Before we get into this week’s newsletter, we at Young Adulting wish to express our heartbreak for the devastating humanitarian crisis ongoing in Gaza. Young Adulting has always striven to amplify children’s literature which fosters understanding and cultivates empathy. This is why we suggest reading WNDB’s 12 Children’s and YA Books by Palestinian Authors as well as this article by Palestinian-American author Rifk Ebeid, Using Literature to Give Children a Historic View of Palestine.
YAing Updates
In our November author spotlight, managing editor Hannah Luppe interviews children’s poet Richard Stevenson. Richard was born in Victoria and lived there until he was 28, when a teaching career took him to Nigeria, Vancouver, Lethbridge, and retirement in Nanaimo. He has published extensively, and has several books in his Cryptid, ET, and Fortean lore series forthcoming, including a trilogy, Cryptid Shindig: A Big Book of Creeps and Critters, An Abominable Swamp Slob Named Bob, Hairy Hullabaloo, and Eye to Eye with My Octopi.
As a kid, I was a collector: of feathers, rocks and minerals, fossils, fish and pets, books. Originally decided to work with the evolving legends and mythos of cryptozoology, ET and Fortean lore, the unexplained, often from the POV of creatures that would as soon slip Linnaeus’ system of genus and species nomenclature; avoid the worst monster on the planet, homo sapiens, for all the usual environmental reasons. Stay away from the top predator! I had my theme; away I went… .
We’ve also published some marvellous reviews. Here’s a recap:
- “The book also introduces fascinating scientific concepts in an accessible and engaging manner. It encourages young readers to observe the world around them, ask questions and foster their inquisitive minds. With informative yet comprehensible sentences, the text accommodates for both reading aloud and independent reading.” Zobia Alam reviews What Will I Discover by Tanya Lloyd Kyi, illus. Rachel Qiuqi
- “The pages are layered with colours that contrast with each other and stand out in a beautiful way, drawing the eye immediately across the pages. I was captivated by the illustrations of the Memekwesewak, who are drawn as little white creatures with pink mischievous faces and intricate designs circling their bodies.” Evelyn Hussey reviews The Song That Called Them Home by David A. Robertson, illus. by Maya McKibbin
- “While telling a tale of friendship between two very different unicorns, this book molds its subtle wisdom into metaphors that can guide young readers as they learn to confront the dark clouds they may find over their own heads.” Alicia L’Archevêque reviews Weather Together by Jessica Sima
While we are busy behind the scenes editing more reviews, we will be publishing reviews each Thursday. We will be back to posting two reviews a week as soon as possible!
Industry News
Young Adulting Review is accepting submissions! Our First Page Feature offers the chance for writers to feature the first page of their works-in-progress (ranging from Middle Grade to New Adult) in our monthly newsletter. Read our submission guidelines here and submit here. Submissions close January 31st.
The NCTE 2023 (National Council of Teachers of English) is bringing together thousands of educators, experts, authors, administrators, publishers, and others from November 16 to 19 in Columbus, Ohio. For those unable to attend, there are plenty of ways to get involved online, including Penguin School & Library’s virtual booth!
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
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