We couldn't be more pleased to share that legendary children's author Dame Jacqueline Wilson will be delivering the closing keynote at the 2026 SLA conference.
Dame Jacqueline Wilson is one of Britain’s most outstanding writers for young readers. Known for her contemporary stories, she has also used historical settings for many books such as Hetty Feather, Opal Plumstead and The Runaway Girls. Jacqueline has published over 120 books for children and since 2024, she has written two books for adults which re-visit characters that she first wrote about in her children’s books in the 1990s. She has been writing full time for all her adult life and over 40 million copies of her books have been sold in the UK alone.
Jacqueline has been honoured with many of the UK’s top awards including the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award, the Smarties Prize and the Children’s Book of the Year. She was the Children’s Laureate from 2005-2007 and holds Honorary Doctorates from the Universities of Kingston, Bath, Winchester, Dundee and Roehampton where she was also Chancellor for six years. In the 2025 New Year Honours List she was awarded the Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire – the highest award of its kind.
Jacqueline will be joining us at the SLA conference to talk about her enduring career writing for children - including creating some of the best-loved children's books ever published. From the iconic girls, to the inimitable Tracey Beaker, boisterous Marty and unhappy Andy, there is a Jacqueline Wilson character that almost every reader has identified with at some point in their lives.
We are so looking forward to hearing from Jacqueline Wilson in the context of our Changing Narratives conference theme. As a writer who has shaped childhoods and raised generations of readers, we can't wait hear some of the wisdom and experience she has gained along the way. Jacqueline will share some insights into what it is like creating books that have kept young readers engaged, entertained and emotionally nourished over several decades, right up to the recent publication of The Seaside Sleepover, a new funny, heartwarming story in the bestselling Sleepovers series.
SLA CEO Victoria Dilly said: "When I was a school librarian, Jacqueline Wilson was quite simply the most popular author in the library. Her books were never on the shelf for long and pupils would be clamouring for the next one as soon as they had finished what they were reading! Her impact on children's literature is vast and legions of fans have grown up adoring the characters and stories she creates. It is a huge honour to be welcoming Jacqueline to our conference next year and I know all those who attend will be thrilled to see her on the line-up."
Jacqueline will be delivering the closing keynote to the conference, on the afternoon of Saturday 6th June 2026 and we are thrilled to say that she will also be available for a short book signing.
The 2026 conference will take place at the University of Winchester on 5th and 6th June. Through the theme of Changing Narratives the weekend will explore how school libraries can make a difference to children and young people’s personal, social, and academic outcomes. We will bring together all those who work in and through school libraries who seek to ensure children and young people have access to vibrant reading and learning opportunities throughout their education. Book your tickets now to be a part of this important conversation! Some reduced rate, early bird tickets are still available.