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At the Winter Institute 2025 in Denver, nearly 1,000 independent booksellers gathered, predominantly representing general bookstores. However, the conference, organized by the American Booksellers Association, made notable efforts to acknowledge children’s literature, culminating in a keynote address by acclaimed children’s author Brian Selznick.
Stephanie Valdez, co-owner of Community Bookstore in Brooklyn, set a heartfelt introduction for Selznick. She expressed gratitude for being the local bookstore for Selznick when he visits the East Coast, highlighting him as the only author to send them a cake. Valdez praised Selznick’s unique contributions to children’s literature, noting his innovative storytelling in works such as The Invention of Hugo Cabret, recipient of the Caldecott Medal, along with Wonderstruck, Kaleidoscope, Big Tree, and his recent release, Run Away with Me, all published by Scholastic.
During his keynote, Selznick shared a personal connection to the audience, recalling his time as a bookseller at Eeyore’s Books for Children in New York City during the early 1990s. He reflected on how this experience shaped his identity as an author and illustrator. Selznick expressed that, despite no longer working in a bookstore, he continues to embrace the role, emphasizing the joy of connecting readers with the right stories, even when they might not realize which book could resonate with them. He noted the shared experience booksellers have when they witness the delight of a customer discovering a book that reflects their own experiences and emotions.
Selznick’s personal journey as a young queer man was another thread in his address, detailing how his life experiences, particularly during the AIDS crisis, influenced his writings. He mentioned reading impactful children’s literature during that period, such as AIDS: You Can’t Catch It Holding Hands by Niki de Saint Phalle, which served to help young children understand a complex reality compassionately. Selznick emphasized the importance of such literature for both personal and educational reasons, acknowledging how profoundly it affected him during those formative years.
Reflecting on his artistic development, Selznick recounted a formative experience at Eeyore’s where his artistic talents were recognized, leading him to design promotional materials for the store. He described the creative challenge of painting window displays that needed to be visually striking both at a distance and up close—an experience he parallels to creating book covers that attract potential readers.
In discussing his latest work, Run Away with Me, Selznick expressed an eagerness to evolve his storytelling techniques and reach new audiences. He shared how the backdrop of Rome, where he spent nine months exploring its rich history, served as a metaphor for personal growth and the complexity of life experiences that build upon one another.
Concluding his speech, Selznick vehemently criticized the ongoing attempts at book bans, reinforcing a message of resilience and community among booksellers. He called for a collective effort to support one another in the face of censorship, encouraging those present to remember the solidarity found during the conference when they return to their stores.
Insights from Booksellers
Selznick was one of over 30 children’s and young adult authors participating in the event. In breakout sessions and discussions, children’s booksellers actively sought fresh and promising middle-grade literature, picking up anticipated titles like Pam Muñoz Ryan’s El Nino, and new entries from notable authors like Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft.
During a session titled “Readers’ Choices: Analyzing and Adapting to Consumer Trends,” Brenna Connor, a book industry analyst at Circana, highlighted a current decline in middle and teen reader engagement. Despite this, she noted potential growth areas in nonfiction, series, and narratives featuring mythical creatures, emphasizing a growing parental interest in books addressing children’s digital habits.
Connor also referenced data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, underscoring a drop in reading scores among children since 2019. Yet, she maintained a hopeful outlook, predicting a resurgence in genres like holiday-themed literature and educational activity books.
In another engaging discussion, panelists confronted the challenges facing middle-grade reading and stressed the necessity of nurturing a reading culture among youth. Holly Weinkauf, owner of Red Balloon Bookshop, advocated for active adult participation in children’s reading to promote interest.
Brein Lopez, general manager of Children’s Book World, criticized conventional perceptions of middle-grade literature, arguing for a focus on what truly captivates young readers. He suggested that the desire for social connection motivates children to reread graphic novels, highlighting the need for booksellers to adapt to children’s enthusiasm.
Lopez’s strategies for promoting discoverability included displaying illustrated chapter books alongside graphic novels and hosting book clubs for caregivers and children to foster joint reading experiences. He noted that pairing classic literature with engaging activities could also boost participation.
Leah Johnson, author and owner of Loudmouth Books, echoed the need for booksellers to maximize middle-grade fiction offerings. She pointed to innovative reimaginings of classics, such as Bethany C. Morrow’s So Many Beginnings, as ways to draw young readers in. Johnson also acknowledged the pressing issue of censorship in her home state, urging community support for educators navigating these challenges.
Paul Swydan of Silver Unicorn Bookstore highlighted the relevance of sports literature in engaging younger generations. He mentioned upcoming biographies and memoirs that could resonate with sports enthusiasts, while also stressing the importance of categorizing different genres effectively to appeal to children’s varied interests.
As discussions unfolded, the overarching sentiment among booksellers was clear: collaboration, engagement, and an adaptive approach to literature could pave the way for a brighter future in children’s reading. The dedication exhibited by those in attendance at Winter Institute 2025 underscores a commitment to nurturing a love for reading among children and teens.
Source
www.publishersweekly.com