Children's Lit Newsletter 2/02/2025

I'm trying to find a free image of a soapbox to go with this - but no luck so far. I'd appreciate any leads.

ANYWAY: Years ago I used to have a blog called Life, Literature, and Laughter. I was sharing an old post with a friend and she said, "You should post that again. After all, it's been ten years." So, I've decided to occasionally repost something from the blog. This one is titled:

HOW TO GET YOUR CHILD TO STOP/HATE READING. IT'S NOT THAT HARD

So, I have holiday cards to write, photos to download, books to cull (perhaps a house to clean, nah) and I skipped my Shut Up and Write meeting this a.m. because my dog had, well, Baboon Booty (red, swollen, THOROUGHLY unattractive) so I took him to the vet instead.

Who knew that I'd be so inspired (infuriated) by that visit that I'd find the energy, time, motivation to write a blog post before doing anything else? The vet, as always, was delightful. I love the office, love the people, great medical care.

BUT, when I talk to people with children, I often write a Book Rx for them (I even have a pad of prescription pages, really). I was writing down some titles for the vet's kids when I asked a bit more about their reading habits. Her son loves graphic novels, but he's not really allowed to use those for 'real' reading. That is per his parents AND his teacher! He does 20 minutes of real reading for homework, THEN he's allowed 30 minutes of graphic novel/comic book reading in order to earn iPad time. Sigh, isn't reading its own reward? Couldn't iPad/screen time be earned by doing chores instead (otherwise, this sends the message that reading IS the chore).

I used the argument that I always use, "We don't do that to adults. We don't tell them they're not reading across a broad enough range or that what they've chosen isn't challenging enough. AND, BTW, graphic novel, comic books, etc. ARE reading. " Sigh. My belief is as long as they're reading for pleasure, they'll read the books they HAVE to read later and they'll get through them and might even enjoy them.

She said that they would let him read what he wanted for 30 minutes, but if he wanted to earn more iPad time, that 60 minutes of graphic novel reading was not allowed. I said, "As long as he's enjoying the reading, that's your biggest hurdle. Why not let him choose his fun reading? Tell him that's up to him."

The answer, are you ready for this? "I don't want to give him that much power." Okay, he's 8, don't give him your Visa Card or the keys to the car, but giving your child the POWER to choose what he reads? That is the BEST thing you can do!

And then I thought, "She's not alone" because EVERY teacher, EVERY librarian and EVERY parent who looks at a book that a child has chosen for themselves and shakes her/his head in dismay, disgust (yes, it happens) or general 'judginess' has taken that power from that child.

Think this is too strong or too harsh a judgement? I've been working in bookstores for 7 years now, only in the children's department (because NOBODY wants me to wrap gifts, believe me) and I have seen a child's face go from happy and eager to crushed when they hold up a book they chose and they're told it's 'not suitable'. I STILL point to a friend of my daughter's, now a bright high school senior, who has NEVER fully recovered her full love of reading after her 5th grade teacher told her she was not allowed to read any more Disney Fairy books.

Want to see a child light up? Gain confidence? Find joy? Take them into an (independent) bookstore and say, "You have $25, make your own choices." (yes, libraries are great too). 'Power' is not inherently evil and the power to choose your own books is MAGICAL.

Ambassadorship Will Celebrate the Power of the Picture Book Art Form
Proposals Now Accepted for National Ambassador Tour Appearances

The Library of Congress and Every Child a Reader today announced the appointment of Mac Barnett as the 2025-2026 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Barnett is the ninth author to hold this position. He succeeds Meg Medina, who served as the National Ambassador from 2023 through 2024.

Barnett is the author of more than 60 books for children, including “Twenty Questions,” “Sam & Dave Dig a Hole,” “A Polar Bear in the Snow” and “Extra Yarn,” as well as the popular “Mac B., Kid Spy” series of novels, “The First Cat in Space” graphic novels and “The Shapes Trilogy” picture books.

Barnett began working with children as a high school and college student, and these early experiences inspired a dream of writing for them. Now an accomplished author, Barnett is known for his deep respect for children – for their intelligence, their emotional acumen, and their time and attention. Barnett has won numerous prizes, including two Caldecott Honors, three New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Awards, three E.B. White Read Aloud Awards, and an International Children’s Literature Award, among others.

“It’s a profound honor to serve as ambassador. When I got the news, I was speechless, which is unusual for me,” said Barnett. “Now I feel energized to proclaim the many glories of children’s literature, with a particular focus on a unique and marvelous way of telling stories: the children’s picture book.”

“Picture books are a beautiful, sophisticated and vibrant art form, the source of some of the most profound reading experiences in children’s (and adults’) lives. I am, of course, excited to talk to young readers. The joy of sharing picture books with kids is why I started writing children’s books in the first place,” Barnett said. “But I’m also eager to speak to adults – who often underestimate or overlook children’s literature – to champion the power of picture books and the brilliance of the kids who read them.”

During his two-year term as the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, Barnett will celebrate the children’s picture book through his platform, Behold, The Picture Book! Let’s Celebrate Stories We Can Feel, Hear, and See. Barnett will explore the deeply impactful ways picture books blend words and illustrations to create a uniquely powerful reading experience, one that is often the foundation for a lifetime of reading. Ultimately, Barnett will assert the picture book is a quintessential American art form and deserves its rightful place among the best American literature.

“I’m excited for Mac Barnett’s tenure as the National Ambassador,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. “The way he elevates the picture book with originality and intentionality, making space for young readers to embrace the unknown, is magical. I often mention the joy of seeing myself for the first time in ‘Bright April’ by Marguerite De Angeli, a book about a young African American girl celebrating her 10th birthday. I look forward to the many joyous ways Mac will use picture books to inspire connections within our communities.”

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the selection of Mac Barnett as the next ambassador,” said Shaina Birkhead, associate executive director of Every Child a Reader and the Children’s Book Council. “Who better to champion picture books in this national role than someone who has been doing just that their entire career. Mac’s enthusiasm and passion for storytelling through picture books will make everyone stand up and take notice of this exceptional art form.”

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden will inaugurate Barnett as the new National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 10:30 a.m. Meg Medina, the 2023-2024 National Ambassador, and local school groups will be in attendance. The event will be streamed live on the Library’s YouTube page.

The public is invited to meet Barnett in a unique “Storytime for Grown Ups” event featuring author illustrators Cece Bell and Raúl the Third, and 2008-2009 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Jon Scieszka on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Thomas Jefferson Building. Barnett and his award-winning guests invite adults to spend an evening sharing and discussing picture books. This event is part of the Library’s signature Live! At the Library series.

Panel Discussions and Author Book Signings

More info and registration here:

https://smcl.org/yanovcon/

The Peninsula Libraries' 10th annual Young Adult Novelists Convention (YANovCon) will take place Saturday, February 8, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., at the Redwood City Public Library (1044 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City, CA 94063).

We’re excited to kick off the 10th annual YANovCon convention with a Writing Workshop for Teens, led by novelist Kara H.L. Chen. Following the workshop, author Abigail Hing Wen will be joining as our keynote speaker in this free half-day celebration. The day's events include a teen-led Q&A session followed by three different panel discussions on topics related to this year's featured theme: Coming of Age in a Digital World.

This year's YANovCon proudly features the following award-winning, notable, and new young adult novelists:

Kara H.L. Chen / Josh Galarza / Anna Gracia / Carolina Ixta / Stacey Lee / Jessica Parra / Grace Shim / Shannon Takaoka / Lala Thomas / Maggie Tokuda-Hall / Edward Underhill / Dale Walls / Abigail Hing Wen

The day concludes with author book signings, with books available to purchase on site thanks to our wonderful partnership with Linden Tree Books.

Anticipated Schedule:

Writing Workshop for Teens, hosted by Kara H.L. Chen: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Intro/Welcome: 12:00 - 12:15 PM

• 2025 Teen Short Story Contest Winners Announced

Keynote Address with Abigail Hing Wen: 12:15 – 12:45 PM

Session 1:1:00 PM – 1:45 PM

• Topic: The Evolution of Friendships in a Digital Age: How Online Communities Support or Challenge Traditional Friendships
• Moderator: LaLa Thomas
• Panelists: Grace Shim, Anna Gracia, Edward Underhill, Jessica Parra

Session 2: 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

• Topic: Managing Mental Health in the Digital Age
• Moderator: Jessica Parra
• Panelists: Carolina Ixta, Josh Garza, Dale Walls, LaLa Thomas

Session 3: 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM

• Topic: Creating Authentic Characters: Bridging the Gap Between Reality and Technology in the Art of Storytelling
• Moderator: Anna Gracia
• Panelists: Jessica Parra, Stacey Lee, Maggie Tokuda-Hall, Shannon Takaoka

Book Signing with All Authors: 3:45 - 4:30 PM

My apologies for not getting this out before Stacey's event. KILL HER TWICE is a FANTASTIC and thought provoking book!!!

Giveaway of a copy of Michael Leali's THE TRUTH ABOUT TRIANGLES and free registration for the February Ask the Author Book Club featuring Michael. Here's a link to a Google Form for people to enter: KIDLIT CRAFT GIVEAWAY (https://forms.gle/XUBMSqcskNzUKDWS9)

The Book Club is happy to give YOU WONDERFUL SUBSCRIBERS TO THIS NEWSLETTER 30% off any book club registration with the discount code BAY AREA

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Thanks for asking to include our new Ask the Author Book Club at KidLit Craft! We have four Bay Area authors for our spring slate.

Each month, we're reading a middle grade or young adult book, then we'll collect questions from those registered, and on the event date, we'll ASK THE AUTHOR, focusing on questions about craft and process. We'll end with time for a live questions from those attending. We will get nerdy!

I'm so excited to announce our inaugural season!
January - Stacey Lee's KILL HER TWICE
February - Michael Leali's THE TRUTH ABOUT TRIANGLES
March - Randy Ribay's EVERYTHING WE NEVER HAD
April - Lindsay Lackey's FARTHER THAN THE MOON
Links are to the books at Bookshop.org

You can register for each session individually, or get all four sessions for the price of three. You can also register for YA only (Jan and March) or MG only (Feb and April) at a discounted rate.

I'm happy to offer 30% off to your newsletter readers: use the code BAYAREA at checkout.

More information and register: kidlitcraft.com/book-club

I just learned about this committee. It sounds AMAZING!!!

About Rise: A Feminist Book Project for Ages 0-18

Rise: A Feminist Book Project for Ages 0-18 has been promoting quality feminist literature for young readers since 2002 as a part of the Feminist Task Force and the Social Responsibilities Round Table. Each year, the project compiles an annotated book list (or bibliography) of well-written and well-illustrated books with significant feminist content, intended for young readers (ages birth through 18). Books eligible for this honor must have been published in the United States during the 18 months prior to the selection in January of each year.

For this committee, feminist books for young readers must move beyond merely “spunky” and “feisty” young women, beyond characters and people who fight to protect themselves without concern for the rights of others. Feminist protagonists call out and work to eliminate sexism and other systemic prejudices, actively shaping their destinies.They break bonds forced by society as they defy stereotypical expectations and show resilience in the face of societal strictures. People who are not women can also play an important part in questioning and defying gender and/or sex roles. In addition, feminist books show women solving problems, gaining personal power, and empowering others. They celebrate girls and women as a vibrant, vital force in the world.

Rise: A Feminist Book Project for Ages 0-18 was formerly known as the Amelia Bloomer Project. The name of this endeavor was changed in 2019 after the committee was made aware that, though Amelia Bloomer had a platform as a publisher, she refused to speak against the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 (Simmons). SRRT and FTF believe librarians and libraries must work to correct social problems and inequities with particular attention to intersectionality, feminism, and deliberate anti-racism. As a result, the committee unanimously voted in favor of a name change. Rise: A Feminist Book Project for Ages 0-18, reflects the diversity and inclusion for which feminism as a whole — and this committee specifically — strives.

More information here:

https://risefeministbooks.wordpress.com/criteria/

LINDEN TREE EVENTS!!

Book Launch with Cindy Chang In conversation with Booki Vivat
Sunday, February 9 at 1pm

UPCOMING EVENT AT HICKLEBEE'S!!

Another out of this world story with Chiara Colombi, author of Rocket Ship, Solo Trip as we follow Rocket on a new adventure with new friends! Perfect for any young NASA fans or the galactically curious. Stick around for a celestial book signing and presentation by the author herself at Hicklebee's. Copies of Rocket Beams, Lunar Dreams as well as the first adventure, Rocket Ship Solo Trip are available to order at Hicklebee's in store, online, or over the phone.

When: Saturday February 8, 11:00am

Where: Hicklebee's Bookstore

1378 Lincoln Ave,

San Jose CA 95125

What: Presentation and Book signing

May 15, 2025

6:00pm – 8:30pm

The Green Room
San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center

Joining us for a fun-filled cocktail party with interactive exhibits, guest appearances from esteemed authors and illustrators, and an engaging program that underscores the importance of early learning and celebrates inclusion and belonging in children’s picture books.

Get Tickets

Your support helps to build a more equitable future for Bay Area children and families!

Hey all!!

Recently I have given Book Talks to students and parents that can focus on Engaging Reluctant Readers, Diversify Your (home or school) Bookshelves, and Great and Engaging Books (for various ages/grades). They've been well received and participants leave with TONS of information (and quite a few win prizes). I do these in schools or libraries, but would love to be hired by companies as a 'Perk' for their employees who have children in their lives. So, using my 'Social Capital' (that's you all) to spread the word.

I also work with teachers to help find great books that fit (and expand) the curriculum (otherwise known as my idea of a good time).

Please feel free to spread the word and send people my way: sharonlevin @ mindspring.com

We now return to our regular programming.

I try (when I have time/energy/spoons) to visit store websites and pull event information. However, the best way to get your events in is to e-mail me directly with FOR THE NEWSLETTER as the subject line. There are over 2000 subscribers to this newsletter - plus it gets posted on Facebook, Twitter (I said what I said), BlueSky and my local NextDoor. I am happy to spread the word, it's just easier if 'the word' (not the religious one) comes directly to my inbox

I'm only as good as my sources, so please do feel free to share events, good news, etc.! Please e-mail me at sharonlevin at mindspring dot com and put For the Newsletter as your subject line.

I'm always happy to feature giveaways. There is NO paid advertising in this newsletter - I do not require anything to feature a giveaway. I'm just happy to do it.