Readers Respond
Recently we ran an article titled “Authors Respond to Disinvites from Schools” (publishersweekly.com/disinvites), detailing the situations of two authors whose appearances at elementary schools were canceled by school administrators due to the books’ subject matter: heroin addiction in one case and gender transition in another. Our readers filled pages with passionate comments about this article; here are a few of them:
“While it may be true that a particular child or family for whatever reason may not be comfortable with an honest depiction of the effects of addiction, it shouldn’t stop others from access to a wonderful book like Kate’s. This school made a fear-based decision.” —Hillary Homzie
“After reading this article and reviewing the comments, I think the school made the right decision. The school has to protect itself from parents that will blame school employees and start trouble.”—Frances Laskowski
“Good schools find a way to make these books available and for parents who object to books that deal with reality to choose to opt out. This is why good public libraries are important. If you don’t want your child to read the book, don’t check it out.” —Kaye Grabbe
From the Newsletters
PW’s editors pick the big fall children’s and adult books.
How a Twitter conversation between two YA authors turned into a six-figure book sold at auction.
Remembering Tim LaHaye, creator of the Left Behind series, who died last week at age 90.
The rise of indie crime novels.
The French bestsellers getting picked up across Europe.
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Blogs
Sneak peeks and other clever reveals to help booksellers drive interest (and sales).
Podcasts
PW senior writer Andrew Albanese discusses the latest AAP sales figures, and why the recent drop in e-book sales should be especially concerning.
The More to Come crew recaps this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, the largest pop culture convention in North America.
Bill Streever discusses his new book, And Soon I Heard a Roaring Wind: A Natural History of Moving Air (Little, Brown).
Jerusalem by Alan Moore (Liveright) was the most-read review on PW’s website last week.
