University of La Laguna Hosts International Congress to Elevate Children’s and Youth Literature
The 15th International Congress of the National Association for Research in Children's and Youth Literature is underway at the University of La Laguna, bringing together global experts to elevate the academic standing of regional children's literature.
Children’s and youth literature often faces two major hurdles: it is historically undervalued by academics compared to adult fiction, and it struggles to reach international audiences when it comes from outside major publishing hubs. The 15th International Congress of the National Association for Research in Children's and Youth Literature (Anilij), held from Wednesday to Friday at the University of La Laguna’s Guajara Campus, aims to break down these barriers.
Organized by the Imago research group and the university’s Department of Language and Literature Didactics, the event brings together nearly 100 experts from around the world. The congress focuses on how a region’s history, society, and economy shape its authors and illustrators. This discussion is vital as children’s literature continues to fight for its place in the literary canon, despite its essential role in education and reader development.
The event begins today at 4:00 p.m. at the César Manrique General Classroom Building with a talk by Lanzarote-born writer Lola Suárez, who will discuss the challenges and rewards of writing and promoting literature from an island perspective. On Thursday, the program continues at 9:00 a.m. with a roundtable featuring prominent experts, including Ernesto Rodríguez-Abad, director of the Los Silos International Storytelling Festival, and professors José Manuel de Amo (University of Almería), Gemma Lluch (University of Valencia), and Mari Jose Olaziregi (University of the Basque Country).
In addition to academic presentations, the congress will highlight regional works. Dr. Ángeles Perera Santana from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria will present Y con el viento juego by Pepa Aurora. Recently added to the Basic Canary Library, the book serves as a prime example of the importance of preserving and celebrating regional literary heritage.