We need literature that wrestles with the evils of slavery while confronting its complexity – especially when it’s written for childrenA book called George Washington’s Birthday Cake has caused controversy for depicting a smiling black cook, in this case chef Hercules and his daughter, preparing cake in the kitchen for the president, who held in bondage hundreds of enslaved workers. It is unclear what kind of moment we are witnessing on the cover. Is it familial love, servile obedience, or, perhaps, a smile to hide the pain of being enslaved? Improving our understanding of the lives of slaves is key to answering those uncomfortable questions. The rationale which the illustrator, Vanessa Brantley-Newton, gave for the “happy slaves” imagery was that these enslaved folk, identified as “servants”, were proud and felt privileged to serve a man of such a great “stature”. In her plea for a middle ground, the author, Ramin Ganeshram, argued that not every enslaved person was in the middle of hell every single second, and therefore, smiling isn’t an unreasonable thing to suggest. I know Ganeshram, as do many in the black culinary scene. I have not dialogued with her about the book, nor have I had the opportunity to read it. Both the author and illustrator, are of color. On the surface, they are right on both counts. But why are we still uncomfortable, opposed and furious – even after the book has been pulled? Related: Scholastic pulls George Washington book over slave cake... Continue reading at 'The Guardian'
[ The Guardian | 2016-01-20 00:00:00 UTC ]
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The Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction has launched #ThisBookClub, a campaign to “celebrate the diversity of the modern day book club and the myriad ways that novels can bring people together”. The prize is partnering with fashion retailer Whistles and city bar chain All Bar One to deliver a... Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2015-05-18 00:00:00 UTC ]
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The 12th Thessaloniki Book Fair was a surprising success, though Greek publishers are frustrated with the lack of local support and international interest. The post Thessaloniki Book Fair: A Little Miracle with an Uncertain Future appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives
[ Publishing Perspectives | 2015-05-18 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Pakastani-born Canadian children's book author Rukhsana Khan explains how to leveraging appearances at book fairs for the greatest benefit and impact. The post A Canadian Author’s Adventures in International Book Marketing appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives
[ Publishing Perspectives | 2015-05-17 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Comic book-inspired films such as The Avengers have increased interest in comics in general, Christchurch comics fans say. Continue reading at Stuff
[ Stuff | 2015-05-17 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Author Giancarlo Gemin has won a Welsh book award for his debut children’s novel Cowgirl (Nosy Crow). The English language Tir na n-Og award, organised by the Welsh Books Council, and sponsored by Cilip Wales, is for the best English-language title with an authentic Welsh background. Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2015-05-16 00:00:00 UTC ]
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'Explainer,' the upcoming book by 'What If?' writer Munroe, is already near the top of bestseller lists despite not being published until November. Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor
[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2015-05-15 00:00:00 UTC ]
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When Penguin Random House announced recently that it had acquired world rights to the next two adult coloring books from Johanna Basford, the so-called queen of coloring, it was just the latest sign that the demand for coloring books in the U.S. is continuing to surge. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-05-15 00:00:00 UTC ]
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In this week's column agent Holly McGhee closes on her debut middle grade novel; British author Clare Mackintosh inks a two-book deal with Berkley; TV writer Ron McGee signs with HC Kids; and more. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-05-15 00:00:00 UTC ]
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This week: a book within a book, the end of the U.S. space program, and solitude in New York City. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-05-15 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Six years after Book Soup founder Glenn Goldman’s death, his iconic bookstore on Los Angeles’s Sunset Strip is getting ready to celebrate its 40th birthday over the June 12–14 weekend. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-05-15 00:00:00 UTC ]
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A writer who penned her first novel in her 40s is among three female authors shortlisted for the Desmond Elliott Prize for new fiction. Continue reading at BBC News
[ BBC News | 2015-05-15 00:00:00 UTC ]
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The strong US dollar, a struggling bookstore sector and a slowdown in government book acquisitions has pushed the Brazilian publishing sector into a crisis. The post What Happened to Brazil’s Booming Book Business? appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives
[ Publishing Perspectives | 2015-05-14 00:00:00 UTC ]
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The first title selected for the group is 'I'll Give You the Sun' by Jandy Nelson. Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor
[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2015-05-14 00:00:00 UTC ]
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This week in children's apps, an interactive travel guide that instructs in language and cooking. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-05-14 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Pan Macmillan’s Bluebird has acquired a “provocative, conversation-starting” book which presents a “pioneering new way to think about parenting” by child psychologist Dr Lisa Miller. Carole Tonkinson bought UK and Commonwealth rights to The Spiritual Child: The New Science on Parenting for... Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2015-05-14 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Sun, sand, and--sin? Shelve the beach reads for books that explore the shadows of evil-doing and guilt. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-05-13 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Passengers flying on Southwest Airlines will now be able to access frontlist ebooks, as well as excerpts from frontlist titles, from major publishers. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-05-13 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Emma Cox, a headteacher from Devon, has won this year’s New Children’s Author Prize, organised by the National Literacy Trust and Bloomsbury. Malkin Moonlight, chosen from a shortlist of six books, is about a cat who is looking for his friend Roux. He comes across a group of cats at a recycling... Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2015-05-13 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Connect Books is consulting with 12 people in its Bradford office as the company continues to improve the “efficiency and flexibility” of its library supply service. Bertrams, which supplies libraries on behalf of Connect Books, has headquarters in Norwich but also an office in Bradford which... Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2015-05-13 00:00:00 UTC ]
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India's Ritesh Batra is to direct the film adaptation of The Sense of an Ending, Julian Barnes' Booker-winning novel, with British actor Jim Broadbent in the lead. Continue reading at BBC News
[ BBC News | 2015-05-13 00:00:00 UTC ]
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