Usborne publishers have recently announced that they are to enter into the realm of young adult fiction. After celebrating five years as a fiction publisher they believe that they have found a book with the winning formula to be successful in the young adult market. ‘Angel Heat’, a trilogy by Lee Weatherley will begin publishing in February 2010. It features angels that are poisonous to humans, an angel killer and of course the angel with whom he falls in love. Watch this space for reviews.
The Book Depository has decided to offer free downloads on 11,000 ebooks. The aim is to allow users to experience an ebook at no cost and with no risks attached, allowing people to play and experiment with the format.
Dreams have come true for the Oxford Story Museum. For the last four years the museum has existed in an online capacity but a generous donation from a private benefactor means that they can begin public fundraising to secure the remainder of the 11m they will need to transform their chosen building. The museum is set to be "a world centre for story and storytelling. Its vision is to create a story-rich society, in which children enjoy sharing and learning through stories and storytelling in many forms."
The Reading Agency has announced the 2010 Summer Reading Challenge theme – ‘Space Hop’. This is a reflection of some of the most popular television programmes and the interest in the 40th anniversary of the moon landings earlier this year. It will help young readers not only to discover the joy of reading but also to develop an interest in science and space travel.
A review of the Great Family Escapes project launched in August has hailed the programme a success. The Reading for Life initiative provided 18,000 book bags to all families arriving at six Haven Holidays camps, reaching 37,000 children – twice the estimated number. These were supported by book swaps and competitions to support and encourage family reading. The overall aim was to encourage and improve perceptions of and interest in reading. For more detail visit the Literacy Trust.
Whilst the young adult fiction market appears to be booming fears have been expressed that this may be to the detriment of younger readers. Rachel Airey, children’s buyer for WH Smith feels that there are few very good stand alone novels for the younger reader from new writers. The typically difficult 6-8 year-old category is beginning to suffer as are girls aged 8-10. More books in this area would nurture future talent and be well received say booksellers but it seems that more work need to be done to convince publishers.
Editorial