- I’m currently working on a project with Ari and Doret to take a closer look at each of the major publishing house’s lists. We’re looking for books that have diverse characters, and also for a diversity of experiences in books about characters of color. If you think of any books published between 2007 and 2010 featuring people of color that might not be easily identified from the flap copy or reviews, please leave the name of the books in a comment here or at Ari’s.
- XKCD on what happens when the fantasy novel is over.
- Whitewashing isn’t the only racism we see on book covers. Check out this post on the consistent use of stereotypes on the covers of books with Asian authors or settings.
- At the SFWA, writer Nisi Shawl shares some tips on writing about people from other races and cultures in a way that is sensitive and sincere. (Hat tip to Mitali Perkins)
- A fun conversation between Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan on their very different writing styles.
- This is exactly why librarians need to be at the front line of school improvement efforts. (Hat tip to Jen Robinson.)
- I’m sure that you’ve all heard more than enough about the Macmillan/Amazon kerfuffle. In case you’re looking for more, here are three smart takes on what happened and why: Cory Doctorow, Scott Westerfeld, and Tobias Buckell.
- Colleen Mondor consistently blows me away, and her new feature article, Kids of Color and the New American Whitewashing, is an absolute must-read.
- It’s nice, every once in a while, to have somebody who’s not a librarian putting into words the vibrant community that you should see in a modern library. Thanks to the writer of this editorial, No Silence at the Library Suits Me Just Fine.
- 8-bit library wants to broaden readers advisory – why not base advisory services on a video game or a movie? I find this can be a great way to get a kid talking about what they like when they’re not a big reader – I haven’t met a kid yet who won’t tell me about their favorite game, tv show, or movie. I love the idea of taking that one step further and creating advisory lists and resources.
- Some very cool design going on over here, with bookmarks that extend the book cover. I want! (Hat tip to Fuse #8)
- Publisher’s Weekly has got the goods on Libba Bray’s upcoming series, which sounds AMAZING. A supernatural thriller set in ’20s Manhattan that features, in the words of the woman herself, “a wild new ride full of dames and dapper dons, jazz babies and Prohibition-defying parties, conspiracy and prophecy—and all manner of things that go bump in the neon-drenched night.” Wow wow wow YES!
- Adam Rex presents his first Bookalike – pictures sent in from a reader who is pretty sure that the main character in The True Meaning of Smekday was based on her. I’m convinced!