult Literature: The 101 Must-Know Young Adult Authors and Practical Activities and Strategies to Engage Teens in Literature, the extensive resource handbook each participant will receive at the seminar.

Bonnie was a member of YALSA’s prestigious Best Books for Young Adults committee, which led to her passion for young adult literature, the Margaret A. Edwards Award committee, which recognized Gary Paulsen for his lifetime contribution to young adult literature, the Printz Award committee for 2005, and she was the first chair of the William C. Morris YA Debut Award committee for 2009. She was a founding member of her state’s teen book award committee and continues to be a strong advocate for connecting teens and books at every opportunity.

What Your Colleagues Say About Your Presenter

“This is the most comprehensive book program I have ever attended. All the information was timely, doable and absolutely realistic for today’s students! I’m leaving with a tremendous amount of material to pass on to others as we work toward putting a book in the hand of every student.”
– Cynthia Parker, English/Language Arts Teacher

“Bonnie is very motivating – I’m eager to read all the books I haven’t read yet! Wonderful ideas and activities for promoting reading with young adults. The resource handbook will be an invaluable resource I will use with students, teachers and the book-ordering process.”
– Valerie Pearce, Media Coordinator

“I’m overwhelmed with all the valuable knowledge I’ve gained by attending this seminar. My classroom library will be forever changed and improved implementation will begin tomorrow! Thank you for sharing your love of reading and young adult literature and thank you, thank you, thank you for the resource handbook!”
– Faith Howell, Teacher

“What great exposure to so many new book choices! I love the information on graphic novels and how to use them in the classroom.”
– Lisa LeFevre, Literature Teacher

“What a great way to introduce teachers to a multitude of high-interest adolescent literature titles! I am excited about returning to school and sharing all these wonderful activities with the teachers in my department.”
– Cristina Pouza, English Department Chairperson

“Bonnie’s knowledge of young adult authors and our young readers made this a worthwhile day. She is acutely aware of the challenges we face in increasing our students’ literacy.”
– Susan Michalczak, Library Media Specialist

“A wonderful seminar that will help as we try to develop a ‘classics’ reading list for the schools in our district. The resource handbook is an added bonus!”
– Nancy Richardson, Librarian

“Ms. Kunzel shared an enormous amount of information! She has an amazing recall for details and offered many useful ideas.”
– Debra Kelly, English Teacher

“I absolutely loved this seminar!”
– Antoinette Murser, English Teacher

“Outstanding and amazing knowledge of young adult literature and great tips for getting teens interested in books and reading.”
 – Leslie Tituault, Public School Librarian

“A+! Bonnie gave us a ton of titles that hit all ability levels and genres. She had novels on display for us to look at and shared many ideas on how to utilize the books in our classrooms. And the resource handbook is excellent!”
– Denise Callahan, Resource Center Teacher