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When I was growing up, my mom knew I didn’t like jam. But she often hid it in her recipes. But no matter how many times she thought I wouldn’t notice, I could tell.
It reminds me of how, as authors, we need to trust our readers.
We all have a message or a theme we want to impart; the best stories do. But we must be careful, especially with astute readers (and kids are so astute!) that they don’t sniff out the jam (our message) instead of enjoying the fruit.
If I’ve learned anything as a former teacher and homeschooler, kids want two things from their fun reading: to get lost in a book and to laugh. And maybe adults want the same thing too.
Which brings me to what I'd love to see more of in kids' publishing: books that trust young readers enough to simply delight them.
If you don’t already know, I am a member of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, a wonderful community of authors who share monthly about the winding paths of the creative life. It’s a place to be earnest about our hurdles and celebrate our small victories together.
This month’s question: Is there anything you’d like to see changed, added, and/or rearranged about the book publishing industry?
Here is my wish list of the books I’d like to see more of:
1. More boy protagonists that boys can relate to. I love seeing boy protagonists that are integral to the story, make mistakes, are impulsive, yet kind, and you want to bring home with you—or that your son, grandson, or nephew would love to be friends with.
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| Edmund is the kind of well-rounded boy I love! |
2. More humor! Although infusing humor into my writing is something I purposely work on, it has gotten easier as I’ve learned to take myself less seriously. And I know that practically every kid I talk to wants books that are funny.
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| A very fun series with my favorite animals |
3. Strong family bonds. Most books for kids have dead or absent parents. I’d love to see more books where kids are still solving their own problems, but with a kind parent or adult guiding them. Think of Mr. Penderwick and how he is always in the background, encouraging and giving wisdom to his girls.
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| One of my favorite literary dads! |
4. Hopeful endings. Growing up is hard. I will never forget reading A Summer to Die as a child and worrying that something would happen to my sister. I would love to see more books that celebrate the wonder and beauty of childhood instead of loading kids down with worries they are not ready to carry.
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| A book with hard parts, but a very hopeful ending |
I probably won’t be able to change the industry or the books placed facing out in bookstores. But I can do one small thing: write the books I love and would love to see in libraries or bookstores. Although my boys are too old for middle grade now, I know I’m not the only parent out there who would love to hand her children a book that will make them laugh, inspire them, and bring them joy.
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| photo from Canva |
Notes from the Front Porch
Writers: What inspires the books you write?
Readers: What type of books would you like to see more of?
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