Book News You Can Use 7/4/14

 

I was heartbroken to find out about the passing of Walter Dean Myers.  For YEARS, he was one of the very few authors (especially in Young Adult fiction) who wrote about African-American kids and kids that didn't fit the cookie-cutter image of America.  Before their was #weneeddiversebooks and before social media even excised, he wrote about kids who could have lived right around the corner from us.  He wrote over 100 books, won five Coretta Scott King Awards and two Newberry Honors, and was recently the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature.  Condolences go out to his wife, sons, other family members and friends.  May he relax in paradise.  Here is a tribute from Ebony Magazine.

Relax in Paradise Dermot Healy and Louis Zamperini.

The American version of World Book Night has been suspended due to lack of funds.

Barnes and Noble is splitting their retail stores and Nook department.  #goodluckwiththat

Authors are weighing in on the dispute between Hatchette and Amazon. Meanwhile, there is a Change.org petition that puts the blame on the publishers.

Here is another think piece on why we need more diversity in children's books.

The Reading Rainbow Kickstarter campaign made over $5 million.

Allegations of plagiarism are never good, especially if you are a megachurch pastor.

Burt Reynolds is publishing a memoir next year.

Speaking on memoirs, replace the Duck Dynasty dude's memoir with George Clinton's, and this upcoming memoirs list will look a whole lot better.

Here are 50 signs you are addicted to reading.

Missing: the bench featured in The Fault in Our Stars movie.

I have one book event from months ago that I need to type up.  Also, I hope to have the Nina Foxx book event on the blog soon. Thanks to those who came out to the event on Wednesday. Have a happy and safe 4th of July Weekend!

Picture is from the New York Times.