#WORLDKIDLIT: USBBY’S OUTSTANDING INTERNATIONAL BOOKS 2026

Today’s post comes to you from Laura Simeon: This marks the 21st year that the United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY), a division of the International Board on Books for Young People, has selected some of the very best titles from around the world for children and teens. Our dedicated committee of … Continue reading #WORLDKIDLIT: USBBY’S OUTSTANDING INTERNATIONAL BOOKS 2026

Examining cultural messages in Japanese picture books — by Kirkus YA Editor Laura Simeon

May GLLI Blog Series:  Japan in Translation, No. 22 Editor's Note:  Soon after Laura Simeon became Kirkus' YA Editor in January, she penned the following appeal for more translated literature: I clearly remember the first YA book in translation I ever read: Kazumi Yumoto’s 2002 title The Letters, translated from the Japanese by Cathy Hirano. … Continue reading Examining cultural messages in Japanese picture books — by Kirkus YA Editor Laura Simeon