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 disability or LGBTQ identities, aren’t self-evident. The hashtag has also become a way to police marginalized writers, “questioning authors who do have lived experience about whether they ‘count’ as ‘diverse enough’ to write about that specific community (for example, in making multiracial or bi+/pansexual authors […]
Children's
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 founder of LovingKindness Boma publishing house, Cote d’Ivoire, Swaady Martin; Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Settenove edizioni, Italy, Monica Martinelli; American illustrator and wirter Chris Raschka; Founding director of Rue du monde publishing house, France, Alain Serres and moderated by bookselling and international editor of Publishers […]
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 general, responsible for all legal matters, compliance, insurance and institutional relations. Juliane Chevallier moves up to internal audit and internal control director. All three will report to deputy ceo Fabrice Bakhouche. Kevin Lopez becomes group chief controller, reporting to Houël. Marian Brown has been promoted […]
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 at social impact organization DoSomething.org, and previously worked as a vp,marketing at HarperCollins. Bloxson is charged with helping the company to “achieve its objective to create a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable company with increased representation of people of color in HBG’s leadership, workplaces, and […]
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 books than any other segment, we also have a top 10 young adult list to share. Top 3 Young Adult Books of the Year 1. Stamped, Jason Reynolds & Ibram X. Kendi (Little, Brown Children’s) 2. Clap When You Land, Elizabeth Acevedo (Quill Tree) 3. […]
People, Etc.
Kathy Belden has been promoted to editorial director at Scribner, announced by editor-in-chief Colin Harrison and publisher Nan Graham: “Kathy’s books and authors have transformed the Scribner list…. This is a reflection of Kathy’s exceptional contributions to the imprint — her advocacy for the books edited by her colleagues; her mentorship of younger staff and counsel to older; her work to make systems better serve our staff and authors; her commitment and leadership in all matters DEI; her nourishing of the community — even and especially now that we are physically apart; her wisdom and grace, generosity and humor.” Rebecca […]