For Other Professionals
Featured books by
Anita Silvey
Anita Silvey has spent her career working in the field of children's literature. She has worked as a publisher, a critic, a commentator, and a writer of books for young readers. Her voice is authoritative and steeped in experience. Silvey's passion for literature, linking readers to lasting books recognizes its impact on readers. Her enthusiasm and experience are evident whether she writes for adults about books for young readers or books for young readers.
Knox was a Boston bookseller in Colonial America who would go on to join the Continental Army and later the young country's first Secretary of War. Silvey presents the "dramatic story of his achievements [which is a…] little-known episode in the history of the American Revolution. Source notes, time line, bibliography, [and] map" are included. (Quoted from the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt site)
Though they joined the Confederate or Union armies for a variety of reasons, women fought during the Civil War. What they experienced, how they hid their true identities, and the conditions faced by everyone is presented in lucid text and archival material. Thoroughly researched and well documented, this is a little known aspect of women in the Civil War.
Books for Adults
Silvey's years of experience reading, evaluating, and publishing children's books combines with her passion for literature that endures over time and generations comes together in this insightful glimpses at 100 books. These are both time-tested and modern classics that have and will continue to delight children from birth to about 12 years. Intriguing stories about the books and their creators are included with each short, descriptive essay. Additional titles are suggested as is a suggestion to keep a reading journal.
Recognizing a "golden age" of young adult literature, Silvey combines her considerable experience and a love of literature to identify and write about books for young adults. Many were written specifically for that audience; others were published as adult books but of interest to younger readers. The books are organized by subject that appeal to young adults (e.g., humor, horror, historical fiction) and that represent a level of quality. Additional titles are recommended, including audio books. Additionally, books are listed by geographic location and by suggested age ranges (up to 18).
In her introduction, Silvey asserts that "Children's Books change lives. [This book] provides insight into how they do this." The organization suggests how books have touched people (e.g. in career later choice or developing a deeper understanding). An excerpt, a bit of background, and the cover of each book discussed are included with each essay. Contributors represent a wide range of fields from science to business to well known children's book creators. This fascinating glimpse at the power of literature is sure to inspire, intrigue, and inform.
The update of Children's Books and Their Creators (1995) presents biographies about the creators, overviews of history, issues; and genres in the field; and includes "voices" of 30 authors and illustrators. The information is easily accessible in an alphabetical arrangement to make a range of information available from A to Z. You may also want to read editorials on a variety of topics that Anita Silvey wrote as editor of the Horn Book Magazine.
Interested in wonderful interviews with tween and teen authors? Hop on over to our sister site, AdLit.org, and browse the library.
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