Hi friends,

I had intended on beginning this month’s blog by shouting “HAPPY NEW YEAR!” and filling you in on a few fun things that I’ve been doing and preparing for. But at the moment, the world we live in doesn’t feel happy or fun; it feels scary, heartbreaking, and infuriating.

Recently a beloved critique partner, Amy Chini, texted in our group’s discord channel that when the world feels like this, she is grateful for the safe space we offer each other. I could not agree more, and I would like to echo her sentiment: when the world feels like this, I look to the kidlit community, because I know that here I will find empathy, compassion, and action.

Writers, illustrators, agents, editors, and publishers are here to sell books, yes—but above and beyond that, I think we’re all here to make the world a little better. I have yet to meet one community member who doesn’t want to help kids laugh, see themselves in the pages of a book, shed light on a tough subject, or bring comfort to a child who needs it. And that doesn’t even begin to touch the heroic teachers and librarians who are on the front lines, shaping, protecting, and caring for children every day.

We all know that famous quote from the marvelous Mr. Rogers: “Look for the helpers.” In the spirit of finding the helpers, I want to share just a tiny fraction of the work that members of the publishing community are doing. It inspires me.

Publishing for Minnesota

A group of authors, illustrators, agents, and editors have come together to organize an auction to raise funds for those most impacted by the ICE raids in Minnesota. They have received more than 500 auction items! The auction will take place this Thursday and Friday, January 29-30. You can find out more on their instagram page and on the auction site.

Speaking out

There are more kid lit community members than I can count who are using their platforms to speak out against injustice and to speak in support of their neighbors. Their posts give me comfort and make me want to be more active and more courageous.

Book Recommendations

And there are writers, teachers, and librarians who are posting lists of books that are relevant to the moment. Here are just a few Instagram accounts with great book recommendations:

I am trying to do my small part by calling my representatives, sending postcards, donating to organizations, and at the end of this week, bidding at the Publishing for Minnesota auction. Whatever issue is important to you, I encourage you to find one small thing you can do (if you’re not doing small or BIG things already). Doing one small thing is doing something.

In the meantime, I keep seeking small moments of beauty and joy, because those, too, are something.