I was introduced to Talonbooks via the Governor General’s Awards some years back, though it was hardly Talon’s first time being recognized at the prestigious awards ceremony. The Canadian publisher has a four-decades-long history of book awards to their name, and when you read their catalog, it’s easy to see why. Talonbooks has been a … Continue reading Publisher Spotlight: Talonbooks
When I think of the word “contemporary” in relation to poetry, I immediately think of Wave Books. This indie publisher rises above the rest in terms of aesthetics. Their font-first cover art has become so characteristic of the press that one can walk into the poetry section of a bookstore and immediately recognize the careful … Continue reading Publisher Spotlight: Wave Books
A few years back, I was introduced to Akashic Books, the provocative Brooklyn indie with a taste for urban and political literature. Like many, I found them after they published Go the Fuck to Sleep, the hilariously subversive and now infamous children’s book. It didn’t take long for me to recognize Akashic as a trailblazer … Continue reading Publisher Spotlight: Akashic Books
SUMMARY: The moving, inspiring memoir of one of the great women of our times, Shirin Ebadi, winner of the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize and advocate for the oppressed, whose spirit has remained strong in the face of political persecution and despite the challenges she has faced raising a family while pursuing her work. Best known … Continue reading International Banned Book: Iran Awakening by Shirin Ebadi
This year I have enjoyed serving on the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Book Award Committee with USBBY, the United States Board on Books for Young People. Our chair, Dr. Kathy Short, is a professor at the University of Arizona, College of Education in Tucson. She is the Director of an exciting project called Worlds of Words. … Continue reading Worlds of Words
I had an absolutely awful time choosing just one book to feature from Seagull Books’ forthcoming titles in translation. Not only does this international press seek out stories from a myriad of countries—Hungary, Chile, India, Germany, Italy, among others—but every single cover is consistently stunning. How could I possible decide? Therefore I am flouting … Continue reading Publisher Spotlight: Seagull Books
The latest issue of Bookbird: A Journal of International Children's Literature arrived last week. It is vol. 56. No. 1. The journal has a regular feature called Translators and Their Books. This issue includes an article called "I am a Translator, a Transmitter of Culture" by Anna Becchi. The author is a translator from German, Dutch … Continue reading Bookbird: A Journal of International Children’s Literature
Trying to find bilingual children’s books? What about German thrillers, French-Canadian novels, or First Nations nonfiction? Look no further: Canadian publisher House of Anansi has what you need. House of Anansi has grown into a multi-genre powerhouse since its founding in 1967. For over fifty years, the press has released original Canadian and First … Continue reading Publisher Spotlight: House of Anansi
Helping young readers understand the culture, history and beauty of Mexico has never been more important! Children's books are windows and mirrors and may be the answer to how we break down walls. My school has many families with Hispanic backgrounds and most of our students take Spanish classes from age four to eighth grade. … Continue reading Our Neighbor: Mexico
Recently I attended the USBBY Regional Conference in Seattle. There were colleagues from all over the world, especially Canada. We listened to a panel of speakers representing first nations/indigenous peoples of Canada. It was fascinating! Here are some resources to add books for young people to your collection. Canadian Children's Book Centre "The Canadian Children’s … Continue reading Our Neighbor: Canada
Global Literature in Libraries Initiative 