Global Literature in Libraries Initiative

World Languages Title Pick: Flaetscher – Die Sache Stinkt! by Antje Szillat (Germany)

Posted on April 2, 2018April 2, 2018 by Global Literature in Libraries Initiative

This is the first post in a new series of title picks for libraries building world languages collections. We will provide links to the foreign rights pages to publishers around the world. The descriptions for these non-translations will be in English and will include, when possible, sample translations, which will give you a flavor of … Continue reading World Languages Title Pick: Flaetscher – Die Sache Stinkt! by Antje Szillat (Germany)

Publisher Spotlight: Wave Books

Posted on March 30, 2018 by clscommunications

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

Publisher Spotlight: Akashic Books

Posted on March 23, 2018March 23, 2018 by clscommunications

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

International Banned Book: Iran Awakening by Shirin Ebadi

Posted on March 22, 2018 by Global Literature in Libraries Initiative

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

Three Novels by Nordic Women for the Last Dark Nights of Winter

Posted on March 20, 2018March 20, 2018 by Global Literature in Libraries Initiative

Just as spring arrives in the northern hemisphere, we turn our attention to a region that values limited supplies of sunshine. Here are three novels by three women—two from Norway, one from Iceland—that radiate with a dark energy more reminiscent of the northern lights than the sun’s warm glow. Love by Hanne Ørstavik (Archipelago; translated … Continue reading Three Novels by Nordic Women for the Last Dark Nights of Winter

Worlds of Words

Posted on March 20, 2018 by booksgalore

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

Publisher Spotlight: Seagull Books

Posted on March 15, 2018March 16, 2018 by clscommunications

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

Bookbird: A Journal of International Children’s Literature

Posted on March 15, 2018 by booksgalore

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

Publisher Spotlight: House of Anansi

Posted on March 9, 2018March 12, 2018 by clscommunications

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

International Banned Book: The Fugitive by Pramoedya Ananta Toer (Indonesia)

Posted on March 8, 2018 by Global Literature in Libraries Initiative

Plot: In the twilight days of Japanese power in his country, an Indonesian army officer sparks an insurrection against the occupation army but is forced to flee into the jungle when he is betrayed by one of his own comrades. Challenge: Banned in Indonesia in 1950, for containing "subversive" material, including an attempt to promote Marxist–Leninist … Continue reading International Banned Book: The Fugitive by Pramoedya Ananta Toer (Indonesia)