Censorship
Thank you, Bonny Eagle School Board, for taking a stand against censorship and making sure kids will still be able to check out It’s Perfectly Normal!
A few takeaways in case you do not get a chance to read the whole article:
It’s Perfectly Normal is one of the most straightforward, nonjudgmental, accessible books about puberty and sexuality out there. It’s constantly praised and recommended for this age group.
It’s Perfectly Normal was not required reading or assigned in any class. It was just there, on the library shelf.
There was already a mechanism in place where parents could request that their kids be prevented from checking this book out. (I don’t like that, but it was there.) That didn’t satisfy this particular group of parents. They wanted to be sure that no kid could read this book. And while we’re on this topic, why does parental control only ever go one way? As a parent as well as an author, what if I want this kind of book available to my child? Do I not have any rights in that regard?
And finally, It’s Perfectly Normal for kids who are going through adolescence to want to read about adolescence, and it’s admirable for them to reach out and learn more about what’s happening to them. We should support that, not try to shut it down!
(And one extra point–I now really want to read Genderqueer, also under threat of censorship. Censors, take note–we most want to read what you try to take away.)
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Virtual Picture Book Panel
I’m so thrilled (and perhaps a touch nervous) to be sharing the news that I’ll be doing a virtual author panel for Brown Is Warm, Black Is Bright. This is the book that School Library Journal describes as:
The book makes for a beautiful read-aloud for a group setting with its detailed full-color vibrant imagery and for individual sharing. File this under Black joy, childhood, autumn reveries, or pair with other celebrations of Black strength and beauty.
The panel will be moderated by the fine staff at Books of Wonder in New York. If you would like to tune in, we’d be so delighted to have you. And please feel free to share this with anyone else you think might be interested.
Date: September 3, 2022
Time: 1:00 PM
How to join
(They recommend reserving a spot, so do check it out before the event starts.
The other authors on the panel will be Sophia N. Lee and Isabel Roxas (Holding On) and Thyra Heder (Sal Boat).
Signed copies of all the books will be available for order. Please come! Spread the word!
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Review for Brown Is Warm!
Delighted to share a warm and bright review for Brown Is Warm, Black Is Bright. School Library Journal says:
Read More“This book is a joyous celebration of the bucolic life of a Black child and her father….The book makes for a beautiful read-aloud for a group setting with its detailed full-color vibrant imagery and for individual sharing. VERDICT File this under Black joy, childhood, autumn reveries, or pair with other celebrations of Black strength and beauty, such as Tami Charles’s All Because You Matter and Useni Eugene Perkins’s Hey Black Child.“
How a Book Is Made
Ever wonder how a book is made? Not how the author gets ideas and sorts out a plot and makes sure a character is engaging…but how ink gets on the paper? How pages get glued into the binding?
Wonder no more–the New York Times explains. With pictures. Lots and lots of pictures!
Read MoreWombat In the News
Two more Wombat reviews!
Visually arresting illustrations of the Australian wilderness capture the story of a wombat and four other animals as they face the predicament of a wildfire in their habitat…. This title could be useful in multiple areas of the curriculum including environmental units as well as units on animal habitats and cooperation. VERDICT Bringing the impact of wildfires to a young audience through this angle, this title does an admirable job of capturing realistic details along with a “hero saves the day” story. Recommended.
And from Booklist:
Read MoreThomson’s spare text is lyrical and elegant [why, thank you, Booklist, that is so kind of you to say] and Santoso’s gorgeous illustrations enhance the story, capturing detailed textures while providing an emotional sense of the scenes, from the terror of the all-encompassing fire to the silence of a surprising safe haven…. A gentle and compassionate introduction to an extraordinary group of animals and an increasingly relevant topic.
Wombat Outside
I’m thrilled to say that Wombat has gotten reviewed in Outside Magazine! Long ago, it was a dream of mine to one day write for Outside. Since then I’ve realized that I’m in no way athletic enough for that to ever happen. So my grumpy Wombat has made it inside the pages of Outside instead of me–and I could not be happier!
Read More“With a solid dose of drama and danger, as well as explanations at the end of the book about fires and Australian wildlife, this story presents a real-life example of how communities, both wild and human, are more resilient when they work together.”
Today Is a Good Day to PreOrder!
Hello all! Just a quick note that B&N is offering a 25% discount on all preorders, starting today and ending Friday 4/27. (Use code PREORDER25.) If you were so inclined, it’s a great time to put in an order for Brown Is Warm, Black Is Bright!
Sarah L. Thomson
A children’s book author publishing award-winning nonfiction, poetry, picture books and novels including…
“Thomson focuses on newfound connection, magic, and suspense to conjure a fast-paced, heartwarming mystery. Thomson’s world is populated by resourceful protagonists, fanciful creatures, and quirky supporting characters.”
—Publishers Weekly