Dana Tanamachi’s 2021 National Book Festival Poster Revealed
The National Book Festival has unveiled their poster for this year’s festival, designed by Dana Tanamachi, a New York City-based artist, designer and owner of Tanamachi Studio. The theme for this year’s festival is “Open a Book, Open the World,” and in translating that theme for the image on the poster, Tanamachi explained, “It dawned on me that an open book could also look like a blossoming flower, and the ideas started to flow instantly…Books and flowers both open up and invite us in to behold beauty, mark the seasons and experience change and growth. Combining the two images felt like the perfect metaphor.” You can download a high-resolution PDF of the poster, and you can view and download previous festival posters at the National Book Festival poster gallery.
Robin Now Canonically Bisexual in New Batman Comic
There’s a new LGBTQ+ character in the DC universe! The latest issue of Batman: Urban Legends, a monthly anthology series, has revealed that Batman’s sidekick Robin—specifically the Tim Drake version of him—is bisexual. In this issue, Tim reunites with his old friend Bernard, and they agree to go out on a date. Fans have responded positively to the news. Artist Belén Ortega, who works on the comic, tweeted, “It’s overwhelming all the comments and love I’m receiving from you guys. Thanks for your support on my very first series with @DCComics See you soon Tim!” Ortega ended the tweet with hearts and a rainbow flag.
American Booksellers Association Apologizes for Promoting the Wrong Book
In a statement published to the Shelf Awareness blog Monday, American Booksellers Association’s CEO Allison Hill issued an apology for an incident in which a curated bestsellers list featured the wrong title. The list was meant to feature short story collection Blackout by Dhonielle Clayton and other authors, an ode to Black teen love and New York City. Instead, they accidentally included the Candace Owens book by the same name. Apologizing on behalf of the employee who made the mistake, Hill said, “It was a terrible mistake with terrible racist implications. However, based on our investigation and the demonstrated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitment of these individuals, we have no reason to believe the action was malicious in intention.”
Anti-Critical Race Theory Parents Fight The Hate U Give
As students everywhere start heading back to schools, the tensions surrounding teaching critical race theory continues to rise. Now, Parents in Putnam County, New York, are fighting against the inclusion of The Hate U Give on 9th grade reading lists.