Review by Jack Gantos The End of Eddy by Edouard Louis The End of Eddy is the semi-autobiographical story of a young gay man’s life in an impoverished and dysfunctional rural French family. Both the family and his social environment - in school and in the town - do not attempt to understand him, and … Continue reading #INTLYALITMONTH: The End of Eddy by Edouard Louis
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Mister Fairy
Think every fairy looks like Tinkerbell, with a cute tutu, and a twinkle in her lovely eye as she daintily darts around waving her magic wand like a ray of magical sunshine? Think again. "Everyone knows the forest is full of all kinds of fairies… There are morning fairies, brave fairies, sleepy-time fairies, and even … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Mister Fairy
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: That’s Not Normal!
One of my repeated assertions is that picture books are much more than what they seem. They are more than just cute pictures and easy words to read to children before bedtime; they are in fact powerful works of art that can reveal deep truths to people of all ages. Picture books are for everyone. … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: That’s Not Normal!
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Dulcinea in the Forbidden Forest
Once upon a time, there was a young girl named Dulcinea who lived happily “with her father in a house on the edge of a large forest.” The forest, of course, was off-limits to all, for deep within it, an evil witch lived inside a castle, replete with a treacherous, monster-filled moat. Such is the stuff of fairy tales, … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Dulcinea in the Forbidden Forest
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Little Bear’s Treasures
A shiny button, a soft cloud, a bush full of blueberries. Why, they’re treasures of course! At least they are to Little Bear; not so to the other animals he meets, who dismiss his finds as “junk.” Until Little Bear meets Little Bird. “‘Ooo, a magic stick!’ said Little Bird.” Aha! Finally, a creature after … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Little Bear’s Treasures
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: The Blue Wings by Jef Aerts
Shortlisted for the 2021 Global Literature in Libraries Initiative Translated YA Book Prize "You're Jadran's guardian angel," Mom had told me when I was only eight..."If your brother's having problems, you have to help him.""Jadran is a giant," I said. "How am I supposed to help him?""You're a giant too," Mom said. "A little giant … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: The Blue Wings by Jef Aerts
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Children of the Forest
According to my research, if you were a child growing up in 20th century Sweden, you are very familiar with Elsa Beskow's Children of the Forest. Originally published as Tomtebobarnen in 1910, this sweet picture book has been enchanting children for over 100 years. Currently in its eighteenth (!) English language printing by Scotland-based publisher … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Children of the Forest
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Hugo
How do you feel about the presence of pigeons at your local park? Do you like how they fearlessly bob around your legs in search of food? Do you enjoy seeing them flock to a single spot to eat their crumbs? Or do you just try to stay out of their way like I do? … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Hugo
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: The Forgotten Book
Books can transport us across time and space, even though the journey is only an imaginary one. The literary voyages readers take within the pages of a book can inspire us and affect how we see the world via the magic of the written word. Writers, indeed, have immense power. But what if that literary … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: The Forgotten Book
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Me and the Robbersons
Originally written in Finnish, Me and the Robbersons has been translated into over 20 languages since it was first published in 2010. And little wonder. This middle grade novel is bursting with fabulous characters, humor and adventure, and is thoroughly readable to boot. The star of the show is 10-year-old Maisie, who is heading to … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Me and the Robbersons
Global Literature in Libraries Initiative 