Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week is this week, September 25 to October 2.

It began in 1982 and is sponsored by the American Library Association as a tribute to free speech and open libraries. The mission of Banned Books Week is an awareness of book banning in this country.

Yes, that still goes on to this day and includes a wide range of books, from works like Harry Potter and In The Night Kitchen to I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings.

And before you get uppity and think to yourself, “Well, I’m glad I don’t live in one of those small minded states” check out this map of book censorship for the last three years. I was shocked to find there were 7 in the San Francisco Bay Area (none in The City herself, though) and four in Los Angelas county.

In fact, only FOUR states didn’t generate any reports of book bans or challenges in the last three years (2007-2010); Nebraska, New Mexico, Utah, and Nevada. And maybe Alaska and Hawaii, which got left off the map like always; poor non-continental states.(the U.S. territory/protectorate of Puerto Rico wasn’t on the map either, but then they never are)

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Roald Dahl Month: September 2010

September is Roald Dahl Month. Roald Dahl is the author of such classic kid’s books as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, Matilda, The Big Friendly Giant, Witches, and many more.

Super Quick Bio

Roald Dahl was born in Wales (1916) to Norwegian parents. Which is why he has such a unique name. He was a fighter pilot in the R.A.F during World War II. His writing career began with short stories for adults before he became one of the most beloved children’s book authors of all time. He also wrote two screen plays based on Ian Fleming books. Dahl is known for his skill in relating suspenseful events in simple ways.

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Read Comics in Public Day: Represent on August 28

I opened up my RSS reader a few weeks ago and discovered this wonderful little gem in the Comics Alliance feed. (I use RSS Owl to read the blogs I subscribe to)

So, what’s all this about reading comic books in public on August 28th? Well…

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2009 Agatha Award Winners

The Agatha Award is handed out at the Malice Domestic Convention each year. The 2010 event has announced the winning 2009 books (so you get your 2009 Agatha Award in 2010).

The eligible materials for the 2009 Agatha are those 1) first published in the United States, 2) written by a living author, 3)released during the calendar year 2009 (January 1-December 31), and 4) are a “traditional mystery” as typified by the works of Agatha Christie and others. more »

Congrats to 2010 Edgar Winners

The Egdar Award is given to authors each year by the Mystery Writers of America at their yearly Gala Banquet.

Here are the Edgar Award winners and runners-up/nominees for 2010:

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Original Alice’s Adventures Under Ground Online

I’m just brimming over with Alice in Wonderland geek joy! You can now read, online, the original manuscript complete with Lewis Carol’s hand drawn illustrations. This isn’t the first published edition, this is Carol’s original hand written and illustrated book. You can also listen to it using the Audio option.

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Have You Hugged A 2010 Hugo Nominee Today?

Have you hugged a 2010 Hugo Award nominee today? I haven’t either. But at least I can show off which books are up for the trophy this year.

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