Evolution of a Writing Process by Donna Galanti :: Project Mayhem
Ingredients of Good Multicultural Historical Fiction: Psychology :: Mad About MG History
Writing Rules :: Writer Unboxed
That One Time When Linda Urban Put Me In My Place :: SharpRead
The Editorial Dance: Finding the Right Editor :: Darcy Pattison’s Fiction Notes
Sarah Aronson Talks Desserts, Playing, and Rebooting One’s Writing Career :: Greenhouse Literary
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Well, I had to immediately read Mr. Schu’s post just because the title was so intriguing and funny (The One Time When Linda Urban Put Me In My Place). Thank you! What Linda Urban said is so true. As a book reviewer, I’ve read too many dead parent books lately, but Linda Urban’s tweet reminds us all that for a kid picking up the book it might be the first such book they’ve ever encountered. And it might be just what they need right now.
Now I’m off to read some more of these links.
I’ve thought so much about Linda’s words these past few months. They’ve helped me solidify some of my ideas about children’s literature, actually. While I will always, always, always believe a good book is a good book for everyone, regardless of age (though not all books are for every reader, which is another discussion entirely), Linda has reminded me that children’s literature is first and foremost for children.
Of course I know this, but I think sometimes I bring an outside perspective (as both reader and writer) that doesn’t always serve the work best. If a book is truly for a young reader, what is it they will discover there? What am I willing to say that might feel trite or old news to the grow ups but will be new and important to young readers? Am I willing as a reader not to have my needs met first when I am reading middle grade?