Rose Friedman, 38, NPR editor, reporter, and co-creator the Books We Love reading guide, died of cancer in New York City on September 17.
NPR writes in a remembrance, “Rose Friedman was in her early 20s when she landed her first position as an editorial assistant at NPR Books. She became deeply sourced in the publishing industry and seemed to have read everything. She edited book reviews and features such as This Week’s Must Read. She wrote numerous appreciations of authors, including Herman Wouk and the legendary editor Sonny Mehta.”
“She was voracious,” novelist Meg Wolitzer tells NPR. “What a gifted, delightful, brilliant, deeply kind person. And I would say a true enthusiast. I got so much working with Rose.”
David Martin, children’s author and originator of Candlewick Press’s Brand New Readers series, died Saturday, September 12. Martin was the author of Balloons, the Piggy and Dad books, and many others.
Andrew Smith, svp and publisher of Candlewick Press, writes, “We are deeply saddened by the loss extraordinary creator, David Martin. David’s remarkable imagination and commitment to encouraging literacy amongst beginning readers inspired countless children to discover the magic of books. While we mourn this tremendous loss, we celebrate a legacy that will continue to resonate through every story shared, every page turned, and every child whose life was touched by his work.”