Tomorrow is a big day, at least for those in the world of children’s books.
In Dallas, at 7:45 am, CT, the American Library Association (ALA) will announce winning books in their children and young adult award program. The books, authors and illustrators who are honored, including those earning Caldecott and Newbery Medals, will catapult to a new level of fame.
During the past several years, there has been a loud conversation about the dark side emerging in young adult literature. I wonder, though, if all the talk has missed the point that not only are teens reading books, but these titles, often with an overlay of adult themes, offer an ideal opportunity to discuss important issues with kids.
Perhaps we’ve been too busy shaking our heads, missing a major opportunity for conversations of significance.
