Author: Emily Martin

Romance Author Rebekah Weatherspoon Moves to YA Fiction With Her New Novel

Romance author Rebekah Weatherspoon is ready to make her move into YA romance with her new novel Her Good Side. Razorbill, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, acquired the publishing rights of the novel, which follows the story of a young girl who agrees to go on a fake homecoming date to help her friend. Her Good Side is being described as perfect for fans of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Dumplin‘.

Namina Forna’s New Novel The Gilded Ones is Already Being Adapted Into a Film

Namina Forna’s new YA fantasy novel The Gilded Ones just came out this week, but already a film version of this bestselling novel is in the works. Forna is going to write the script for the first film in what is set to be a trilogy. Additionally, Lovecraft Country showrunner Misha Green is one of the producers for the film.

Jessica Au Wins Inaugural Novel Prize

Melbourne-based author Jessica Au has been announced as the inaugural winner of the Novel Prize for her book Cold Enough for Snow. Au’s novel was selected from an international field of nearly 1,500 submissions and a shortlist of six. Cold Enough for Snow will be published internationally at the beginning of 2022.

Diverse Books On Hold in Utah School District

A Utah school district has suspended its Diversity Equity Council, as well as an equity books program that the Council worked on, after an incident at Horizon Elementary School in Murray, Utah, lead to parental complaints. Both the council and the books program are now under review.

Netflix Adapting Brian Jacques’ Redwall Books

Brian Jacques’ Redwall books are being adapted into a movie and television series thanks to a new rights deal between Netflix and Penguin Random House Children. Patrick McHale, creator of Cartoon Network’s “Over the Garden Wall,” is penning the movie based on the first book in the Redwall series. This is the first time a movie of any of Jacques’ works will have been made.

Senator Elizabeth Warren’s Picture Book Pinkie Promises Will Be Published This Fall

Senator Elizabeth Warren is publishing a picture book based on her favorite presidential campaign ritual. When she would meet a young girl on the campaign trail, Warren would tell her, “My name is Elizabeth, and I’m running for president because that’s what girls do,” then seal their bond with a pinkie promise. The book, entitled Pinkie Promises, will be out this fall.

Apple Highlighting “We Read Too” App in Celebration of Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, Apple has been highlighting the work of Black developers, businesses, and more. Today, Apple shared the story of Kaya Thomas, the app developer behind We Read Too. The app aims to make diverse books more accessible to young readers. This includes a directory of picture, chapter, middle grade, and young adult books written by authors of color featuring authors of color.

Reducing the Environmental Toll of Paper in the Publishing Industry

What is the environmental impact of the publishing industry? And what can publishing companies do to create more sustainable practices? Find out here.

Get a Sneak Peek at Leigh Bardugo’s Rule of Wolves Before it Hits Shelves in March

On March 30, Rule of Wolves, the second part of of Leigh Bardugo’s best-selling King of Scars duology hits shelves. Can’t wait til then? You can now read the first chapter of the highly-anticipated novel exclusively at Entertainment Weekly.

School Finds New Way to Motivate Kids to Read: Vending Machines

Peterson Elementary School in North Texas has found a new way to get their students reading: vending machines. With the help of the Northwest ISD Education Foundation, educators bought a vending machine for the school, and instead of filling it with snacks, they filled it with books. Every week, teachers set reading goals for their students, and then on Friday each teacher picks one student to get a golden coin to use in the machine. Librarian Kelly Minton said, “We make such a big deal about students when they’re down here with their gold coins and we’re standing and cheering them on.”

Free Zoom Conversation with Author Jason Reynolds

Young adult author and poet Jason Reynolds will be appearing in a free Zoom conversation hosted by the Medina County District Library on February 24 at 6:30pm, Eastern. While Reynolds’ works are primarily written for middle graders and young adults, Tina Sabol, community engagement manager at the library, said Reynold’s works “are a great read for any age.” To participate in the free Zoom conversation, you can register here.

2021 PEN America Literary Awards Finalists Announced

The 2021 PEN America Literary Awards Finalists have been announced; the virtual awards ceremony will take place on April 8, 2021.

TO ALL THE BOYS Author Jenny Han Has A New Series Coming to Amazon

Amazon has ordered an eight-episode series from author Jenny Han. This new series will be an adaptation of Han’s novel The Summer I Turned Pretty. Han has written the pilot for the series and will also serve as executive producer and co-showrunner. 

BRIDGERTON Star Adjoa Andoh Reading AN ORDINARY WONDER by Buki Papillon

Can’t get enough of Lady Danbury from the hit Netflix series Bridgerton? Adjoa Andoh, the actress who plays Lady Danbury, will be back in March with her audiobook reading of An Ordinary Wonder by Nigerian author Buki Papillon. This debut novel is a coming-of-age story about “the courage needed to be yourself.” Of the choice to have Andoh narrate the novel, Papillon said, “I’d watched ‘Bridgerton’ in two days and was utterly dazzled by Adjoa Andoh’s performance…I am delighted that such a talented human and enlightened spirit is giving voice to my audiobook.”

Michele Assarasakorn & Nathan Fairburn Working On New Graphic Novel: Paws

Michele Assarasakorn and Nathan Fairburn are working together on a new middle grade graphic novel series called Paws. Assarasakorn, who is illustrating the series, has also worked on Isola, Spider-Man, Gotham Academy, and Wonder Woman. Fairburn is the colorist for Scott Pilgrim, Batman, Wonder Woman Earth One, and Spider-Man, to name a few. The first book of Paws will be published in the spring of 2022, the second in the fall of that same year, and the final installment comes out in 2023.

Books for Black History Month

Check out this list for some of the best adult nonfiction books—from graphic novels to essay collections—to read for Black History Month.

Stephen King Helps Kids Publish Pandemic-Inspired Book

Students participating in Farwell Elementary School’s Author Studies Program in Lewiston, Maine, just got a big helping hand from Maine’s most famous author. Stephen King’s foundation is covering the $6,500 cost of publishing the students’ 290-page manuscript. The book is a reworking of the story Fletcher McKenzie and the Passage to Whole, reflecting the students’ experiences during the pandemic

Amanda Gorman Recites Powerful Original Poem at the Super Bowl

Before the Super Bowl LV started on Sunday, February 7, viewers were treated to something truly special: Amanda Gorman, the country’s first National Youth Poet Laureate, recited a moving original poem. The poem was entitled “Chorus of the Captains,” and if you missed the live performance (or simply want to see it again), you can watch it here.

Get a First Look at the New HBO Max TV Show MADE FOR LOVE

HBO Max has a new series premiering this spring based on the Alissa Nutting novel Made for Love. And now you can get an exclusive first look at the show. Made for Love, the TV show, stars Cristin Milioti (Palm Springs) in a story the actress describes as a “sci-fi, dark comedy, family, emotional survivor story.”

Academic Libraries Aren’t Just for Writing Papers

Looking to make the most of the academic library in your life? Academic libraries aren’t just for writing papers. Find out just how useful these libraries can be for everyday delights and curiosities.

After Nearly A Decade, Pulitzer Prize Winning Author Jhumpa Lahiri Announces New Book

It’s been nearly a decade since her last novel, The Lowland, but Pulitzer Prize winning author Jhumpa Lahiri has finally announced her next book. The new novel is called Whereabouts, and will be published under the Hamish Hamilton imprint of Penguin Random House in April 2021.

The Where the Crawdads Sing Movie Has Cast Its Male Leads

Reese Witherspoon’s production company Hello Sunshine is adapting the bestselling novel Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens into a film. And we now know who will play the two male leads. While Hello Sunshine had already announced that Daisy Edgar-Jones would star as Kya, we now have two more names to add to the list. Taylor John Smith will play Tate Walker, and Harris Dickson will take on the role of Chase Andrews. Where the Crawdads Sing is currently still in pre-production.

Organization Against Gun Violence Launches “Moms Demand Action Book Club”

Everytown for Gun Safety, an organization against gun violence, has launched a new book club. It’s called the Moms Demand Action Book Club, and they will discuss nonfiction books recommended by Everytown’s Authors Council. Each quarter, members can read any or all of the 10 books with a common theme listed on the Everytown website. Towards the end of the quarter, there will be a virtual discussion about that quarter’s theme. The book club’s first virtual discussion will take place on February 28.

Obama Presidential Center and Library Breaking Ground This Year

The wait is finally over. The Barack Obama Presidential Center and Library in Jackson Park, Chicago, will start pre-construction work in April 2021.

Salma Hayek Lets Breasts Do the Talking in Her New Comedy Series

Salma Hayek is producing an upcoming HBO Max Comedy series that asks an important question: “If your breasts could talk, what would they say to you?” The TV show A Boob’s Life is based on author Leslie Lehr’s upcoming memoir A Boob’s Life: How America’s Obsession Shaped Me…and You. The memoir’s expected release date in March 2. No announcement has been made for when the show will air or who will play Leslie in the series.

Michelle Obama Releasing A New Edition of Becoming for Young Readers

Former First Lady Michelle Obama is releasing a young reader version of her bestselling memoir Becoming. This new edition is adapted for children ages 10 and up, and it will include a new introduction from Obama as well as three full-color photo inserts. The paperback edition of Becoming and the new young reader version will both release on March 2.

Finalists for 2021 Evergreen Award Announced

The Ontario Library Association has announced the 10 finalists for the 2021 Evergreen Award. Desmond Cole, Thomas King, and Silvia Moreno-Garcia all have books that have been included on the list of finalists. Cole is nominated for his book The Skin We’re In, King is nominated for Indians on Vacation, and Moreno-Garcia is a finalist for her novel Mexican Gothic. The finalists were chosen by a committee of library professionals, and Canadian readers can vote for the winner in September.

United States Artists Announces the 2021 Class of Fellows

The United States Artists have announced their 2021 class of fellows, and it’s the largest class in the history of the organization.

Hunter Biden’s Memoir BEAUTIFUL THINGS is Out in April

Hunter Biden, the oldest surviving child of President Joe Biden, has announced that his memoir Beautiful Things will be published in April. The book will focus on the younger Biden’s struggle with addiction. Already, the memoir has received advance praise from authors such as Stephen King, Dave Eggers, and Anne Lamott.

LeVar Burton Named Inaugural PEN/Faulkner Literary Champion

On May 10, 2021, actor LeVar Burton will be honored as the inaugural PEN/Faulkner Literary Champion, in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the PEN/Faulkner Foundation. PEN/Faulkner executive director Gwydion Suilebhan said of the award-winning actor and Reading Rainbow host, “For decades, LeVar Burton has inspired readers all over the world. He has brought stories to life in a magical and meaningful way for generations of book-lovers, and his work has made a lasting, positive impact in literature.”

Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club “Hello Sunshine” Now Has An App

Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine is a book club that’s been primarily Instagram-based. Until now. The new Hello Sunshine mobile app is now available to download for free. The app aims to connect with more readers, make buying and tracking book club books easier, and eventually, offer exclusive merchandise.

STAMPED Facing Removal From Texas School Reading List

A parent at Westwood High School in Austin, Texas is taking action to have Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You removed from the school’s reading list. Read more about this developing case here.

Netflix Releases the Trailer for Amy Poehler’s Adaptation of MOXIE

On March 3, Netflix will release its adaptation of the 2015 novel Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu. If you’re a fan of the novel and want a sneak peak right now, you can watch the trailer here! The film is directed by and stars Amy Poehler. Poehler plays a former ‘90s Riot Grrrl whose teen daughter Vivian (played by Hadley Robinson) is fed up with the way girls are treated at her school. So she creates a “Moxie,” an anonymous zine that draws attention to gender politics and the sexual harassment happening at her school.

Former President Barack Obama Makes A Special Book Club Appearance

A local Washington D.C. book club got a special surprise when Former President Barack Obama showed up to their Zoom meeting. The book club, hosted by MahoganyBooks and Very Smart Brothas Book Club, was meeting to discuss Obama’s recent memoir A Promised Land, and they were expecting a member of the Obama administration to speak with them. What they got instead was a huge shock to everyone in attendance.

George RR Martin Finally Gives Us An Update on THE WINDS OF WINTER

It’s been nearly a decade since A Dance with Dragons, the fifth book in the song of Ice and Fire Series, was published. Fans have been clamoring for news about the next book in the series, The Winds of Winter. Well, finally, author George R.R. Martin has an update on his blog. Apparently, he’s gotten a lot of it written over the past year, but he refuses to make any predictions about when the book will be finished. He explained, “I need to keep rolling, though. I still have hundreds of more pages to write to bring the novel to a satisfactory conclusion.”

The Free Black Women’s Library Celebrating Black Women and Nonbinary Writers

The Free Black Women’s Library is a Brooklyn-based social art project, interactive installation and book collection celebrating and amplifying Black women and nonbinary writers. Find out more about it here.

Wakanda Disney+ Series in Development with Black Panther Director Ryan Coogler

Fans of Black Panther have something new to get excited about. The world of Wakanda is coming to the small screen. Black Panther director Ryan Coogler has signed a five-year contract with Disney+ to develop a TV show under his Proximity Media banner. The show is being described as “a drama based in the Kingdom of Wakanda for Disney+.” 

Dante Alighieri’s Descendant Seeks to Clear the Poet’s Name

More than 700 years after Divine Comedy poet Dante Alighieri was accused of corruption and condemned to perpetual exile, his descendant is hoping to reverse the sentence. Dante’s descendent Sperello di Serego Alighieri is an astrophysicist working with law professor Alessandro Traversi on the case. The formal process to clear Dante’s name begins in May, and Antoine de Gabrielli, a descendant of the official who convicted Dante, will take part in the proceedings as well.

The Conscious Kid Partners with Pottery Barn to Create BIPOC Book Bundles for Kids

The Conscious Kid has partnered with Pottery Barn to curate book bundles for kids centered around BIPOC authors. The Conscious Kid is an organization dedicated to “equity and promoting healthy racial identity development in youth.” Right now on the Pottery Barn website, you can purchase a board book bundle, a picture book bundle, or you can make a donation. All donation proceeds go towards getting children’s books from TCK’s list of Antiracist Children’s Books into classrooms.

Readers Fell In Love With These Top Romance Books On Amazon

Check out the top romance books on Amazon, featuring 20 titles and ten of the most highlighted passages.