Happy June! This month we bring you exciting author interviews, fun summer reading lists, and lively virtual events for author and readers. Cozy up with your favourite mug of (iced) tea, and happy reading!
YAing Updates
We will be taking a break from posting reviews and newsletter over the summer as we work on developing some exciting new things behind-the-scenes. Our regular reviews and newsletter publishing schedule will resume in September. Author interviews will continue to be published monthly through the summer.
In our June author spotlight, we interview YA author Sabina Khan. She talks about her writing inspirations and shares words of support for BIPOC authors.
“Don’t give up even when it feels like there’s no place for your stories. There is. And when you finally put them out there, they will reach the readers who need them the most. Always believe that your stories are important and your voice is needed. Surround yourself with other BIPOC writers and you will find support, encouragement, and friendship.” 5 Questions for Sabina Khan
Industry News
Beloved children’s book illustrator and author Eric Carle passed away on May 23rd at the age of 91. Carle created over 70 children’s books, with his best-known work being The Very Hungry Caterpillar. To create his unique illustration style, Carle used a collage technique, where he cut hand-painted papers and layered them to build bright, engaging, and energetic characters and images. He said that he often received art mailed to him from children of their own collage art. Carle thought deeply about children and their relationship to learning about the world. Thank you, Eric Carle, for giving young readers the gifts of stories and art that they will cherish forever.
“With many of my books I attempt to bridge the gap between the home and school. To me home represents, or should represent; warmth, security, toys, holding hands, being held. School is a strange and new place for a child. Will it be a happy place? There are new people, a teacher, classmates—will they be friendly?
I believe the passage from home to school is the second biggest trauma of childhood; the first is, of course, being born. Indeed, in both cases we leave a place of warmth and protection for one that is unknown. The unknown often brings fear with it. In my books I try to counteract this fear, to replace it with a positive message. I believe that children are naturally creative and eager to learn. I want to show them that learning is really both fascinating and fun.”
Eric Carle’s Biography
Youth Resources for Reading and Writing
- Children’s Books for Father’s Day reading list by Publisher’s Weekly
- June Reading List, by the Book Centre
- Writers in the Classroom program goes to the end of June. Presented by the Vancouver Writer’s Fest to connect Canadian authors with students.
Upcoming Events
- Authors, looking for a place to read? Read at the Fringe Literary Contest, Applications Due June 15, 11:59 p.m.! Prizes available.
- Another Story Bookshop has a variety of wonderful virtual events this week and next week. Check out their events calendar to learn more.
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.
Take care, and happy reading,
The Young Adulting Editors
YOUNG ADULTING 