DECEMBER 2011

Newsletter of Writing and Publishing Trends

CONTENTS Enough Cute Bunnies! VOLUME 21 NUMBER 5 Creative Creature Characters

By Mark Haverstock ones with more pluck, sass, and edginess Feature 4 he Velveteen Rabbit, Pat the —and their editors love them. Girls & Boys Together: Bunny, The Runaway Bunny, and Sexuality in YA Fiction TKnuffle Bunny. Bunny tales have Color Me Pink multiplied over the years like, well, rab- The title character of Sylvie was born bits. Along with their buddies, the bears after author/illustrator Jennifer Sattler’s and the mice, they seem to have a firm daughter asked why flamingos were pink. hold on popularity in children’s books. “We looked into it, and found that they Creative twists on creature characters, were pink because of the pink shrimp and a tale that breaks the bunny mold, they eat. That instantly brought some may be a better bet today. “Every writer funny images to mind,” says Sattler. and illustrator has a unique voice and set Sylvie decides to try out different colors of experiences to draw upon, and I by eating different things, with humorous Feature 6 encourage creative folks to tap into that,” results. The element of surprise and the Someone to Look says Heidi Kilgras, Editorial Director of game of predicting what is next is part of Random House Children’s Books. the appeal. “You know she just ate an up to: Heroes & Role As competitive as the picture book orange- and white-striped towel, but can't Models market is, says Zonderkidz Acquisitions picture what that will look like!” Editor Barbara Herndon, “[U]nique and Sattler’s artwork initially grabbed Kil- lovable characters with a strong voice gras’s attention. “It was as though Sylvie tend to stand out. In the general market, were performing for me on the page. The Splat the Cat, Olivia, and Llama Llama do mixed-media artwork is a warm blend of well, and also the Elephant and Piggie hand-painted and digital art in a gorgeous books by Mo Willems. In the Christian candy-colored palette. Soon after, the Craft 8 market, our line of Berenstain Bears story hooked me,” says Kilgras. “It, too, is Give Readers Sensory books have been incredibly successful. a mix: It begins with a factoid about what flamingoes eat to make their feathers Experiences Strong, relatable characters are the key.” Today’s authors are developing more pink, and then it spins off with the magi- of these strong, relatable characters— cal realism of Sylvie changing colors and Publishers 9 patterns based on eating other food—and Penguin Tweaks its non-foods! It’s a very simple story line Children’s Imprints Children’s Writer Goes Digital that encourages creativity and imagina- Children’s Writer is now available in tion, and being yourself.” Kilgras had not digital form.To subscribe electronically, contact seen many flamingoes featured in chil- Marketplace 10 us at [email protected] dren's book. “We editors surely get our fill of bears and mice and pigs, or call 1-800-443-6078. (To page 2) over and over, so when a $2.50 PER ISSUE unny well-drawn, well-wrought, rels would find a way to eat most of of language. “Both adults and chil- B and unique new character his seed and steal it from the birds,” dren definitely respond to the quirky comes along, it’s refreshing. But says Rubin. “So one time, my dad humor, and many have shared their Sylvie is also a perfect stand-in for decided to hang the feeder from the own stories about squirrels behaving any child; she’s relatable.” middle of the dog run. I remember badly,” she explains. “So Adam has Sattler sees being both illustra- seeing squir- tapped into a universal experience, tor and author as an advantage. rels shimmy but he’s given it his own twist.” “When I'm working on a book, I across the Rubin offers some advice to those see the story play out in my rope, Mission who want to incorporate humor. head,” she says. “It comes to me Impossible “When I write, if it makes me laugh, I first visually; then I'll draw a char- style, shaking have to put faith in the fact that my acter many, many times until he the feeder up sense of humor is relatable enough or she comes alive for me. I can and down so that it will be funny to kids and par- hear what kind of voice they their friends ents,” he says. “I don’t try to think would have, how they move, etc. on the ‘what does a kid find funny?’ or ‘is it A lot of times I’ll get my very ground could universal enough that a kid would get expressive daughter to pose for eat as much it?’ Some people feel you need to me, and I make a lot of faces in seed as they dumb down the humor for them to the mirror. Once I know the char- wanted.” understand. Instead, aim high. Kids acter and the basic story line, I can Rubin’s squirrels are smart and are a lot smarter than people give draw and write simultaneously.” resourceful—almost geniuses. They them credit for.” Sattler theorizes that everyone has can build a box kite out of leaves and an age with which they identify. “I get squirrel spit, do math on an abacus, Creepy Cool elementary school-age kids, especially and they finish Old Man Fookwire’s When you read the title Bats at the kindergarten to grade three or so, crossword puzzles. “There’s an Ballgame, your thoughts might turn and I’m comfortable with that age. I underlying intelligence and though to home run kings or the Louisville speak to them directly in a way many they don’t speak or express them- Slugger. Author Brian Lies instead adults can’t. I guess what I'm saying selves verbally, they’re probably the thought of flying mammals. is that I'm basically a kid disguised as smartest characters in the book.” When Lies first started his series a 43-year-old woman. ” Marcia Leonard, Editor of Clarion of Bats books, he worried that there Books, says, “The squirrels’ appeal is would be a big “ick factor” about bats, Nutty Characters that they manage to be naughty with- and nobody would want to read Squirrels inspire frustration and fas- out being evil, intelligent without them. “But I've found there’s an cination. They are the backyard pests being infallible, and good-hearted amazing number of people who that everyone finds humorous yet without being sentimental. That’s a either find bats charming, or kind of annoying at times. Author Adam very fine line to walk! What’s also creepy-cool. I think there’s also Rubin taps into this love/hate rela- interesting is that they act and work something kids find appealing in the tionship in his books, Those Darn as a team; they’re not individually idea that animals have great adven- Squirrels and Those Darn Squirrels named or characterized. That’s tures while people are sleeping.” and the Cat Next Door. unusual in children’s books.” The bats’ nocturnal nature singles The squirrel characters came from What also attracted her to this them out from the menagerie of other a childhood experience. “My dad book was a distinct narrative voice, a animal characters in children’s books. always had an issue with squirrels sly sense of humor, a plot she had not “Illustrations are going to be darker and despite his best efforts, the squir- encountered before, and an economy than you see in many children's books,” Lies says. “But bats also have the benefit of being an odd mix of Publishers animal shapes, since they're mam- ~ Flashlight Press: 527 Empire Blvd., St.,Boston, MA 02116. mals with wings. Also, there’s always Brooklyn, NY 11225. www.flashlightpress. www.hmhbooks.com/kids. Reads unsolicited the dark side to bats in that many com.Two to four original picture books for manuscripts sent by conventional mail only. people are afraid of them, and that ages 4-8 each year. Carefully follow the sub- Responds only if interested. creates a unique push/pull.” mission guidelines, on the website. ~ Random House: 1745 Broadway, New York, Lies notes that bears, pigs, mice, ~ Clarion Books: 215 Park Ave. South, NY 10019. www.randomhouse.com/kids. New York, NY 10003. Looks at submissions from agents and pre- and rabbits are popular because in www.hmhbooks.com/clarion. Reads unso- vious Random House authors. Editors who reality they can be appealing. “But licited manuscripts sent by conventional mail speak or lead workshops at writers’ con- just as the world we live in contains a only. Responds only if interested. ferences will often open a submission win- very diverse mix of people, I think it’s ~ HarperCollins: 10 East 53rd St.. New York, dow for a short time before and after the good to see a diverse mix of animal NY 10022. www.harpercollinschildrens.com. conference for attendees. characters in stories. For one thing, it Agented submissions only. ~ Zonderkidz: Zondervan. 5300 Patterson becomes more visually interesting to ~ Houghton Mifflin Books for Children: Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49530. www.zon- Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 222 Berkeley dervan.com.Agented submissions only. see different creatures in books. But using a different animal in a book 2 Children’s Writer • December 2011 • www.ChildrensWriter.com pense leads to a mistaken identity; a It’s a Dog’s Life sibling, a dog, or something else turns out to be the unknown monster. Kids love sassy, humorous, and unique crea- way we remember the world at that age, with “Mine are actually monsters–adult tures in fiction.There is also a market for non- problems and mysteries to be solved.” professional monsters who have a job fiction about real animals with a riveting tale. Getting background for Hooper’s story The story behind Hooper Finds a Family required solid research.“I worked with to do and they do it,” says Noll. began when author Jane Paley reached out Louisiana Fish and Wildlife Services and got She believes characters in current for consolation after the loss of her dog to information from them about the impact of children’s books are more interesting cancer. She corresponded with Labs4rescue the storm on wildlife and domesticated ani- and edgy. “I find that young readers and soon found her self adopting a Hurricane mals,” Paley says.“I needed a sense of what Katrina survivor in the form of a yellow lab happened so I could create the story from a are very discerning about what is she named Hooper. He transformed from a puppy’s point of view.” She also read numer- scary. They’ve been exposed to so sick, fearful, severely traumatized dog to a ous local eyewitness accounts. much it just keeps raising the ante. robust one who excelled in obedience class- To provide dramatic tension, Paley took Today’s kids have a very high thresh- es. Paley kept a journal and made hard copies some license by creating the other animal old for scariness. Also, as a parent of the various correspondence she had with characters Hooper encounters along the way, the people at Labs4rescue.“I looked over the such as an otter that befriends him and a bob- having read books over and over, it’s notes and I thought, this is such a natural for cat that threatens his life.“I did try to so nice to have kids.What this dog has been through is kind depict it as realistically as possible, but I something a little of a metaphor for childhood—overcoming wanted the animals to interact in some different.” Being fears, large and small, imagined and real. I way.” different also has thought his story really speaks to children.” Today, as a certified therapy dog, Originally, Paley wrote Hooper’s first- Hooper visits patients in hospitals, nurs- some disadvan- person story as picture book and pitched it ing homes, and hospices. He is in a read- tages. “In the to HarperCollins.The editors wanted to see ing buddy program that matches dogs beginning it made it as a middle-grade book. She revised it for with kids learning to read.“I’m looking at it harder to sell the that audience, but kept Hooper’s voice that of Hooper right now and there isn’t a hap- manuscript,” says a four-year-old.“It’s his world view, much the pier dog on the planet,” says Paley. Noll. “You’ve just also frees you from the expectations wished she was afraid to get out got to find that that people who have seen the same of bed. (I’m going to blame that right pairing, and I animals again and again bring to the on bad parenting and exhaus- finally found that stories you write, and might give tion.) If she had a monster under in my editor, them a fresh reading experience.” her bed, why wasn’t he doing his job? Shari.” It is important, Lies says, to avoid Then I wondered what would happen Zonderkidz’s Herndon believes some of the stereotypes that have if monsters needed vacations, and unique animal characters are appeal- attached themselves to particular ani- that became the basis for the book.” ing to kids for several reasons. “The mals, like a wise owl or sly fox. Just Flashlight Press Editor Shari Dash lines of age, gender, and race are reversing the stereotypes does not Greenspan says Noll’s opening line blurred, which makes them accessible show creativity. “Any character, hooked her: “Tonight, when I looked to a much broader audience. Also, whether human or animal, is more under the bed for my monster, I animals are not limited by human interesting when he or she has bumps found this note instead: ‘Gone fishing. rules. So, while they can exist in a and edges that make him or her a dis- Back in a week—Gabe.’” Greenspan world very much like the one we live tinct individual. Showing a mouse says, “The whole idea of a boy need- in, they can also do outrageous things character in a house with cheese-dec- ing a monster under his bed—and like fly to the moon, etc. The lack of orated wallpaper and a cheese-shaped being unable to fall asleep without human rules can also allow for broader chair is dull (do we humans have him—offered a unique twist on the behavior in general and more humor, pizza wallpaper and pizza chairs?). old monster-under-the-bed theme.” which children love.” Showing that mouse character with a Each of the substitute monsters Read widely in picture books and unicycle and a Mouse/Urdu diction- seem a bit scary at first, but turn out learn from the masters. Then discover ary makes it much more interesting.” to be flawed and therefore funny. your own voice and style. “Explore “Their voices and one or two features your ideas and story lines and try to Creatures Under the Bed were described by Amanda, leaving create something memorable beyond At one time or another, every child plenty of room for illustrator Howard trying to teach a lesson or deliver a imagines monsters under the bed. McWilliam to develop their physical message,” says Kilgras. Leonard Author Amanda Noll took that uni- appearances,” says Greenspan. “They agrees: “Be aware of what’s already in versal experience and turned it on its are vibrant and comical and look like the market and find your own voice head in I Need My Monster. characters from a full-length animated and style. In terms of animal stories, Inspiration came when one of her movie, which kids really love. The fact avoid basing characters too literally children started getting up at night that the boy isn’t scared of them—and on your own pets and writing some- bored and wanting to play. “She’d even rejects each one until his own thing that could be boiled down to: wake me up just as soon as the baby monster returns—empowers kids.” Here’s a cute thing my dog or cat did. had fallen asleep,” Noll explains. “I Many children’s stories don’t have These stories are best for your own was so tired and frustrated that I a real monster. Often a chain of sus- family’s enjoyment.”

3 Children’s Writer • December 2011 • www.ChildrensWriter.com Girls & Boys Together: Sexuality in YA Fiction

By Sue Bradford Edwards years are generally a time of great pertinent to the book at hand or it is hemes of sexuality are so sexual upheaval. Whether you are just shock effect.” Nelson recom- prevalent in young adult books actively exploring your sexuality or mends Simone Elkeles and her novels T today that many authors not, the idea of sex is on the minds of Chain Reaction and Physical Chem- believe they cannot sell their novel most teens. Reading about the experi- istry as examples. unless they make it sexy. Before mar- ences of fictional characters is one There may even be more sex in keting your YA fiction, understand way of feeling like less of an out-of- today’s teen literature than in years why sex and sexuality play such a control freak, as so many teens do at past, but not because it is a trend. “I large part in teen literature. Then you fully expect sexuality to continue to will have a better idea when and how be explored in literature. It’s relatable, to work these themes into your story No Heavy Breathing it adds authenticity, and it feels more and when to leave them out. Think you can’t sell a YA novel that isn’t all sex and a part of the larger conversation. Like steam? Look at some of these authors and titles. it or not, sexuality is a part of human It Is What It Is nature and isn’t going away any time YA literature is about being a teen. ~ Meg Cabot,Vanished series soon,” says Klonsky. That said, it isn’t Not a tween. Not an adult. A teen. It ~ Deb Caletti the be-all and end-all of every teen is a stage that most writers have ~ Ally Carter, Gallagher Girls and Heist Society story. already been through and remember series well. “It’s a transformative experience ~ Elizabeth Chandler, Kissed by an Angel series Not the Whole Story that, unlike other transformative ~ Eileen Cook ~ Lucienne Diver, Vamped and Revamped For writers who are not comfortable experiences, they remember fully. It’s ~ Nancy Holder addressing sexual themes, there are a process of discovery. There would ~ Christine Johnson still plenty of young adult stories to be toddler literature if we could ~ Kelly Keaton be told. “There is a tremendous remember it!” says Andrew Karre, ~ Terra Elan McVoy opportunity—adolescents mature at Carolrhoda Editorial Director. “It’s a ~ Robert Muchamore, Cherub series different rates. There are the mature genre that reflects a stage of life that ~ Kristin Wolden Nitz, Suspect kids and the kids who are like, ‘Whoa, ~ Mary Pearson is significantly about sex and it would ~ Dia Reeves where did this come from?’” says be bizarre if it didn’t reflect that. It ~ Leila Sales Karre. “It shouldn’t be anxiety- isn’t about what’s appropriate. Its ~ Lisa Schroeder producing in authors that they aren’t about the shared experience.” ~ Elizabeth Scott clearing any kind of sex bar,” like The shared experience of adoles- ~ Arlaina Tibensky having a certain number of scenes cence is about becoming an adult. ~ Robin Wasserman, Cold Awakening Trilogy with certain forms of sex. The biology of that includes a variety and Hacking Harvard Teen readers are individuals, and ~ Debbie Vigue of hormones, hair in new places, and they do not all want to read the same acne galore, but also sexual maturity. books. “It’s great to have diversity “Teens are going through puberty, so this volatile time in their lives. But available to teen readers,” says Klon- things of a sexual nature are things mostly, not including sexuality in sky. “One way that is achieved is they are being confronted with daily,” realistic teen fiction is like not dis- through a focus on identity from a says Kristin Nelson, of the Nelson cussing flour in a bakery. You really standpoint of ‘what kind of person Literary Agency. can’t paint the full picture without it.” am I or do I want to be? How do my This day-to-day reckoning means But literature is literature and you choices in friends reflect that? What that sexuality is something that is on cannot just throw a topic, including role do my parents play in my life?’” their minds, overtly or as a backdrop. sex, into the mix without a good rea- Relationship is at the core of YA Teens also hate anything fake. If you son and a firm place within the story. fiction. “It is hard to do a realistic want your fiction to appeal to teens, it Ashland Creek Co-Editor and Founder young adult novel without relation- needs to reflect the reality that they Midge Raymond says, “If a novel ships. Teenage relationships are tinged are living. “YA books, particularly on tackles a topic such as rape or teen with sex. Even platonic friendships the Pulse list, are meant to appeal pregnancy, it’s hard to avoid sex. But among straight boys. But it doesn’t directly to our readers—teens! So we even then, sex can and should be have to be explicit,” says Karre. stay very true to the issues teens care dealt with in a serious, thoughtful No matter the topic, holding reader most about, including friends, iden- manner.” interest is the goal. “Young adult liter- tity, and sex,” says Pulse Editorial Nelson agrees. “It can’t be included ature has to include something rivet- Director Jennifer Klonsky. “The teen in a salacious manner. It has to be ing. This could be accomplished by

4 Children’s Writer • December 2011 • www.ChildrensWriter.com making the story very frightening, like characters, but plots in complete should be that you have a good story R. L. Stine does with some of his shambles. The plot is something one to tell. It has to be honest. Teens are series. There isn’t much sexuality at can find. An interesting plot doesn’t really smart. They can tell when all; Stine hooks his readers with always find a good character.” someone is preaching or talking down spine-chilling horror. He does well at Klonsky agrees. “While we feel we or not taking them seriously.” it—he’s sold more than 400 million can help an author tighten or ramp up This is not to say that you cannot copies of his books,” says Lauren the plot, we know we can’t really deliver Ruth, an agent with BookEnds. “Sexu- change the voice even if we some- some ality is not present much, if at all, in times wish we could. It’s always dis- important The Hunger Games, but this series appointing to come across a cool thought or has been hugely successful. Suzanne story, only to find the execution lack- perspective, Collins has used politics, murder, and ing the oomph we’re looking for,” she especially if violence to rivet her readers.” says. “Bottom line: If any of the Pulse it is in sync editors is sucked into the read for any with the Wanted . . . reason, we take a serious second look. mission of a Whether your theme involves sexual I gravitate towards stories with a specific self-identity or environmental aware- romance at the core regardless of publisher. ness, focus on your characters. “It’s whether it’s dystopian, paranormal, or “Young about creating characters that kids contemporary. I don’t shy away from readers can identify with,” says Nelson. edgy content and am proud to have need to be A big part of this involves voice. both Living Dead Girl, by Elizabeth entertained, certainly, but as with all “Genuine is a good word to use. Scott, and Forbidden, by Tabitha readers, it’s even better if they can Authenticity of voice,” says Karre. Suzuma, on my list. For both of those, learn something along the way. “You don’t learn to write YA voice by I was blown away by the author’s Specifically, we are looking for YA going to the mall with a tape recorder. voice, and how successfully both were novels that raise awareness of the The basic craftsmanship of the writing able to keep me riveted even with dif- environment and how young adults is striking and it’s tuned to a teen fre- ficult subject matter.” can do their part to preserve it. The quency. It doesn’t sound like someone Teens ask tough questions of them- characters, the conflict, and the plot aping slang. The way the character selves and adults; these concerns are all ultimately serve this goal,” says talks needs to reflect how the charac- reflected in their literature. “For me, Ashland Creek’s Raymond. “If a ter lives. It’s no different than any YA needs to push the envelope. It has writer sets out to write a YA novel kind of writing that way. It comes to include themes that are just a bit with this goal, sex won’t likely be a down to quality of writing and the over the heads of middle-grade read- major component of the novel— quality of characters. I’ve bought lots ers. For example, The Hunger Games though it’s great if love and romance of YA that had great first-person is a series I loved to pieces. But I are. If a novel does include sex, but would not recommend it for a nine- fits all our other criteria, as long as it’s year-old. There are children fighting not gratuitous, we have no problem Markets to the death in this series, there are a with it. Our only requirement is that it lot of issues that are edgy, dangerous, serves the story. Our forthcoming YA ~ Ashland Creek Press: and never-before-seen for teens. And title Out of Breath deals with some www.ashlandcreekpress.com. Open to YA that’s what I loved about it. It had dark themes—abuse, crime, death— and other submissions via Submishmash. ~ BookEnds Literary Agency: that whoa factor,” says Ruth. “Differ- but these issues are part of a whole. www.bookends-inc.com. Review agent ent publishers and different agents We like books that acknowledge that needs and query via the website. are looking for different things in YA young adults are growing up in chal- ~ Carolrhoda Lab: Lerner Publishing, 241 right now. While dystopian YA is hot, lenging times but that offer a little First Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55401. an editor told me just a few weeks ago optimism even as they reflect that http://www.lernerbooks.com/carolrhoda- she couldn’t stand to see another reality.” lab.The Carolrhoda Lab imprint focuses dystopian. She wanted real, emotional, After all, the reality of the teen on “distinctive, provocative, boundary- serious YA for boys. The moral of the experience is what good YA is all pushing fiction for teens and their sympa- story is this: Write what your story is. about. This does not mean that your thizers.“ Andrew Karre opens up to sub- Don’t write what you think might sell. readers are all vampires, Goths, or missions of specific kinds periodically. Because when you’re done writing it, environmental crusaders. It does Check the website for details. that fad will be out the window.” mean that as a young adult author, ~ Nelson Agency: www.nelsonagency.com. YA writers need not to fall prey to you need to create sympathetic char- Kristin Nelson. Email to query@nelson- the message—no giving readers some acters with real teen voices who are agency.com lesson in the guise of story. “Writers involved in things that interest your ~ Simon Pulse: 1230 Ave. of the Americas have to be wary of doing that adult readers. Tell these stories in a capti- New York,NY 10020. http://imprints.simon- overlay, which almost never works,” vating way, and you will find your andschuster.biz/simon-pulse.This web page says Nelson. Do not think, “‘Everyone work attracting agents, editors, and indicates the specific interests of the editors will read my young adult novel and teens as well even if your story is not at this teen imprint. they’ll learn X, Y, and Z.’ The purpose super sexy. Unless, it needs to be. 5 Children’s Writer • December 2011 • www.ChildrensWriter.com Someone to Look Up to: Heroes & Role Models

By Katherine Swarts writer’s task is to make the good with circuses while visiting the sick. veryone needs someone to look examples fascinating. What makes Zishe a hero is not just up to. Young people are particu- Elizabeth MacLeod, author of 18 his remarkable strength but also his E larly susceptible to hero wor- biographies for Kids Can Press, kindness and compassion.” ship—creating a world of opportunity including The Kids Book of Great for biography and profile writers to Canadian Women, says, “Readers The Qualities of a Hero present heroes worth emulating. might not realize who was behind Children and teens often have not Kids’ admiration for stars who a particular accomplishment or what learned to value deep character offer little beyond wealth, glamour, had to be overcome. Georgina Pope strength above flash and daring. and arrogance is a social concern. became a life-saving war nurse at a Nonetheless, says Jennifer Hooks, “When kids are pulling away from time nurses were considered ser- Managing Editor of Group Publish- the safety of home but looking for vants who couldn’t find other work. ing’s Children’s Ministry Magazine, safe harbor, they want to know that Adelaide Hoodless founded the “Kids are drawn to honesty and someone—anyone—has their backs,” Women’s Institute after her baby intelligence.” says Sharon McKay, author of Thun- died from bad milk. And while every- “Kids understand what is fair,” der over Kandahar (Annick Press), a one has heard of Alexander Graham adds author-illustrator Janet Wilson. U. S. Next Generation Indie Book Bell, not many know he introduced “As soon as kids become aware of Award winner for YA. McKay is also Helen Keller to Annie Sullivan.” someone like Craig Kielburger the first children’s writer in the Cana- Bell is a perfect example of how a [founder of global youth-enabling organization Free the Children], they dian Forces Artist Program. “Try as person may be universally known become devoted fans for all the right one might, kids find their own and yet typecast so the majority of reasons.” heroes; the basketball player caught his achievements are forgotten. A subject with a bit of pizzazz with his pants down may have more Millions instantly recognize Bell as credibility than the baseball player and strength of character is a win- inventor of the telephone; but how ner. “Seek out real life but offbeat handing out food in the local food many know of his work with speech bank. Loyalty can be mindless.” role models,” says Hooks, “and get therapy, his role in making the to the core. Don’t settle for cliché The Multifaceted Hero National Geographic Society an traits—help kids see a bit of hero in American institution, or his 30 However much adults push positive themselves.” patents for inventions ranging from role models, kids themselves decide One trait kids admire, says McKay, hydrofoils to alternative fuels? “The whom they consider worthy. The is “fearlessness. That’s why the idiot well-known stories about famous doing wheelies in the parking lot gets people are oversimplified,” says the ohhhhs,” but also why heroic pro- Nancy Gruver, CEO of New Moon fessions such as firefighting get atten- Publishers Girl Media, “flattening out the com- tion, as do social reformers who plexity of the actual person, making ~Children’s Ministry Magazine: Group Publish- stand firm in the face of threats and ing, 1515 Cascade Ave., Loveland, CO them into one-dimensional examples.” violence. “A true hero is selfless and 80538. www.childrensministry.com, Seek out lesser-known aspects of a kind,” says Wilson, “and stands up www.group.com famous subject’s work. Says Joni for what is right rather than turning a ~Kar-Ben Publishing: Lerner Publishing, Sussman, Publisher of Kar-Ben Pub- blind eye. In some circumstances 241 First Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55401. lishing, which specializes in topics courage is required. In others, it is www.karben.com related to Judaism: “One of our fall persistence—sticking at it until justice ~Kids Can Press: 2250 Military Road,Tona- 2011 titles is Marcel Marceau: Mas- is served.” wanda, NY 14150. www.kidscanpress.com ter of Mime [by Gloria Spielman], “Integrity and courage are major ~New Moon Girl Media: P.O. Box 161287, which focuses on Marceau’s working heroic qualities, as are the desire and Duluth, MN 55816. www.newmoon.com with the Resistance during World ability to protect or care about others,” ~Sterling Publishing: 387 Park Ave. South, New York,NY 10016. War II. Another hero is Zishe of Lodz says Sussman. Kar-Ben, in the Jewish www.sterlingpublishing.com [in Zishe the Strongman, by Robert tradition, “views heroes as those who Rubenstein], who traveled the world speak up or stand up. Moral, not

Editor in Chief Susan M.Tierney Publisher Prescott V. Kelly Children’s Writer, ISSN 1060-5274, is published by The Writer’s Institute, Inc., 93 Long Ridge Road,West Redding, CT 06896-1124. Periodicals Class Postage paid at West Redding, CT, and at additional entry points. Postmaster: Please send address changes to Children’s Writer, 93 Long Ridge Road, West Redding, CT 06896-1124. Published monthly. Subscription rate is $24 for 12 issues. © 2011. All rights reserved.The material contained herein is protected by copyright. Quotations up to 40 words are permitted when Children’s Writer is clearly identified as the source. Otherwise, no part of Children’s Writer may be republished, copied, reproduced, or adapted without the express written permission of the publisher. Canada GST R135156255. For subscription information, call 1-800-443-6078. Fax Marketplace items or other information to 1-203-792-8406. Send queries to Editor, Children’s Writer, 93 Long Ridge Road,West Redding, CT 06896-1124. 6 Children’s Writer • December 2011 • www.ChildrensWriter.com physical, strength makes a hero.” Wilson says: “My favorite young There is at least one other trait heroes came from poor and disadvan- common to worthy role models: “an taged communities but didn’t let that ability to see beyond the ordinary and stop them from making a difference.” not let other people and their expecta- For instance, “14-year-old William tions prevent you from accomplishing Kamkwamba from Malawi made a something extraordinary,” says windmill from scrap materials and MacLeod. “Many people about whom brought electricity to his village.” I’ve written were inventors, creating Again we come to the key point: A something that never before existed.” role model or hero is not simply note- worthy, but admirable. Strong princi- Nobody’s Perfect ples and the courage to stand by them; Yet the role of role models or heroes, perseverance in the face of challenge; a and whether they exist in some pure models are real people living their willingness to put others’ needs before form, is debated. “I don’t really like the standards and values every day, not on one’s own; that something that keeps term role model,” says Gruver. “It stage for millions of dollars.” a person approachable and unspoiled reduces a complex person to a few Your best heroic subjects may work by fame: These are the qualities that desired traits or behaviors. I want to in your child’s school or live in your make role models worth writing about. see more attention and appreciation apartment building. “Parents are Heroes “can come from the most given to heroes who aren’t simplistic amazing, and they often don’t get unusual places and surprise us when in their portrayal as perfect.” credit for being so,” says Hooks. “I was we least expect it,” says Loh. “Write “A good question to grapple with,” inspired to see CNN profile a dad from the heart and show us why we says Sussman, “is whether someone who’s dying of cancer, because of the should love them too.” can be a hero and still have feet of extraordinary lengths he’s going to to clay. Charles Lindbergh flew solo leave a video legacy for his toddler across the Atlantic, but he was also a daughter. Another role model is Fictional Heroes strong supporter of Adolf Hitler. Does, Randy Pausch, the ‘last lecture’ profes- or should, this affect his hero status?” sor at Carnegie Mellon; he maintained Fictional characters can also be role models Certainly an elementary school reader dignity and humor and a true passion —models a writer can shape to an individual should not be encouraged to think big- for teaching in his darkest hours [with ideal. Be careful, however. Real people’s flaws are easy to find, but fictional heroes otry is ever acceptable, or exposed to terminal cancer]. Teen Ryan Hrelijac the details of anyone’s illicit activities. may become so perfect they hardly seem [ryanswell.ca] heard about kids who human.Worse, the author has to let the On the other hand, “the too perfect didn’t have clean water to drink and and moralistic wears thin very quickly,” hero call all visible shots. Nonfiction writers decided to do something about it; he’s can get away with occasional editorial com- says Gruver. Sussman agrees: “It is been funding and digging water wells ment, but modern fiction readers rarely good for kids to learn that heroes may for years. These people are true role tolerate author intrusion, even if disguised not be perfect.” models because they live with integrity as the hero’s thoughts.“Point of view gives MacLeod says, “All the people I’ve and place others above themselves.” insight,” says author Sharon McKay,“but if it written about had flaws—sometimes gets to the brain-surgery level, the story many flaws! When using historical fig- Not Just a Kid will fail.” ures, make the times in which they Kid role models like Hrelijac are spe- Effective fictional characters are so real, lived clear, especially if they had to cial, not only because young readers so human, that even their creators find the overcome obstacles that no longer can identify with them, but because characters have minds of their own. Fiction- exist. Think about your subjects as real they “have to think outside the box,” al heroes “should be realistic characters people, and try to explain why they did says Cindy Loh, Editorial Director of who aren’t defined by circumstance,” says Sterling Publishing’s Cindy Loh.“Characters what they did.” the Sterling Children’s Books and who can take their fate into their own “I would avoid putting any activist Splinter imprints at Sterling Publish- hands, adapt, and think for themselves— on a pedestal,” says Wilson. “It always ing. “We recently published Olivia’s and have fun while doing it—are the role should be emphasized that heroes Birds, by 11-year-old Olivia Bouler,” models I want for my children.” don’t start out to be heroes or be says Loh. “When she heard about the “Tap all your sources of inspiration and famous. Every activist will say they Gulf oil spill, she wrote to Audubon, disappointment in creating characters,” says really didn’t know what they were offering her own bird paintings to New Moon Girl Media’s Nancy Gruver. doing when they took that first step— raise contributions for recovery. The “Allow characters to evolve and grow the the road ahead rose up to meet them.” idea took flight, and Olivia sent out way real kids and adults do.” over 500 paintings and raised over “Create the characters, give them inner The Hero on the Street $175,000—all while keeping up with strength, and give them their freedom,” says Fame is not an essential ingredient for her homework and school activities.” McKay. Joni Sussman of Kar-Ben Publishing notes,“The most interesting stories feature good role models and it can be a draw- “We hear lots of stories of regular back. “Famous people don’t represent fully developed characters, so children can kids who have taken it upon them- see themselves [real people like the charac- reality,” says Hooks, and “it is almost selves to impact the world,” says ters] as potential heroes. And all kids should inevitable that when we hold them up Hooks. “They aren’t held back by strive to become heroes. But it’s important as role models for kids, at some time thinking ‘I’m just a kid.’ They see a to develop the character beyond the single they will very publicly fall apart. Role need and come up with a solution.” dimension of heroism.”

7 Children’s Writer • December 2011 • www.ChildrensWriter.com Craft

Give Readers Sensory Experiences

By Leslie J. Wyatt to sight. Since sounds and smells it. Here’s another example from t has been said that human beings trigger emotional experiences in real later in the same book, this time learn about the world through the life, they can be used to bring emo- using sound: “Then the countdown Ifive senses: taste, touch, smell, tions to life in stories. started: Twenty . . . nineteen. . . sight, and hearing. We do not learn Here is an example from the eighteen. . . There was a sound like all that much from being told how Newbury Honor book, Hattie Big mountains snoring. . . ” things are, especially as children. Sky. Author Kirby Larson does not Tracking But if we experience, we learn. We label Hattie’s emotions. Rather, she understand. We grow. It stands to uses the sense of touch to help read- Sight seems to be the sense that reason, therefore, that writing that ers figure it out for themselves: writers use most often. Taste is used incorporates vivid sensory detail will the least. Yet we do not go through naturally engage and affect the read- Here, under this big sky, life only seeing, and readers need er in much the same way. someone like me—Hattie Here- the whole range of senses to fully and-There—could work hard and experience our stories. The easiest Memory Enhancing get a place of her own. A place to way to include all five senses in your Research explains why use of the belong. Wasn’t that my deepest writing is to place yourself solidly in five senses is effective in turning the wish? A warmth wrapped over your characters’ shoes. What would written word into more than letters me, like I was being covered with they see, smell, hear? What does on a page. According to scientists, a quilt . . . fear taste like to you? Describe the our body’s adrenaline system starts physical feelings of embarrassment. pumping when we get emotional Strong writers know how to make Whatever you are writing, it can be about something. Working together readers gather their own impres- enhanced through judicious use of with a brain structure called the sions and draw their own conclu- sensory details. amygdala, our brain imprints mem- sions—by revealing characters’ com- One of the best ways to determine ories. Thus, the sights, tastes, plexity of feelings, motivations, if you are giving all the senses some- sounds, and feel of the moment are actions and reactions. Writers set what equal exposure is to assign a captured with clarity. That is why a scenes and build worlds based on different color of highlighting mark- smell can bring back a whole scene, the sense. In this example, Larson er to each one. On a hard copy of happy or not. The more emotionally, does not say directly that Hattie your manuscript, highlight every physically, or spiritually intense an feels happy or inspired or contented, time you use sight, sound, taste, experience is, the more adrenalin yet we understand. As authors touch, and smell. If your whole page our body produces, and the more arouse the five senses, readers dis- is pocked with blue, with only a cou- sensory details our brains record. cover and experience for themselves. ple of other-colored freckles, you As writers, we can harness this Consider this example from a know what you need to do! Although phenomenon to help readers live our desert scene in Frank Cottrell it may not be feasible to expect an stories. It is little short of amazing Boyce’s middle-grade book, Cosmic: even distribution (some incidents how the merely mechanical inclusion lend themselves more to certain of the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, [T]here was a moment when senses) strive for balance without and feelings characters experience everyone stopped and thought straining the parameters to the can cause readers to feel as if they about the same thing. It was the point of making your scene feel are almost in the scene, not just moment when we stepped out of contrived. hearing about it secondhand. the shadow. You didn’t need to When kids open a book or maga- wonder what had happened. It zine, they are expecting to suspend Balancing was like someone had pointed a disbelief and be transported into the To engage readers, writers should flamethrower at us. story. Let them taste, touch, smell, work to stimulate all five senses. hear, and see right along with your Interestingly, emotions lend them- Boyce never mentions the word hot. characters, and they will not be selves to taste and touch more than He doesn’t need to. We almost feel disappointed.

8 Children’s Writer • December 2011 • www.ChildrensWriter.com Publishers Penguin Tweaks Its Children’s Imprints

By Judy Bradbury and includes a number of authors says, “The voice is always the first t has been a year since the Pen- and illustrators previously published thing to grab me—a piece of writing guin Young Readers Group by Dutton. with a vivid, believable, moving Irestructued its children’s book In May, Jennifer Hunt became point of view.” Hornik has published imprints, Dial Books for Young Vice President of Acquisitions and such well-respected and award-win- Readers and Dutton Children’s Development and Editor at Large for ning authors and illustrators as Books, and changes at Penguin have Dial. Formerly Editorial Director at Richard Peck, Nancy Werlin, Jerry continued since. Little, Brown, her mandate at Dial is Pinkney, Kadir Nelson, Tedd Arnold, to acquire and develop books across Ingrid Law, and Caralyn and Mark the spectrum, from picture books to Buehner. Other News YA. Hunt is based on the west coast and also coordinates projects with Fresh, Focused ~ In August, Penguin Young Readers Group film, TV, and electronic games. Strauss-Gabel discusses the changes announced it would be releasing enhanced at Dutton as it focuses on hardcover ebooks regularly, and releasing apps based By late July, Penguin Group CEO on bestselling picture books.Titles include John Makinson and Penguin Group middle-grade and YA fiction: “We’re Ladybug Girl and SkippyJon Jones. USA CEO David Shanks were a small and finely focused list that’s ~ Penguin launched Book Country, a writ- reporting that internationally the as much about fresh new voices as it ing and publishing community where writ- group’s children’s division was is about longtime, established ers of genre fiction can upload their work stronger than ever and taking on authors.” New authors, Strauss- and have it critiqued, and engage in discus- new kinds of projects. Gabel says, should become the sions with others. And now, almost as a sign of its “established authors of tomorrow.” (http://bookcountry.com/) She adds, “I want original, strong ~ Penguin Young Readers’ Grosset & Dun- successful new direction, Dial’s lap division is launching a licensed line of Chime, by Franny Billingsley, has voices that will stand the test of time preschool books based on the animated been named a finalist for the and have true reader appeal.” TV show Small Potatoes. National Book Award. Strauss-Gabel, who has been at ~ Penguin co-launched the fourth annual Dutton for nine years and published Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, one Differentiate such stellar authors as John Green, for general fiction and one for best YA Hornik explains the thinking behind Gayle Forman, Nina LaCour, and Novel.The winner receives a contract and the restructuring: “We had two Adam Gidwitz, offers insight into $15,000 advance. goals. These were to clearly differ- her tastes. “I’m looking for books of entiate the two imprints, which were exceptional literary quality with Dutton has become a “boutique growing more and more similar, and strong commercial appeal. Qualities middle-grade and young adult to create a boutique imprint for Pen- that always pique my interest imprint with a focus on titles of guin that would publish a literary include a smart sense of humor; exceptional literary quality and fiction list. Dutton has become that ambitious storytelling; smart details; strong commercial appeal.” Its list boutique fiction imprint under the and a strong, assured voice. I’d pre- now comprises 10 to 15 titles a year. leadership of Julie Strauss-Gabel, fer to break new ground than revisit Moving up from Associate Publisher, and Dial maintains its same spread familiar territory. My taste runs Julie Strauss-Gabel became Vice of picture books, novels, and occa- somewhat more contemporary than President and Publisher. sional nonfiction titles that all bridge genre, though I like storytelling with Along with that promotion, a the commercial and literary markets.” a twist.” major change was made: Dutton Hornik offers further details on Dial accepts entire picture book would no longer publish picture Dial. “Here we will continue to pub- manuscripts, and for longer works, books. Instead, they became part of lish hardcover only for preschool up to 10 pages from the opening a larger list at Dial Books for Young through young adult in a wide variety chapter. Dutton wants one-page Readers. Under the leadership of of genres. Dial focuses on character- queries only, with a brief synopsis President and Publisher Lauri driven writing that speaks directly to and any publishing credits; include Hornik, who joined Penguin in 1999 the child or teen audience, and that an SASE. Submission guidelines can and has been at the helm of Dial and straddles the retail and school and be found on the website at Dutton since 2008, Dial’s list library markets.” http://us.penguingroup.com/static/pages expanded from 50 to 75 titles a year In reviewing manuscripts, Hornik /aboutus/pyrg-subguides.html. 9 Children’s Writer • December 2011 • www.ChildrensWriter.com Marketplace

Jack and Jill Hartlyn Kids

U.S. Kids Magazines, P.O. Box 567, Indianapolis, IN 46206. P.O. Box 1371, Hartford, www.uskidsmags.com CT 06143. Jack and Jill won a Parents’ Choice award for 2011, and con- www.hartlynkids.com tinues the mission of the U.S. Kids magazines to promote Launched in September, health and fitness. Geared to ages 6 to 12, the bimonthly with Hartlyn Kids is a small a circulation of 200,000 looks for independent press that is solid fiction and nonfiction that is specializing in publishing also “wholesome, positive, [and] children’s books about dif- lighthearted.” It also publishes pieces ferent places and cultures on more general themes.The editor in the world. Its titles are is Terry Harshman. intended to help children Fiction and nonfiction, to 700 “travel the globe one book words. Send query or complete at a time.” manuscript. Of special interest are The founders are Aisha profiles of regular kids doing unusual Greene, an attorney, and Christine Mills, an education things. Poetry, to 30 lines. Recipes, specialist. Their goal is to create interactive books that puzzles, games, and activities are also expose readers to the diverse ways that children live. welcome. Buys all rights. Stories and The books are targeted to ages six to nine, though the articles, to 25¢ a word. Poetry, $25–$50. Other material, $25- stories are appropriate to be read to younger children $35. Pays on publication. Responds in three months. Guidelines by parents. “We are always open to submissions, can be found at www.uskidsmags.com/writers-guidelines. though at this present time we are specifically looking for submissions from African and Middle Eastern countries. We have several books in our queue for 47North 2012 and would not start looking for more titles (other than those focused on African and Middle Eastern www.amazon.com/47North countries) until the end of 2012,” explain Greene and Referring to the latitude of Seattle, 47 North is a new Mills. imprint from Amazon Publishing announced in October. “We are looking for stories about a day in the life of It will specialize in science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Its a child in a different country. We love stories that have first list will include 15 titles in book, Kindle, and audio a good moral, celebrate culture and family, and give an versions over the next year. authentic sense of the day in the life of a child. The The imprint looks to balance the speculative fiction writer must have been born in or lived in or have some genres. It defines fantasy as fiction based in the impossible other significant tie to the country they are writing and science fiction as based in reality, even if it is an about in order to be considered.” Hartlyn’s first two improbable reality. All the various subgenres are of inter- titles are The Bamboo Dance, about the Philippines, est, including epic and urban fantasy, military science and Adventures that Lead to Home, a story about fiction, space operas, and the darker fiction that is super- India. natural horror. As for style, Greene and Mills say they have no spe- The first title to be published is The Mongoliad: Book cific preferences: “We want all of the books we publish One, part of The Foreworld Series. It is the work of the to be unique writing styles and have their own person- successful authors Neal Stephenson, Greg Bear, and Mark alities.” Teppo, as well as several new writers. Another author on Query first, with a summary of the story, to the debut list is Aric Davis, author of the YA crime novel [email protected]. “After that point we can move Nickel Plated. forward with a manuscript if we have interest.” Proposal submissions and questions may be directed to Advance, and flat fee; books are works-for-hire. [email protected].

10 Children’s Writer • December 2011 • www.ChildrensWriter.com Marketplace

National Geographic Kids

National Geographic Society, 1145 17th Street NW,Washington, DC 20036. http://kids.nationalgeographic.com, http://littlekids.nationalgeographic.com Two magazines from the National Geographic Society target children, Nation- al Geographic Kids, for ages 6 to 14, and National Geographic Little Kids, for ages 3 to 6. Both aim to make learning about the world fun. National Geographic Kids has a circulation of 1.3 million readers and is pubished 10 times a year. Its articles place a premium on accuracy and enter- Holiday & Seasonal Markets taining information. Its writing style is exciting, to reflect the experience of new discoveries. Articles cover archaeology, geography, history, nature, paleontology, The following magazines (and one anthology and science. It also reports on news, and publishes puzzles, games, jokes, and fun publisher) for young readers accept seasonal facts. material appropriate to the winter holidays. National Geographic Little Kids is published 6 times a year and covers animals, nature, the environment, history, science, and world cultures. It also includes fic- ~ Babaganewz: www.babaganewz.com.Jew- tion in the form of rebus stories about other cultures or about animals. Simple ish holidays. Grades 6–8. ~ Dancing with Bear: www.dancingwith- experiments, crafts, recipes, activities, games and jokes are also in its issues. bearpublishing.com. Publishes seasonal or Both magazines assign many articles. Mail queries with clips. Responds if inter- holiday-related anthologies of short pieces ested. Buys all rights. Pays on acceptance; rates vary. for readers of many ages, including some books directed specifically at kids. ~ Devozine: www.devozine.org. Christian teens. Just 4 Kids ~ Focus on the Family Clubhouse: www.club- housemagazine.com. Christian, middle-grade. P.O. Box 18962, Austin, TX 78760. www.just4kidsmagazine.com ~ Fun for Kidz: www.funforkidz.com. Ages Just 4 Kids is a Christian magazine for all ages of children and teens, 5–13. but targets a reading level of ages 7 to 12. The Editor is Mauri Gandi. ~ Guide: www.guidemagazine.org. Christian. The mission of the monthly is to help children develop a relationship with Ages 10–14. ~ Humpty Dumpty: God, learn about Jesus, and help them live like him. Just 4 Kids is partic- www.uskidsmags.com/humpty-dumpty- ularly interested in true stories of children who have experienced miracles home. Ages 5–7. or demonstrate extraordinary virtue. It publishes profiles, personal expe- ~ Insight: www.insightmagazine.org. Christian rience, and Scripture-based fiction applicable in real life, as well as activi- teens. ties, games, quizzes, and poetry. ~ Inteen: www.urbanministries.com. Christian teens. Mail submissions for the print magazine. If interested in donating ~ Just 4 Kids: www.just4kidsmagazine.com. material for the website, email to [email protected]. Arti- Christian.Target reading age, 7–12. cles, 200–1,00 words. Fiction, 400–1,400 words. Print magazine pays 5¢ ~ Nature Friend: www.naturefriend- a word, on publication. magazine.com. Christian. Ages 8–16. ~ The New Era: www.newera.lds.org. Mormon teens. ~ Our Little Friend: www.ourlittlefriend.com. Tech & Learning Christian. Ages 1–5. ~ Partners: www.clp.org. Christian. Ages 1111 Bayhill Drive, Suite 125, San Bruno, CA 94066. www.techlearning.com 9–14. For 30 years Tech & Learning has championed technology in K–12 classrooms. ~ Plays: www.playsmag.com. Plays for ele- The audience of 90,000 consists of educators and technology coordinators. mentary, middle, and high school. ~ Primary Treasure: www.primarytreasure. The monthly looks regularly for high-quality pieces, especially from people in com. Christian. Ages 7–9. the field about what they have implemented and how it is working in schools. ~ Seventeen: www.seventeen.com. Girls, Subjects include technology in the classroom, the school, and the school district; 13-21. how to train teachers; technology as an instructional tool; innovative business ~ Skipping Stones: www.skippingstones.org. ideas; grants and funding; product reviews. Ages 7–17. ~ Story Mates: www.clp.org, Christian. Ages Email a pitch to Managing Editor Christine Weister at [email protected]. 4–8. Describe your idea for an article in one or two paragraphs. Do not send complete ~ Turtle: www.uskidsmags.com/turtle-home. articles. Ages 3–5.

11 Children’s Writer • December 2011 • www.ChildrensWriter.com Marketplace

Beyond Words EDC Publishing/Kane Miller

20827 NW Cornell Road, Suite 500, Hillsboro, OR 4901 Morena Boulevard, Suite 213, San Diego, CA 92117. 97124. www.beyondword.com www.edcpub.com, www.kanemiller.com Beyond Words recently reached a co-publishing Educational Development Corporation agreement with the Simon & Schuster Children’s (EDC) is the U.S. branch of the British company Publishing imprints Simon Pulse and Aladdin. As Usborne Publishing.The focus of trade publisher of January, Simon & Schuster will distribute and Usborne has long been on nonfiction titles, with sell Beyond Words’s 10 to 12 children’s books each more than 2,000 in print; it has recently added a year. The first is a new edition of Soul Searching: fiction line. In the news recently, EDC is investing A Girl’s Guide to Finding Herself, by Sarah Still- in Demibooks, a platform for authors and pub- man. Beyond Words has been co-publishing with lishers to publish interactive titles on the iPad. Simon & Schuster’s adult imprint Atria Books for Kane/Miller is part of EDC and publishes five years. board, concept, picture, chapter, and middle- Beyond Words publishes titles on body, mind, grade books from around the world. Its goal is to and spirit, in the categories of health and wellness, expose children to foreign cultures.While that is inspiration, psychology, new science, spiritual still true, the company is now actively looking for nonfiction and picture lifestyles, global native wisdom, history, pop cul- book fiction that depict U.S. cultures and communities. Of interest are ture, the arts, animals and nature, relationships, uniquely American angles and topics in categories such as sports, history, families, and more. The company is accepting sub- biography, and folktales. Kane/Miller is open to many fiction genres, as long missions for children and teens that foster well- as the characters are engaging and the stories well-told. Its books aim to being; on holistic health, the relationship between show young readers how people may live true to their individuality, yet fit science and spirituality, spirituality in the modern well within a culture or community. world, and books on native wisdom traditions Mail complete manuscript or query with synopsis and 2 sample chap- arounds the world. It also is open to parenting ters, or email to [email protected]. Include an SASE. Responds in 3 months. Royalty; advance. books with a focus on spirituality. No picture books or fiction. Accepts submissions through literary agents. Girls’ Life They should include a one- or two-page query let- ter; an author biography; five or more sample 4529 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21214. www.girlslife.com chapters; a synopsis and table of contents; market Girls’ Life aims to be a friend to its 10- to 15-year-old read- analysis, including competitive titles; the intended ers by providing information and guidance on self-esteem, audience; and an SASE. Accepts simultaneous sub- friends, family, relationships, school, health, and fashion. It also publishes profiles of girls, YA fiction, celebrity news, missions, if indicated. advice, recipes, crafts, quizzes, and media reviews. The Editor in Chief of Beyond Words is Cynthia Query first with a detailed description of the idea and clips Black, who said about the new arrangement, “We if available. Email to Senior Editor Katie Abbondanza at are looking forward to creating products together [email protected]. Article research must use primary for a younger generation that is in keeping with sources, to be included with a requested manuscript. our proud tradition of transforming lives.” Articles, 1,200–2,000 words. Fiction, to 3,500 words. Pays on publication. Articles, $350–$500; other rates vary. Index Corporation (EDC) 12 Jack and Jill 10 Penguin Young Readers Group 11 Aladdin 12 Flashlight Press 2, 3 Just 4 Kids 11 Plays 11 Amazon Publishing 10, 11 Focus on the Family Clubhouse 10 Kane/Miller 12 Primary Treasure 11 Ashland Creek 4, 5 47 North 10 Kar-Ben 6, 7 Random House 1, 2 Babaganewz 11 Fun for Kidz 11 Kids Can Press 6 Seventeen 11 Beyond Words 12 Girls’ Life 12 Lerner Publishing 5, 6 Simon Pulse 5, 12 BookEnds 5 Grosset & Dunlap 11 National Geographic Kids 11 Skipping Stones 11 Carolrhoda Lab 5 Group Publishing 6 National Geographic Little Kids 11 Splinter 7 Children’s Ministry 6 Guide 10 Nature Friend 11 Sterling Publishing 6, 7 Clarion Books 2 HarperCollins 2, 3 Nelson Agency 5 Story Mates 11 Dancing with Bear 11 Hartlyn Kids 10 The New Era 11 Turtle 11 Devozine 11 Houghton Mifflin 2 New Moon Girl Media 6, 7 Usborne Publishing 12 Dial Books for Young Readers 11 Humpty Dumpty 11 Our Little Friend 11 U.S. Kids Magazines 10 Dutton Children’s Books 11 Insight 10 Partners 11 Zonderkidz 1, 2, 3 Educational Development Inteen 10 12 Children’s Writer • December 2011 • www.ChildrensWriter.com