Eariler this week, Bloomsbury USA ignited a furvor of controversy over the choice of a cover model for the YA fantasy, Magic Under Glass. In my post, Two Steps Backward, I shared my thoughts of how kids and teens of color need to see themselves reflected on books covers and in novels. The blogosphere took Bloomsbury to task and the negative coverage affected the author, Jaclyn Dolamore, whose debut novel was now connected to this mess. Instead of being excited about her work being in the … [Read more...]
Critique Groups
January 20, 2010 Read Comments
This past Saturday, I met with my critique group. I've known most of these writers a good few years and so it was great to see all of them and catch up with them on their work. One of the writers just signed a contract and she brought her LONG editorial letter. Another one is getting her illustrations back for her picture book. There are lot of great things going on with my group. During one of my bookstore browses, I found an interesting craft book, The Writing and Critique Group Survival … [Read more...]
Two Steps Backward…
January 19, 2010 Read Comments
I wasn't going to post anything about the Bloomsbury controversy. But the fact that my blog reader was filled with opinions of the cover of Jaclyn Dolamore's debut novel, Magic Under Glass including an Open Letter to Bloomsbury by teen YA blogger Ari over at Reading in Color, I knew that I would have to post my thoughts. I haven't read this book so I haven't seen the passages that describe the main character. But from what I understand, the model on the cover isn't the correct representation. … [Read more...]
2010 ALA Winners
January 18, 2010 Read Comments
Earlier this morning at the ALA Midwinter Conference in Boston, the 2010 ALSC media award winners were announced. The Lion and the Mouse illustrated (and written) by Jerry Pinkney won the Caldecott medal, which is given to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. This book was a stand-out favorite, but what is so special is that Pinkney is the first African-American individual to win this award so this is fantastic! When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead … [Read more...]
