Summer Literacy Institute

Jarred Amato | Thursday Workshop Presenters

“Just Read It” - Educator and author Dr. Jarred Amato will reflect on his literacy journey and reveal how he continues to refine his game plan to reach every reader.

Specifically, Jarred will touch on the big ideas – including the independent reading (Read and WRAP) framework, approach to whole-class novels, Article of the Week protocol, authentic grammar and vocabulary instruction, and more – from his book, Just Read It: Unlocking the Magic of Independent Reading in Middle and High School Classrooms.

Dr. Jarred Amato is an award-winning English teacher and the co-founder of Project LIT Community, a national grassroots literacy movement.

John Schu | Friday Author Keynote

“The Gift of Story” - When we share our hearts through story, we inspire others to think more deeply about their own hearts and how stories connect us all. John Schu invites readers to consider literacy beyond its academic benefits, highlighting the ways story speaks to our hearts and brings us together.

He is the children’s librarian for Bookelicious and the New York Times best-selling author of Louder Than Hunger; This Is a School, illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison; This Is a Story, illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Lauren Castillo; Ruthie Rose’s Big Idea, illustrated by Holly Hatam (publishing in March 2025); and The Gift of Story: Exploring the Affective Side of the Reading Life.

Sylvia Liu | Thursday Banquet Author / Storyteller

Sylvia Liu grew up with books and daydreams in Caracas, Venezuela. Once an environmental attorney, she now spins stories about nature, strong girls, and the intricacies of family and friendship.

Her books include Near and Deer (Scholastic 2024), Hana Hsu and the Ghost Crab Nation (Razorbill 2022), Manatee’s Best Friend (Scholastic 2021), and A Morning with Grandpa, illustrated by Christina Forshay (Lee & Low New Voices Award winner 2016).

Sylvia lives in Virginia with her family and a very fluffy cat. She will talk about the power of both the universal and individual story.