“A conversation with Christian authors, editors, and more about contemporary children’s literature and how to find the right books for your kids…”
I was thrilled to join fellow children’s writers and publishing professionals in this recent discussion about the children’s book market and the young readers and their families we’re honored to write for. Children’s books “have tremendous influence on each new generation” writes children’s author J.D. Peabody in his article “Beyond Narnia, Ramona, and Green Gables” at Christianity Today (no subscription needed to access).
In this multi-person interview, Peabody asks us about the landscape of Christian middle grade books, writing about faith in fantasy fiction, avoiding moralizing, “safe” content and literary quality, diversity, and many other topics.
Read the article and let me know your thoughts in the comments here.
Image: Illustration by Aedan Peterson from Lions to the Rescue, book 3 in the Tree Street Kids series from Moody Publishers
Amanda Cleary Eastep 
Amanda, wow. What a thorough and enlightening CT piece this was. I loved your quote, “Fiction can still be true even if it is made up.”
SD Smith also had a great line, I don’t have to write “Jesus saves” on the sandwich I make for my kid, I can just serve them food.
I appreciated your voice in this interview, it seemed to be honest and well-balanced.
May God continue to bless your writing. Sending a hug from Seattle.
Jody
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Thanks, Jody! So much wonderful insight from Christian authors and publishers in this article. I was happy to contribute.
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Hi Amanda, I tried to leave a comment on your blog—great interview!!
But I’m not sure it went through. It required me to log-in (although I was on wordpress already) and then it didn’t show up. So who knows! But I wanted to let you know I read the article—and we’re going to link to it in this week’s newsletter!
Betsy Farquhar, Managing Editor We know Christian parents and educators struggle to find quality new books. At Redeemed Reader, we’re reading ahead for you so that you can confidently choose books for your children and teens.
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Hi Betsy! THANK YOU for linking to the article. There’s great feedback from various publishing professionals. I learned a lot!
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That was a GREAT interview!! Loved it.
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