Description: A collection of essays written in the aftermath of September 11th in which Aronson weighed out how art, history, and books for younger readers could respond to the altered world. As in his previous collection, Exploding the Myths, the Truth About Teenagers and Reading, he expo...
Brief description: Marc Aronson has been an innovative editor and author of books for young readers for over thirty years. The winner of the first Robert Sibert medal, and editor of the tenth winner (Tanya Lee Stone's Almost Astronauts), Aronson is a passionate advocate of nonfiction. As an editor he created EDGE--the first international and multicultural YA imprint--where he published such artists as Jacqueline Woodson, Nikki Giovanni, and the first YA graphic novel memoir, Judd Winnick's Pedro and Me. The Skull in the Rock, which he wrote with Dr. Berger about the discovery of sediba, won the Subaru award for best middle grade science book. Aronson holds a PhD from NYU in American cultural history and is an Associate Professor of Public Professional Practice at Rutgers University, where he trains future youth librarians.
Review Quotes:
"This single volume reveals the wider context of Aronson's particular concerns as a publisher, writer, and reader of young adult literature. Passionate and unafraid of stirring up controversy, Aronson notes the gap between what young people want to know and read and what well-meaning adults want them to know and read." --The Horn Book Magazine
"Aronson's words will prompt discussion about the direction of young adult literature, and his thoughts will resound throughout the library field...Controversial? Yes. Interesting? Yes. Is it a must-read for professionals working with young adults? A definite yes." --VOYA "....presents a cohesive whole of multiple ideas....This excellent book should be required reading for anyone who cares about young adults and their literature." --Library Journal