Mitali Perkins's Blog, page 60
March 25, 2009
Sites for the Statistically Savvy
Yesterday we noted that less than half of children's books featuring African American content and protagonists were created by African American authors and illustrators.We also saw that less than a quarter of children's books featuring American Indian content and protagonists came from American Indian creators.
Given these startling statistics, I thought it would be timely to remind my Fire Escape visitors of four great sites to bookmark:
Debbie Reese's American Indians in Children's Literature: C
March 24, 2009
A Familiar Refrain
"Why are children's books still so white?" we asked on the Fire Escape last year, and the year before. This year, the CCBC released their 2008 statistics about race and children's books, and once again we repeat the question like a mantra.Keep in mind that recent U.S. Department of Education statistics show that whites make up 56% of total school enrollment, Latinos 21%, blacks 17%, Asian 5%, and Native Americans 1%. Okay, ready? Of the 3,000 or so titles received at the Center:
172 books (or onl
March 23, 2009
Encouragement For Writer Wannabes
I met twitter buddy @mommyniri for a chai and chat. She asked for two-minute off the cuff advice, so here it is -- my three Rs of surviving this vocation:
Come visit me on the Fire Escape![image error]
Come visit me on the Fire Escape![image error]
March 9, 2009
White Space Needed
I'm commandeering creativity from blogging and status updates this week and next to focus on my article for next month's School Library Journal and my revision of BAMBOO PEOPLE for Charlesbridge. Be back soon!
More White Space Please courtesy of Herruwe via Creative CommonsCome visit me on the Fire Escape![image error]
March 8, 2009
rgz LIVE! with Mary Pearson
This month's featured novel is THE ADORATION OF JENNA FOX by the one and only Mary E. Pearson. Haven't read the book yet? Here's why the reviewers think you should:
"Outstanding examination of identity." - Kirkus, starred review
"Gripping...seamless..." - School Library Journal, starred review
"Expert plotting." - Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Quite literally breathtaking." - Kliatt, audio starred review
Optioned by 20th Century Fox for a feature film
As part of our reaMarch 6, 2009
Operation Teen Book Drop 2009
On April 16th, 2009, thanks to readergirlz, GuysLitWire, YALSA, and publishers of YA books, teen patients in pediatric hospitals across the United States will receive 8,000 new novels, audiobooks, and graphic novels as part of Operation Teen Book Drop 2009.I'll be hauling a box of books over to Boston Children's Hospital and strewing copies of SECRET KEEPER at T-stops and in post offices. You, too, can be a part of this nationwide book drop. Readergirlz is inviting YA readers and authors to leav
March 5, 2009
The Truth About Book Covers
Most authors have little to do with book jackets. It's strange because a good cover can spur sales while a boring cover can kill your book, especially when it comes to teen readers. Not to mention the fear of an artist usurping power by representing a character differently than the author imagined, or adding stuff to the plot that simply isn't there.
But a novel is a collaborative process from start to finish, and authors have to trust editors, art directors, designers, and artists with book cov
But a novel is a collaborative process from start to finish, and authors have to trust editors, art directors, designers, and artists with book cov
March 4, 2009
SECRET KEEPER Reviews, News, Events
School Library Journal liked my newest novel:
Yesterday, Françoise Bui, my editor at Delacorte, called to tell me that the book has sold nicely (whew) since pub date of 1/16. We expressed our mutual delight that SECRET KEEPER is going to be transl
Well-developed characters, funny dialogue, and the authentic depiction of spunky Asha’s longing for romance and female self-determination, set in a culture that restrains women’s choices, make this book an attractive pick for teenage girls.Thanks, SLJ!
Yesterday, Françoise Bui, my editor at Delacorte, called to tell me that the book has sold nicely (whew) since pub date of 1/16. We expressed our mutual delight that SECRET KEEPER is going to be transl
March 3, 2009
Vocabulary For Conversations About Race
Lately, it seems that every word or phrase related to race sounds wrong or laden in certain circles. It matters who uses which words or qualifiers, and I worry that I'll get in trouble if I don't know the rules. Who makes the rules, anyway, and why do my teens seem to know them way before I do?It might seem safer not to enter the discussion, but safety isn't always a good priority for an industry during times of change. The best way to innovate is to give each other freedom to make mistakes, and
March 2, 2009
Wanted: Tough Questions About Diversity in Children's Books
I'm moderating a panel at the New England Society for Children's Writers and Illustrators Annual Conference this Spring. Panelists include:
Jennifer Laughran, bookseller, blogger, and agentFloyd Cooper, 2009 Coretta Scott King award-winning illustratorLouise May, Editor-in-Chief, Lee and Low BooksBobbie Combs, Publisher, Two Lives PressI want the session to be salty, fun, and enlightening, and I need your help. Which changes, trends, achievements, and challenges in the industry would you hope to
