Co-founder and longtime executive director of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Lin Oliver said in an email that she will retire at the end of this year (which she then confirmed to PW). The organization has been embroiled in controversy following a post in June by chief equity and inclusion officer April […]
Children's
Publishing Rethinks Its Use of “#OwnVoices”
In June, nonprofit children’s book organization We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) announced that it would stop using the term #OwnVoices, in favor of authors’ specific descriptions of themselves and their characters. WNDB said that use of the term has forced authors to self-identify in ways that are uncomfortable or dangerous; some diverse identities, such as […]
In Bologna Panel, Publishers Discuss History, Future of Diverse Books
In a pre-recorded panel at the virtual Bologna Children’s Book Fair, A Decade of Diversity in Children’s Books, publishers and creators of children’s books from around the world discussed the history and future of diverse books. Featuring COO of We Need Diverse Books Dhonielle Clayton; publisher of Lee & Low Books Jason Low; author and […]
People, Etc.
Shelley Husband has joined the Association of American Publishers as senior vice president, government affairs and special projects. Most recently she was staff director and general counsel for the House Committee on the Judiciary from 2013 to 2019. At Hachette Livre, Nathalie Houël has been promoted to group chief financial officer. Arnaud Robert becomes group secretary […]
People, Etc.
Madeline Jones will join Algonquin Books as editor in the New York office on January 25. She was most recently at Henry Holt. Carrie Bloxson will join Hachette Book Group on February 1 as vp, diversity and inclusion, and will also join the company’s executive management board. She was interim ceo and chief marketing officer […]
The Best of the Best Children’s Books of 2020
For the second year, we are pleased to present a terrific tabulation of the consensus Best of the Best Children’s Books of 2020. Drawing on 20 selective sources in all, the data naturally provided a clear set of top titles across young adult, middle grade, and picture books. With more lists focused on young adult […]