Tessa Thompson to Produce Adaptations of Who Fears Death and The Secret Lives of Church Ladies with New Production Company
Tessa Thompson has launched her new production company Viva Maude. Now she’s moving into production with a first-look deal with HBO and HBO Max for adaptations of Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor and The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw. Thompson said, “I’m beyond thrilled to officially launch my production company, Viva Maude, which has been a real passion project and labour of love over the last few years. I’m elated to begin this partnership and to bring entertaining and impactful television projects to my friends and collaborators at HBO and HBO Max. Together we are committed to developing interesting and inclusive stories with inventive creators and to discover new voices and visionaries.”
Books By Ibram X. Kendi, Jason Reynolds, and Angie Thomas Among Most Objected to in 2020
On Monday, the American Library Association reported more than 270 challenges to books in 2020. Topping the list was George by Alex Gino, a book that was under fire for its LGBTQ content and “not reflecting the values” of the community. Other books making the top ten included Stamped: Racism, Anti-Racism, and You by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds, Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give, and John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men.
Anisfeld-Wolf Award Winners Announced
The Anisfeld-Wolf Award winners were announced Monday. The award honors books that, according to jury chair Henry Louis Gates Jr., “bring us fresh insights on race and the human condition.” Deacon King Kong by James McBride took the prize for fiction this year. For nonfiction, there were two co-winners: Natasha Trethewey’s Memorial Drive and Vincent Brown’s Tacky’s Revolt. Victoria Chang’s Obit was honored in poetry. The Anisfeld-Wolf Awards were established in 1935 and are managed by the nonprofit Cleveland Foundation.
Beginner Mistakes to Avoid During a 24 Hour Readathon
Dewey’s 24 Hour Readathon is coming up on April 24! Planning on joining in? Here are some beginner mistakes to avoid during a 24 hour readathon.