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Hilary Duff has signed a multi-book deal with Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. 

The first novel, Elixir, will be published in October of this year. 

There is also a nonfiction title in the deal which will be about divorce.  It is due to be published in 2012.

Once again we can hope that a celebrity can actually write.

Penguin Young Readers will be publishing a new series for children by John Grisham.  The series is entitled Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer and features a 13-year-old protagonist who is the son of two attorneys.  The new series is for ages 8-12.

This first book in the series is due out in June.

Grisham has a forthcoming legal thriller for adults due out in October.

As a librarian, we are hearing lots of people shouting that with the Kindle and now the iPad publishing and libraries are dead.  So it is wonderful and warming to read Katherine Paterson’s response to the iPad being called a “book-killer.” 

I’m storing this one away for those cloudy, bleak days when I tire of arguing that libraries and books will live on.  I consider it a battery charger for advocates.

Wow, I did not see that coming!  I am very pleasantly surprised.  What a lovely choice!

Katherine Paterson has written some of my favorite children’s books.  Note to self: must include at least one in my list for Fuse #8’s Top 100 Children’s Fiction. 

I adore two of her books in particular.  One from the 1980s, Jacob Have I Loved has so much going for it.  Rivalry, drama, tension, complex family relationships and beautiful writing that can carry such a strong story with ease.

The other is Paterson’s latest, The Day of the Pelican, which speaks to the plight of modern refugees.  It is a thin volume with such an important story.  You can see my review here.

Congratulations to Ms. Paterson may she reign with the same heroism and strength we see in her novels. 

First, let’s all be pronouncing his name correctly, which I hadn’t been for years and years until I listened to this. 

Jon brings such a manic glee and joy to children’s literature.  As a children’s librarian many years ago, I loved putting his books into the hands of skeptical older children and seeing their faces light up when they read the first pages.  There was an instant kinship, a connection, a silliness.  His books are infectious in the very best way.   Ideally shared with others, they spread viral laughter everywhere.

Better than handing the books to children was to get the opportunity to read them aloud to third through fifth graders.  Those grades where pulling a picture book out of your bad draws groans and an assumption that you don’t understand them.  A misapprehension that disappears as it is replaced with delight.

They are part of my never-fail pile, my go-to books that speak to everyone and light up the room.

So Bravo Jon Scieszka.  Bravo!

Image by theunquietlibrarian via Flickr

Syracuse.com has an interview with YA author, Laurie Halse Anderson who has had a year filled with censorship challenges to her novels. 

She speaks about teens and their needs, honesty in writing, and much more.

If that doesn’t tempt you, then follow the link to see the incredible window she has in her new writing space.  GORGEOUS! 

Very sad news that the incredible author Norma Fox Mazer has lost her battle with brain cancer.

Thank you to Julie Larios at Jacket Knack.

I am sorry to tell of the sad news of Karla Kuskin’s death at age 77.  She was the author of fifty books for children and winner of many honors. 

My favorite of her books is The Philharmonic Gets Dressed, illustrated by Marc Simont.  It’s from 1982 and I knew many teachers who used it in their classrooms annually.  Lovely musical stuff.

I also really enjoyed Traces her recent book with Paula Fox which looks at the traces left behind by animals and objects.  Again, just lovely.

Anthony Browne is the new British Children’s Laureate.  He is taking over from Michael Rosen and is the 6th person to hold the position.  Known for his gorillas, Browne has published nearly 40 titles.  In 2000, Browne was the first British children’s author to win the Hans Christian Andersen Medal.  Browne will be laureate for 2 years. 

What a wonderful choice!  You can check out some of his work in an online gallery.  I look forward to seeing what he brings to this unique role.

Judy Blume is controversial?!  Say it ain’t so! 

Judy Blume is liberal?  You are kidding me!

Please, can we get past the fact that Judy Blume is not only controversial and liberal but also a very strong voice and advocate for women’s rights?  It’s a no duh sort of thing.  But obviously some in the pro-life movement were surprised like Steven Ertelt of LifeNews.com.  He opens his article railing against Judy Blume’s letter of support for Planned Parenthood with:

Famous children’s author Judy Blume is no stranger to controversy, but she’s added to herself to a list of people who will be remembered for something more devastating.

He goes on to solicit complaints about her support for Planned Parenthood.  Which is just fine.  You go use that freedom of speech!

But remember that critical thing about free speech!  It swings both ways and Blume’s fans have decided to express their support of her stance.  You can find it on Twitter and Facebook.  Planned Parenthood said on Friday that Blume has received over 25,000 messages of support.  This compares to the 300 emails against Blume’s support.

Blume was one of those authors in my childhood that I read again and again.  My mother bought me my own copies of the books which was a big deal for a family living on a small teacher’s salary.  I started to list my favorite books of hers, but it became her bibliography.  I never did read Forever as a teen or preteen because by that point I was reading adult fiction.  Funny since now as an adult I read teen and children’s fiction!

Please add your voice of support for Blume, or your voice against her support if that’s how you feel.  Free speech and the freedom to read is what it’s all about.