September/October 2020 Horn Book

As I work at being really, really nearly retired and paring down all the children’s literature–related memberships, emails, unsolicited books, etc., I had been thinking of not renewing my Horn Book subscription. The September/October issue changed my mind.

The opening “Effin’ Jeez” editorial spoke directly to me. I’m still reviewing for Kirkus and SLJ, especially informational picture books, and the problem of imagining the digital edition as a book (even on a big screen) is challenging.

Kwame Alexander’s appreciation of Kadir Nelson was a delight — he was just the right person to write it.

I enjoyed reading Lolly Robinson’s article about the late Lee Kingman Natti, as I always enjoy introductions to the behind-the-scenes (that is, editorial) contributors to children’s literature.

I was so happy to read Zetta Elliott’s article, and to learn about the background of A Place Inside of Me. I really liked Bird and have made my own small efforts to share it.

And then there was Dean Schneider’s loving tribute to Ashley Bryan. As Ashley would say, these are “my people.” How can I not stay connected?

Even the reviews — though based on digital submissions — are grand.

Thanks for everyone’s hard work.

Kathleen T. Isaacs
Pasadena, Maryland

From the November/December 2020 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.