55,000 Young Readers Have Spoken!

The Children's Book Council announced the recipients of the first annual Children's Choice Book Awards yesterday. Around 55,000 children nationwide selected their favorite author, illustrator, and books:

Author of the Year
J. K. Rowling for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Illustrator of the Year
Ian Falconer for Olivia Helps with Christmas

Books of the Year
Grades K–2: Frankie Stein by Lola M. Schaefer and illustrated by Kevan Atteberry
Grades 3–4: Big Cats by Elaine Landau
Grades 5–6: Encyclopedia Horrifica by Joshua Gee

Congratulations to all the winners!

Interesting Judy Blume Clip

Judy Blume, author of several of the most frequently "challenged" children's books ever, talks about censorship. I knew about Forever, Deenie, and Are You There God? It's Me Margaret . . . but Tales of a Fourth-Grade Nothing too? Really?



Blume has also said:

“[I]t's not just the books under fire now that worry me. It is the books that will never be written. The books that will never be read. And all due to the fear of censorship. As always, young readers will be the real losers.”

Yikes, I Have a Blog

Just had a moment in which I remembered I had a blog. That can't be good for the blog's health.

I am simply buried in work (class, textbook, lesson plans, illustrated books) and mired in personal business (read: none of yours) right now — so there's nothing to do but hope I remember the blog again soon. I miss it when I think of it!