Social Action

Book Bannings: Seeking Sanity in a Dangerous Time

As book bannings escalate, we look at the real issues underpinning these movements, and provide advice for writers worried about being caught in the crossfire. 

Kidlit Social #79: Chris Barton on Supporting Teachers & Free Expression in the Classroom

On this episode, Laura welcomes Chris Barton, author of 23 books including the New York Times Bestseller Shark vs. Train. Chris discusses a vitally important topic: How authors can actively support libraries, teachers and free expression in the classroom.

He also offers tips for writing compelling fiction and nonfiction picture books, and share insights into the creation of his newest books Moving Forward: From Space-Age Rides to Civil Rights Sit-Ins with Airman Alton Yates, How to Make a Book (About My Dog) and Fire Truck vs. Dragon.

 

Kidlit Social #74: Author J.F. Fox on What Everyone Can Do to Save School Libraries

Meet author, school book committee chairperson, mother and library advocate J.F. (Jenny) Fox. Jenny’s on a quest to save school libraries from drastic funding cuts, and she has some easy to follow steps everyone can take right now that will make a big difference.

 

Kidlit Social #73: Wildlife Author Laurel Neme on Building a Writing Career Around Your Passions

Meet wildlife author and journalist Laurel Neme, author of ANIMAL INVESTIGATORS: How the World’s First Wildlife Forensics Lab is Solving Crimes and Saving Endangered Species, which has been featured on ABC News Nightline and NPR’s Science Friday.

She was just nominated (by National Geographic) for a Pulitzer Prize in International Reporting, together with her colleague, Jeff Barbee, for their series of articles on oil drilling in the Okavango. Laura and Laurel chat about how to use your passions to establish yourself as a specialist/expert in magazine and book publications (and build a career around those passions) and Laurel’s research techniques.

 

These Children Desperately Need Books. Can You Join Us In Helping Them?

We’re raising funds to help stock the library shelves of educational centers in some of India’s most impoverished areas. These are for children living under extreme conditions in mud huts with no electricity or plumbing, largely within the poorest of communities in India – the Dalits (also known as the Untouchables).  These children do not own any books.  Their parents are mostly illiterate and are daily wage earners who have suffered financially from the ongoing lockdowns in India.  Together, we can give these kids the gift of imagination, adventure and learning. 

Kidlit Distancing Social #50 Replay: Michelle Schaub on Concept Books, Picture Books & Poetry

In this episode, we chatted with award-winning children’s author & veteran teacher Michelle Schaub about two fascinating topics: How to make concept books come alive by building layers, and using poetry to boost literacy.

 

Kidlit Distancing Social #11 – Patrice Williams Marks on How Sensitivity Readers Can Help Writers

Author, screenwriter and sensitivity reader Patrice Williams Marks shares how all writers can respectfully and constructively become part of a new global discussion on fairness, equality and justice for all.

 

Using Children’s Books to Promote Inclusion of Children with Disabilities & Differing Needs

Occupation therapist Karen Dobyns shared this fantastic presentation, with lots to chew for educators, parents, advocates and children’s writers.

 

Literacy Crisis: More than 600 Million Children Falling Behind in Math & Reading

A new UNESCO report declares that 250 million of the world’s 650 million primary school age children cannot read, write or do basic math.

 

It’s time to take action.

 

The World Is Now Ours. A Children’s Writing Vision for the 21st Century

  Laura and I have been teaching people how to become successful children’s authors for close to 25 years. It’s a rich and wonderful way to spend one’s life, and we’re grateful for every moment.   But with the publishing industry in upheaval and new technologies arriving daily, I’ll admit to some troubled moments of […]