Readers Respond
We recently ran a feature on new middle grade books that deal with mature topics such as suicide and gender identity. It sparked some heated commentary from our readers, some of whom feel that these books are deeply necessary, while others think they unnecessarily add to young people’s worries. Here’s a sampling of the comments on the article, which you can read at publishersweekly.com/maturemiddle:
“As children become more savvy, it’s even more important for authors/teachers/parents to be able to connect with them on their level—especially when the topic is tough. Knowing these books are becoming more readily available is heartening!”—Courtnay Sander Walsh
“There are so many kids’ issues on their small plates already and they grow so fast! I hope adults in their lives give them more playtime than worries.... Please don’t dump more worries!”—Lynn Lu
“Children in the middle grades ARE dealing with suicide, mental health, sexuality, and all of the other issues of society. Many are dealing with these without any support. These books are the support they need. Not every child will read them, but the ones who do will find their world a bit less confusing.”—Barbara Markwell
From the Newsletters
Adam Ehrlich Sachs, author of Inherited Disorders (Regan Arts), picks 10 really and legitimately funny books.
Coming this spring: three different books about shame, all titled Unashamed.
The story behind the forthcoming U.S. publication of Into the River (Polis), the first book to be banned in New Zealand in more than 20 years.
The scoop on the Anna Fekete Finnish crime series, which is getting bought up in territories across Europe.
Podcasts
PW senior writer Andrew Albanese on a new lawsuit filed against one of the Big Five over e-book royalties.
Glen Downey, chair of strategic thinking at the York School in Toronto, talks about using comics in education, how visual thinking can be encouraged in students, and the future uses of comics as a communication tool.
Chris Barton talks about his new picture book biography, Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions (Charlesbridge).
Nathaniel Philbrick discusses George Washington and Benedict Arnold in his book Valiant Ambition (Viking). And PW’s Shannon Maughan discusses the rise of digital audiobooks.
The most-read review last week on publishersweekly.com was, once again, The Loney by Andrew Michael Hurley (HMH).
Blogs
Score one for the indies: how to win customers over, one at a time.
