K-12 Literacy Conference

S2023, Opening Keynote

Padma Venkatraman


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Padma Venkatraman is an educator, oceanographer, and award-winning author of multi-honored books for young adults.

Her books include The Bridge Home—an ALA Notable Book, Kirkus Best Middle Grade Book, Walter dean Myers Award winner, Golden Kite Award winner, and starred reviews in Kirkus, Booklist, SLJ, Publisher’s Weekly, and more, A Time To Dance—ALA/YALSA Best Book for Young Adults, Kirkus Best Book for Young Adults, and starred reviews in Kirkus, Booklist, VOYA, SLJ and more, and her newest book, Born Behind Bars—also earning spots on numerous Best Book lists and starred reviews, and others.

You can find her at padmavenkatraman.com and on twitter @padmaTV and instagram at venkatraman.padma.

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