Category: Authors
Happy Birthday Richelle Mead
Imagine you’re an author, in the middle of writing an international bestselling YA book series about vampires, when you find out that that same book series has been banned from one school district. Banned in its entirety. But wait. You’re not finished with the series yet. Is this school district really banning books…before they are even published?
Happy Birthday, Rudolfo Anaya
Anaya’s pioneering authorship introduced readers to engaging aspects of contemporary Chicano culture, a world that I can’t imagine not ever becoming familiar with.
Happy Birthday, Ellen Wittlinger!
Despite the frustrations from that book challenge, Wittlinger hasn’t shied away from writing about these tough, but important, topics that relate to teenagers. Her novels written since Sandpiper was challenged tackle everything from LGBTQIA issues, suicide, religion and spirituality, and the universal search for love and belonging.
Breaking the Silence: an interview with Ruta Sepetys, author of hidden histories
Readers around the world are eagerly anticipating historical fiction novelist Ruta Sepetys’s new book, The Fountains of Silence, to be published on October 1, 2019. Read an interview with the author to learn more about the setting of her newest example of hidden history, life under dictator General Francisco Franco in Spain after the Spanish Civil War.
Alex Gino Shares What it’s Like to Author the #1 Most Banned Book
By: guest contributor Alex Gino. “Censorship of my writing is both so upsetting and unsurprising that it can be hard to talk about.”
Happy Birthday JK Rowling
While many of Rowling’s characters are good role models for her readers, she is also a great role model herself. She shows that personal struggles are nothing to be ashamed of, and that they can be overcome – and in fact, you can even go on to help others. It is fortunate that libraries continue to ensure that children have access to books and authors, including Rowling and Harry Potter, that can inspire them even when those books are challenged.
Happy Birthday, Susie Hinton!
Since her first novel was published in 1967, S.E. Hinton has been beloved by youth for creating relatable characters and tenderly writing hard truths. Her books continue to be enjoyed by avid and reluctant readers, to be taught in classrooms, and to be challenged by would-be censors.
Happy Birthday, Juno Dawson!
Juno Dawson, renowned author of 17 books and columnist, celebrates her birthday on July 10.
Happy Belated Birthday, Jean Craighead George!
George was an adventurer. Born into a family of naturalists, she spent much of her time camping near the Potomac River, observing the local flora and fauna, and learning valuable wilderness skills. Her love of nature and the hours spent exploring the outdoors eventually inspired over 100 books, including 1960 Newberry Honor, My Side of the Mountain, and 1973 Newberry winner Julie of the Wolves.
Maurice Sendak and the Librarians: When Censorship Came From Within
Maurice Sendak’s 1970 book In the Night Kitchen is a dreamy book about a naked little boy named Mickey working to keep from getting baked in a cake. But from the moment the book was published and continuing into the 21st century, Mickey’s nudity has unsettled reviewers, parents and even some librarians.