Wishing you a happy happy new year from all of us here at Young Adulting! Here’s to a 2023 full of more fantastic reviews, news, and interviews. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning, or are just now joining us, welcome!! We have some exciting plans in store for our little corner of the internet this year, and we can’t wait to share them with you. So, without further ado, here’s the latest in the children’s and young adult publishing industry!
YAing Updates
First, let’s start with what’s been happening at Young Adulting these past few months! In our January author spotlight we interview award-winning author Mahtab Narsimhan who has written numerous acclaimed books in the fantasy, horror, mystery, and contemporary genres. Mahtab talks influential reads, connections between authors and readers, and the importance of just sitting in the chair and writing:
While I was in school, I didn’t meet any authors. Like so many of my generation, I always thought anyone who’d written a book was dead, or in a tall tower. Totally unapproachable. When I immigrated to Canada and took up writing for children, I finally met the authors of books I’ve read and loved. It was such an eye-opening experience to know they were ordinary people, like me, who had the talent and the discipline to work hard and publish books.
5 Questions with Mahtab Narsimhan
We’ve also published some marvellous reviews since I last wrote you! Here’s a recap:
- “From “clear blue skies,” “emerald seas,” and “purple hues of night,” the author-illustrator uses stunning descriptions to allow the reader to conjure up their own imagery.” Charlotte Mundy reviews My Favorite Color by Aaron Becker
- “A Wilderness of Stars features a strong, brave female protagonist in a dystopian world trying to save her people. Vega could have been the next Katniss or Tris – and perhaps for many readers, she will be.” Lisa Matthewson reviews A Wilderness of Stars by Shea Ernshaw
- “Brooke Carter’s Star Eaters is a light and approachable read that offers important themes of staying true to oneself.” Charlotte Mundy reviews Star Eaters by Brooke Carter
- “From Camilla, readers can learn the value of looking beyond conformity and seeking out their own beliefs, where the fortune lies not in fitting in but finding themselves.” Makenna Vanegas reviews A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon
Industry News
The American Library Association’s LibLearnX runs from January 27th to January 30th. This conference takes place in New Orleans, LA, and offers guest speakers from renowned children’s and young adult authors, as well as events discussing the children’s and young adult publishing industry. Even if you’re unable to attend the event in New Orleans, they still offer an extensive digital experience with on-demand access to sessions through February 28th!
The submission deadline for the 2023 TD Book Giveaway is January 13! Supported by TD Bank Group, The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) invites all Canadian publishers to submit Canadian picture books for the 2023 TD Grade One Book Giveaway. They are looking for a picture book written by a Canadian author, illustrated by a Canadian illustrator, and published by a Canadian publisher. Check out their page for more information!
Canadian Children’s Book Week will be happening from April 30 to May 6, 2023, and allows young readers to connect with highly acclaimed and emerging authors, illustrators, and storytellers. You can find the list of who is touring in your area here. Your school, library, or community centre can apply to take part! Applications are due by January 13!
Don’t forget about the Chocolate Lily Book Awards as they are currently accepting submissions for their 2023 award! This opportunity is open until January 31, 2023 and is available for authors and illustrators of children’s fiction who are residents of BC. Check out the submission details here.
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. Our newsletter is published on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month. And remember to keep up with us on Twitter and Instagram!
Take care, and happy reading,
The Young Adulting Editors
YOUNG ADULTING 