It’s finally April! And while the dreaded end of term draws near, so too does summer! We here at Young Adulting hope you’ve been squeezing in a good book or two during this busy time of year. If you need recommendations, we’ve got you covered!
YAing Updates
First, let’s start with what’s been going on here at Young Adulting this month! In our April author spotlight, editor Hannah Luppe interviews Kelley Armstrong, #1 New York Times bestselling author of three trilogies for teens: the Darkest Powers; Darkness Rising; and Age of Legends. Kelley talks readers, writing process, and publishing advice:
One tidbit that I think is important to pass on is that it’s not a closed industry. Unpublished writers often fear that they aren’t getting picked up because publishers don’t want new writers or new material. The truth is that editors are always looking for new work. They want to find new authors. The trick is getting your work to the person who falls in love with what you’ve written, and that can take time. One rejection is just one opinion.
5 Questions for Kelley Armstrong
We’ve also published some marvellous reviews since I last wrote you! Here’s a recap:
- “I appreciate how the author manages the topic of addiction without judgment or rationalization. Her representation of family is tender without being sappy, and her powerful depiction of first love is the spark of light in this story that is packed with so many broken promises.” Deborah Vail reviews Double or Nothing by Brooke Carter
- “Luckily, the boy’s story leads by example, reiterating the importance of taking a step back to see your muses in a new way, appreciating the creative journey just as much as the result.” Alicia L’Archevêque reviews The Boy and the Mountain by Mario Bellini, illus. Marianna Coppo
- “The novel is an action-packed learning resource for anyone who enjoys uncovering the secrets and possibilities of our galaxy, as well as for those who are just as imaginative as they are pragmatic.” GiGi Kang reviews Mission to Mars by Eric Walters
Check back every Tuesday and Thursday for more reviews of upcoming and new releases!
Industry News
Events
A reminder that registration is now open for the 2023 BCLA Library Conference! The conference will be held from April 12 – April 14 at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel, with a theme of Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors.
Author Jessica Scott Kerrin has designed a practical, six-week creative writing workshop for teens that will show how to harness the driving power of words and the pleasure of writing stories. The series will be delivered (virtually) on Saturdays, from April 22 to May 27 (11:00 am to 12:00 pm AST). Learn more and register here!
OwlKids Books is hosting a plethora of contests for kids this month! OWL’s Superhero You Contest allows kids to draw themselves as a superhero and describe their skills. Three winners will receive a Splendor: Marvel board game! Chirp’s Colour Contest is for the young artists of the world—send in a colourful drawing for a chance to win a Crayola Prize Pack! And finally, Chickadee’s Draw Bruno Contest offers three winners the chance to receive a Klutz LEGO Gear Bots Set. All three of these contests have a deadline of April 15! Check out this link to see all of OwlKids upcoming contests!
Canadian Children’s Book Week celebrates Canadian children’s books and the importance of reading—and it’s taking place from April 30 to May 6. This year’s theme is “Read Together, Grow Together,” and authors and illustrators will be visiting schools and libraries to offer talks and workshops. Learn more about the event here!
From April 20 to April 27, the CCBC will be hosting a virtual silent auction! Prizes will include author visits, tickets to performing arts events, Canadian books for young people (of course!), art, and much more. Get more information and access the auction here!
Submissions
A reminder that Young, Black and Lit is hosting a family writing contest, where 10 lucky winners and their caregiver will be selected to be published in a collection of short stories and essays! The contest will run until May 1st, and is open to kids from Kindergarten to 8th grade. Please note that this contest is only open to those who live in the United States. Find out more and apply here!
Owlkids Books is issuing an open call for submissions of picture book, early fiction, and non-fiction manuscripts from BIPOC authors. You can submit your manuscript by April 30 to open.call@owlkids.com, using the following subject line: OPEN CALL SUBMISSION.
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 Mondays of each month. And remember to keep up with us on Twitter and Instagram!
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