Description
This program will highlight Bridges & Books, one of the first and only teen literature podcasts created and hosted by teens, featuring teen-hosted interviews with New York Times bestselling and award-winning authors of teen literature. The session will cover the process of putting teens in leadership positions for the creation of the podcast as well as the experience of developing the first season of the podcast releasing in late May 2021 featuring interviews with authors Elise Bryant, J. Elle, Kit Frick, Romina Garber, Joan He, Adiba Jaigirdar, Ryan La Sala, Rachael Lippincott, Rhiannon Richardson, and Ashley Woodfolk.
Presenter(s)
Kelsey FordAdult Leader of Bridges & Books Podcast
Kelsey L. Ford (she/her) is the creator of Bookish in the ‘Burgh, Pittsburgh’s Teen Book Festival, as well as the adult advisor of Bridges & Books, a YA literature podcast created by teens and for teens. She was named one of “13 Luminaries to Meet in 2020” by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for her work with teens through Bookish in the ‘Burgh and is a passionate advocate of amplifying teen voices and championing diverse teen books. Kelsey holds a B.S. in Advertising & Public Relations and an M.A. in Arts Management. She will graduate with an M.S. in Library & Information Science with a focus on youth services in May 2022. She currently works as the Manager of Marketing & Development at the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus and spends her spare time advising teen-created literary programs across Pennsylvania and writing novels.