Hello, Dear Readers. We are sure enjoying these bright, near-summery days, and we hope you are too. Has anyone gotten started on their summer reading lists yet?
YAing Updates
This month, we’ve reviewed a host of picture books and graphic novels. Check out reviews of The Rock from the Sky by Jon Klassen, Outside Art by Madeline Kloepper, Butterflies Are Pretty… Gross! by Rosemary Mosco, illus. by Jacob Souva, Catherine’s War by Julia Billet, illus. By Claire Fauvel, and Maya’s Big Scene by Isabelle Arsenault.
In our monthly author spotlight for May we interview author Tash McAdam. They share their experiences writing hi-lo, as well as publishing, and more.
“I published the Psionics with a small press because no one else wanted it. I was querying for quite a while, and had several agents respond that they were skeptical about their ability to sell a queer narrative that wasn’t about being queer. Now we are seeing many more queer and trans authors writing in all different genres, and we should be supporting those people.” 5 Questions for Tash McAdam.
Finally, we have transitioned out newsletters to a monthly newsletter, to be published on the 2nd Monday of each month.
Summer Reading
Is it too early to be thinking about reading on the beach? Here’s some fascinating book lists, continuing our focus on picture books this month. As well as a bonus article about mindful reading that we wanted to share with you:
- 65 Canadian picture books to check out in spring 2021 from CBC Books
- May Reading List: Celebrate Asian Heritage Month with AAPI Books We Love from the Canadian Children’s Book Centre
- How to Read Less (For Real) from Book Riot (we like their suggestion to review what you read!)
News
The 2020 Governor General’s Literary Awards have been announced! The Young People’s Literature – Text category finalists and winners included Pine Island Home by Polly Horvath—you can find our review of Pine Island Home, here.
Events
- The inaugural U.S. Book Show, a three-day virtual conference produced and hosted by Publishers Weekly, will be held virtually from May 25–27. Get a sneak peek on forthcoming titles for young readers to be presented at panels, and hear from their authors!
- The VPL’s Writing & Book Camp 2021 is now open for registration! For teens ages 10-18, the inclusive program welcomes youth who want to try creative writing for the first time, aspiring authors with mountains of manuscripts, and everyone in between!
As always, please do send us your news related to children’s and young adult literature at young.adulting@ubc.ca so we can feature them in future newsletters. Going forward, our newsletters will be published on the 2nd Monday of each month.
Take care, and happy reading,
The Young Adulting Editors
YOUNG ADULTING 