Publisher's Weekly recently had a post about race in the children's literature industry. The author, Elizabeth Bluemle, writes:It is our responsibility—as people who create, produce, and distribute the lion’s share of books that reach and teach and entertain children—it is our highest calling to provide written, illustrated worlds that embrace and prioritize all children, books... Continue Reading →
Mitali Perkins keynote: Risky Business #scbwiwwa
Her subtitle is "not your mother's publishing industry," and she is starting off with a poster from the movie Risky Business. Suddenly, some people in the audience begin to feel old. Mitali has just taught us how to say hello in Boston. Surprisingly, you don't throw a can of beans at someone when you say,... Continue Reading →
Writing characters of a different race
Justine Larbalestier, author of LIAR, HOW TO DITCH YOUR FAIRY, and other novels, posted this weekend about the issues that arise when you're white and you write about a character who isn't. She has good advice on why you might do this and how to handle the inevitable criticism.Every single book I’ve published has displeased... Continue Reading →
On judging a book by its cover
You might have heard the brouhaha about Justina Larbalestier's book, LIAR. Many people say the cover--of a light-skinned girl hiding behind her hair--doesn't match the protagonist, who is black.Here's Justina's take on it, on how much say the author really has on a cover, on working with Bloomsbury, and the disturbing notion that covers with... Continue Reading →