I ran across a blog a while ago and rediscovered it tonight, rummaging through my inbox. How appropriate, I thought, since I just finished writing Tukaa’s Tale, a spin-off of The Story of Q, my tween trilogy.
It appears that too many recent books fall short of young people’s expectations, causing them to lose interest in reading. Authors (libraries are guilty too) have taken the joy out of the equation and placed it on the back burner. Instead, their focus lies with dealing with today’s issues – child abuse, failed relationships, war, etc. While we may want our children to be aware of history and the world around them, shouldn’t childhood also be filled with wonder, enchantment, imagination and escape? They are only kids for so long, and in today’s world, that seems to be even shorter because they are bombarded with conflict daily.
When I was young, the library became a staple in my life. My parents encouraged it and brought me there on a regular basis. It was a place of wonder and escape. Where did I want to go today and what did I want to explore? I adored books like the Wizard of Oz because they let my imagination fly to higher altitudes, and I hope that my books will give children that same feeling.
Looks like my publications’ timing may be spot on!
P.S. Tukaa’s Tale has an expected release date of 9-1-2024
It’s important, as library workers and as authors, publishers, and book promoters that we’re mindful of the subtext of the messages behind what gets promoted and what gets de-emphasized. I’m a firm believer in Ranganathan’s laws of library science, the first three of which are
jessamyn
Books are for use.
Every person their book.
Every book its reader.
