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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IPR License and agent Lucy Abrahams look at the Poland, one of Europe's dynamic developing book markets, one with huge potential but also many challenges. The post Poland’s Book Market Has Big Potential, Many Challenges appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives
[ Publishing Perspectives | 2015-04-13 00:00:00 UTC ]
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As the expansion of ebook sales slow down, enthusiasm for both paperbacks and hardcovers remains strongA former tannery has been magicked into an arts venue, the lights have been dimmed, and a roomful of publishing executives are sitting on creaky wooden floors, cross-legged or knees scrunched... Continue reading at The Guardian
[ The Guardian | 2015-04-11 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Random House Books has bought a book about the importance of spending time alone. Senior editor Harry Scoble bought UK and Commonwealth rights to Solitude by Michael Harris from Anne McDermid at Anne McDermid and Associates. Harris’ début, The End of Absence (Portfolio Penguin), explored the... Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2015-04-11 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Phoenix Yard Books has acquired the world English rights to publish a series of colouring books from Dutch publisher BBNC. The range, which will be launched in May, includes three books for adults - The One and Only Colouring Book For Adults, The Second One and Only Colouring Book For Adults... Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2015-04-11 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Simon & Schuster has promoted Gill Richardson to the role of sales director, as Elv Moody steps down from the position of editorial director of children's fiction. Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2015-04-11 00:00:00 UTC ]
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The success of the second standalone Children’s Institute last year in San Antonio, Tex., paved the way for a third educational conference for children’s booksellers this spring in Pasadena, Calif. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-04-10 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Last year was the 40th anniversary of Berkeley publisher North Atlantic Books, and the 50th anniversary of Io, the alternative literary journal that marked the company’s beginnings. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-04-10 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Kindle for Android wants to train your brain along with serving as your go-to e-Reader.Version 4.11, which is rolling out through the Play Store, brings in a feature called Word Wise, which pops up hints above words that Kindle thinks may be challenging. The goal is to give you confidence to... Continue reading at PC World
[ PC World | 2015-04-10 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Below is a list of the most recent books by writers attending the author reception, the Scholastic Meet & Treat party, and/or the opening reception with members of #WeNeedDiverseBooks, cosponsored by PW. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-04-10 00:00:00 UTC ]
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To listen to the Audio Book Club discussion of How To Be Both, click the arrow on the player below. Continue reading at Slate
[ Slate | 2015-04-10 00:00:00 UTC ]
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This week: our future in space, Chigozie Obioma's wonderful debut novel, and new Amelia Gray. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-04-10 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Smith takes a ‘Honeymoon’ at Other Press and more in this week's notable book deals. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-04-10 00:00:00 UTC ]
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The publishing veteran and author of seven books about St. Francis of Assisi has been tapped to head Franciscan Media Books, the nonprofit publishing arm of the Franciscan Friars of St. John the Baptist. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-04-10 00:00:00 UTC ]
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With the book fair just days away, a number of major sales have closed in the U.S., among them the acquisition of a debut novel, by a 25-year-old, for a rumored seven figures. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-04-10 00:00:00 UTC ]
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AP Editions will release titles about current events and global personalities based on the work of AP reporters stationed throughout the world. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-04-10 00:00:00 UTC ]
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After years of asking mainstream publishers for ebooks to be bundled with physical books, a small group of indie booksellers have gotten their wish. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly
[ Publishers Weekly | 2015-04-10 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter Liz Cheney plan to publish "Exceptional: Why the World Needs a Powerful America" on Sept. 1. Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor
[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2015-04-09 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Oyster, the subscription ebook startup that has been slowly persuading publishers to embrace the Netflix model for books, has now ventured into the ebook retail business: On Wednesday, the... To view the full story, click the title link. Continue reading at Crains New York
[ Crains New York | 2015-04-09 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Japanese writer Haruki Murakami makes the shortlist for 2015's Independent Foreign Fiction Prize, alongside newly-translated authors from Equatorial Guinea and Colombia. Continue reading at BBC News
[ BBC News | 2015-04-09 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Weidenfeld & Nicolson (W&N) will be the masthead sponsor of this year’s inaugural London Book & Screen Week. The sponsorship will give W&N exclusive branding across all online and print collateral for London Book & Screen Week, as well as mobile branding in the form of... Continue reading at The Bookseller
[ The Bookseller | 2015-04-09 00:00:00 UTC ]
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