Ai Weiwei vs. The LEGO Group: Are Multinational Corporations the New Big Brother?
The implications of LEGO's refusal to sell bulk bricks to Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei: Corporations are not democracies.
International Literature Shines at the USBBY Conference
I almost didn't attend the USBBY (United States Board of Books for Young People) conference this year, even though it was held in New York City, five subway stops from…
The “Americanizer” and Other Tales of Translation
A report on the "PEN Presents: Translating Books for Young Readers" panel at the Brooklyn Book Festival.
Talking About Translation at the 2015 Brooklyn Book Festival
A preview of my translating books for young readers panel at the Brooklyn Book Festival and my translations scheduled for 2016.
How Dystopian Fiction Draws From Current Events: Guest Post by Madeline Dyer
Author Madeline Dyer explores the appeal of dystopian YA novels and how using current events helps to create a successful dystopia.
Collaborative Storytelling with Lego
Ten days ago I spoke to groups of sixth through eighth graders at Hommocks Middle School in Mamaroneck, New York. Sponsored by the PTA for Autism Awareness Month, I talked…
Publication Day for The World in a Second
Celebrating the publication day of The World in a Second, the picture book I translated from Portuguese.
A We Need Diverse Books Weekend
A report on two events involving #WeNeedDiverseBooks, one focusing on young adult fiction, the other a picture book about a woman environmentalist in the Gambia
What? Is This a Joke?
The work of my friend Beverly Slapin leads to a discussion of humor and satire and the importance of dialogue rather than censorship.
I Am Charlie
Pictures and thoughts on freedom of expression and the deadly attack aimed to silence the satiric French newspaper Charlie Hebdo.