Okay, there's a New York Times article that claims that "picture books [are] no longer a staple for children." But don't even read that article. Read, instead, MotherReader's response to it because she's making all kinds of sense and the NYT is taking quotes out of context and generally not knowing what they're talking about (as per usual). And also read Roger Sutton's response because he's making all kinds of sense, too.
This is really cool. (Thanks, Eli!)
The National Book Award finalists were announced!! The finalists in the Young People's Literature category are:
Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi (Little, Brown)
Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine (Philomel)
Dark Water by Laura McNeal (Knopf)
Lockdown by Walter Dean Myers (Amistad)
One Crazy Summer by Rita Garcia-Williams (Amistad)
Congratulations to the finalists!!
In other awards-related news, Adele of Persnickety Snark shares with us the shortlists for the Inkys, an Australian book award whose winners are determined by Aussie teens. They have a shortlist for Australian authors and a shortlist for international authors, both great picks!
ALSC members, there's a debate going on about whether the ALSC should change its scope from serving children through 14 years of age to serving children through 13 years of age. Whatever your feelings on the matter, I urge you to head over to the discussion on ALA Connect, educate yourself about the issue, and weigh in. We will be voting on this in the spring! Make your voice heard!
And on that note, I'm out for now. Have a great weekend!!