Books Good Enough for You: The Storied Life of Ursula Nordstrom, Editor of Extraordinary Children’s Books

In this intriguing biography, debut author Hudgins pays tribute to acclaimed editor Ursula Nordstrom (1910–1988), who shaped 20th-century American children’s literature with her unwavering belief that kids’ books “should be realistic and authentic so readers could see themselves in the stories.” Three chronological, easy-to-follow parts trace Nordstrom’s life, from her challenging youth as the only child of divorced vaudeville parents in New York City to her influential role as the head of the children’s department at Harper & Brothers. During her editorial tenure, Nordstrom championed groundbreaking books that faced opposition and censorship, including titles that highlighted the lived experiences of Black children and kids exploring various gender expressions. Engaging accounts of the subject’s professional collaborations with Margaret Wise Brown, Maurice Sendak, E.B. White, and other notable creators offer a fascinating insider’s look into the development of beloved children’s books including Where the Wild Things Are and Charlotte’s Web. Insightful quotes from Nordstrom and delightful fine-line illustrations from Lewis (Dazzling Zelda) pepper this enriching work, which also features sidebars offering practical writing tips and advice on how to “Be Like Ursula” for both young readers and aspiring authors. Ages 10–14. Author’s agent: Rachel Orr, Prospect Agency. Illustrator’s agent: Anne Moore Armstrong, Bright Agency, and Liz Nealon, Great Dog Literary. (Mar.)