Editorial 233: November 2018

2018 is drawing to a close, with huge, national and international events to mark the Armistice of 1918. Contemporary writers for children have succeeded in conveying the horrors of the war to their readers, as well as the comradeship of the trenches, and the changes that WW1 wrought on society.  The 100th anniversary of votes for (some) women was also very well represented in fiction and non-fiction for young readers, informative, inspiring books for those of all ages.

Now we look ahead to 2019, a year when Britain is set to leave the European Union.  Whether you think this is an exciting opportunity, or a catastrophe set to be worse than Suez, it will be a period of enormous change for us all.  Hopefully the increase in the number of books in translation for children in this country will continue, providing readers with stories shared with our European neighbours, and we expect to see UK children’s authors rising to the challenge of conveying shared values and community in a world that seems far less certain.

Books for Keeps will continue to review books, to reflect what is happening in the children’s book world, and to give space to authors to explain their work and their intentions.  Thank you for your continued readership, Happy Christmas, and our best wishes for the New Year.

Books for Keeps