Released April 23, 2008

CLEMSON, S.C. – Jonda C. McNair, assistant professor of reading education in the Eugene T. Moore School of Education at Clemson University, has been elected to serve a two-year appointment on the Coretta Scott King Book Award Jury.

The Ethnic and Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table of the American Library Association sponsors the Coretta Scott King Book Award with the purpose of recognizing African-American authors and illustrators of outstanding books for children and young adults.

“I am thrilled and feel honored to have been selected to serve on the Coretta Scott King Book Award Jury. One of my research interests is African-American children's literature, so I am excited about the opportunity to read and evaluate books that are written or illustrated by African-Americans,” said McNair. “It is also rewarding to know that my work will have an impact at the national or perhaps even international level because teachers tend to lean toward purchasing and reading award-winning books.”

Her duties will include reading and evaluating books and participating in the Coretta Scott King Book Award Breakfast, which takes place at the annual convention of the American Library Association.

McNair attended the University of Florida where she received a bachelor of arts degree and a Master of Education degree in elementary education. She taught elementary school for five years before enrolling at Ohio State University to pursue a doctoral degree in language, literacy and culture with a specialization in children’s literature.

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http://www.clemson.edu/newsroom/articles/2008/april/Jonda-McNair.php5

Contacts: Jonda McNair, (864) 656-1577, jmcnair@clemson.edu

Alex Hill, (864) 656-2061, ahill2@clemson.edu