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Obituary: Susan Patron
Children's author and librarian Susan Patron, best known for her Newbery Medal-winning novel 'The Higher Power of Lucky,' died October 24 at age 75.
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Heartland Fall Forum 2023: MoTown Becomes Children's Book Town
Last week's conference drew more than 550 attendees, including booksellers from across the Midwest and Great Lakes region, for opportunities to network with colleagues, meet authors, and address their critical role in the fight against book banning.
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Jeff Kinney Salutes Librarians on 'The No Brainer Show' Tour
Beginning this week, libraries on the West Coast are being treated to free books, extra funds, and a special brand of entertainment, all thanks to Jeff Kinney.
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Fall 2023 Museum Exhibitions Featuring Children's Book Creators
This fall, several museums are shining a light on the art and influence of children’s books creators. We’ve rounded up several exhibitions on view this season.
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Disney Partners with Kugali for Middle Grade Imprint
Disney has announced a new graphic novel imprint, for middle graders, Kugali Ink, in collaboration with pan-African entertainment company Kugali.
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In Brief: October 26, 2023
Recently, award-winning authors discussed their books dedicated to one another; mascots showed appreciation for an animal-centered book; local firefighters came to a book event; an author made her debut; children welcomed an author for a school visit; and an author spoke at a museum that she featured in her book.
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Scholastic Apologizes, Will End Controversial Book Fair Offering
After a public outcry, Scholastic says it will discontinue its optional diverse stories collection and pledges to "redouble" its efforts to "combat the laws restricting children’s access to books."
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PRH, WNDB Launch Freedom of Expression Award
Penguin Random House and We Need Diverse Books are currently accepting applications for their annual Creative Writing Awards; the 2024 program will also include the inaugural Freedom of Expression Award, recognizing high school seniors who are taking a stand against censorship.
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NCAC Student Advocate Receives White House Honor
Seventeen-year-old free speech activist Julia Garnett was honored by First Lady Jill Biden earlier this month for her local and national leadership in the fight against book banning.
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A Big Year for Little Golden Book Bios
Launched in 1942, the iconic Little Golden Book brand is staying relevant with a new line of popular biographies with broad appeal for readers of all ages.
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In Brief: October 19, 2023
Recently an author signed books at a festival; another author visited the hometown of her picture book's inspiration; a tour kicked off for a middle grade book; an author-illustrator gave a live demonstration; mystery authors and bookstore staff came together; and an author held a conversation in-person and online.
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The Kids Are All Right at New York Comic Con 2023
Young readers flocked to this year's New York Comic Con, where they snapped up early releases, giveaways, and pics with favorite creators; behind the scenes, censorship and book banning were cause for concern and controversy.
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HarperCollins Marks a Trio of Golden Anniversaries
This fall, HarperCollins is celebrating half-century milestones of three titles, all of which joined the HarperCollins Children's Books roster with the company's 2021 acquisition of HMH.
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FTRF and SCBWI Speak Out About the Freedom to Read
In a recent webinar, Joyce McIntosh of the Freedom to Read Foundation spoke with Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators advisory council member Laurent Linn about why librarians, teachers, and creators must not bend to book bans.
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Licensing Hotline: October 2023
Read on for news of Choose Your Own Adventure brand extensions, Fox Chapel's first media tie-in, Claris licensed products debuting in the U.S., a new licensing agent for Dog Man, and more.
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Rollout of Scholastic Book Fairs' New Diversity Offering Comes Under Fire
Scholastic said that it created its new "Share Every Story, Celebrate Every Voice" offering as a way to protect librarians and school officials dealing with restrictive new state laws and policies, but critics say that the program invites censorship.
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Who Is YA For?
We spoke with editors about the category’s ever-shifting boundaries and widening appeal for today's readers.
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SCBWI Scopes Out Book Trends
Author and consultant Deborah Halverson (l.) recently gave a virtual workshop on the “State of the Children’s Publishing Market” for members of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
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CBC Panel Considers Censorship from Kids' Perspectives
In a virtual panel titled "Keep Bans Off Our Books," the Children's Book Council examined not only how adults target kids' books, but how young people themselves respond to censorship efforts.
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Obituary: Janet Taylor Lisle
Acclaimed children's author Janet Taylor Lisle, lauded for her novels featuring complex characters in stories blending everyday life with elements of mystery and magic, died on October 5 in Boston. She was 76.



