Translation Fund Grants
($2,000–$3,000)
To support the translation of book-length works of fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, or drama that have not previously appeared in English or have appeared only in an outdated or otherwise flawed translation. >> More
The Children’s/Young Adult Book Authors Committee supports writers and librarians whose books have been banned or challenged. We are eager to receive information about these actions so that we can respond to them promptly.
Our committee also has monthly meetings which include passionate give-and-take conversations about topics that affect writers of children’s literature. Recently, a discussion about what constitutes “truth” in picture books, fiction, nonfiction, and memoir has led to a plan for a mini panel in early spring. Truth, often in the eye of the beholder, takes many forms. We will explore the notion of “truth” as writers for young people.
We welcome all to our monthly meetings.
ONLINE FORUMS
PEN’s Children’s/Young Adult Book Authors Committee weighs in on issues of racism and censorship in their many forms. Please join the discussion by reading the essays and posting your comments:
With David Almond, Alina Bronsky, Janne Teller, and Tommy Wieringa; moderated by Matt de la Peña A Gathering of Voices
April 29, 2010 | Instituto Cervantes | NYC
Join acclaimed author-illustrators Brian Selznick(The Invention of Hugo Cabret) and Paul O. Zelinsky(Swamp Angel, Rapunzel) for a conversation about pioneering literature for children.
Bob Lipsyte curates the first installment of PEN.org’s series of online correspondences between children’s and young adult book writers and illustrators. The opening act is conversation between Markus Zusak, author of The Book Thief, and Susan Campbell Bartoletti, author of Hitler Youth.
CYA IN NEW ORLEANS: MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CHARTER SCHOOL
Through the initiative of Member Fatima Shaik, the Children’s/Young Adult Book Authors Committee helped move an elementary school library from St. Joseph’s School in Greenwich Village, New York City, to the Martin Luther King, Jr. School in New Orleans. When Fatima realized the archdiocese was closing her child's school, she offered to pack up and transport to New Orleans the entire St. Joseph’s library consisting of 134 boxes of books and 37 bookcases. Over the course of several very hot August days, members of the Children’s Book Committee, including Fran Manushkin, Susan Kuklin, Miriam Chaikin, Paul Zelinsky, Elizabeth Levy, and Vera B. Williams, joined Shaik's friends and family, and the staff of St. Joseph’s to box the books and load them onto a rented truck. Donations to pay for transportation-a total of $3000-came from Children’s Committee members, family, friends, and strangers who answered a letter from "cousin Fatima" appealing for $10 from 300 people. Some $10 checks came from New Orleanians who were living in small towns and trailers because they had lost their homes. >> More
As part of an ongoing relationship between the PEN Children’s Book Committee and the Martin Luther King School of New Orleans, author and photographer Susan Kuklin and author Elizabeth Levy went down for a visit. >> More
In November, 2009, four authors—Robie Harris, Elizabeth Levy, Fatima Shaik and Susan Kuklin—went to The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Charter School of Science and Technology in the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans, to do a series of writer’s workshop with some of the students. The plan was: make a book! >> More
David Almond and Sofi Oksanen in Conversation with Rakesh Satyal
The Work Before the Work: A Special Program for High School Students 
Personal Evolution, Social Revolution: A Program for High School Students
The Inspired Scientist: A Program for High School Students
Justice and Literature
Making Art of History: A Program for High School Students
Inside Out
Small World, Big Choices: A Program for High School Students
Dreadful Lies/Peculiar Truths
Leaving Home as a Rite of Passage
Youth on the Frontlines: A Program for High School Students
Tell That Story Again: Writing Myth Now
Free Speech Zone
Crossing Borders: Universal Themes in Children's Literature
