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.
On Flags and Diverse Books: How We Can Make a Difference
The removal of the Confederate flag from the Capitol grounds in South Carolina and an open letter to Jet Blue underscore the power of activism.
Pursuing the Hybrid Option
In an essay for School Library Journal, Zetta Elliott makes a strong argument for self-publishing to achieve true diversity in children's publishing.
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.
What Can You Do with $900 Million?
A response to the Koch Brothers' pledge to spend $900 million on the 2016 election, comparing the new business elite to the robber barons of the past century.
I Am Charlie
Pictures and thoughts on freedom of expression and the deadly attack aimed to silence the satiric French newspaper Charlie Hebdo.
What Part of “Black Lives Matter” Don’t You Understand?
Police killings of unarmed black men is a human rights issue in a country in which some people live in democracy and others in a police state.
I Celebrate Buy Nothing Day
My reasons for observing Buy Nothing Day instead of Black Friday, along with a review of a YA novel that explores the global consequences of buying stuff.
Reclaiming Our History: The Colorado Student Walkouts
A response to the Jefferson County, Colorado school board's effort to teach obedience rather than history, and the student walkout that ensued.
Supporting Kid Lit Equality
Last spring #WeNeedDiverseBooks came into being as a result of the lack of progress in diversifying the children's publishing industry, as exemplified by a major BookCon panel that featured only…