Product Description

For nearly a decade Marc Aronson ran an imprint dedicated to international and multicultural literature for teens. He was known in the industry for publishing "edgy" books, and for his commitment to bringing the experiences of non-dominant authors and illustrators to the world. Yet in the summer of 2001 he wrote an essay that argued against awards, such as the Pure Belpre and Coretta Scott King prizes, for which you must be a member of a given ethnic group to win. Not surprisingly, his article was very controversial; and the author and publisher Andrea Davis Pinkney who had created an imprint specifically designed to be of, by, and for African Americans, published a thoughtful reply.

Here, in Beyond the Pale, Aronson explains the passionate convictions that led him to write his essay, and outlines objections made by others; then reprints the original alongside Pinkney's response.

As Aronson prepared a formal response to his critics, the attacks of September 11th took place. This tragedy simultaneously made a squabble among authors seem petty, and the issues around art, society, and cultural diversity all the more important. Throughout 2001 and 2002, Aronson wrote essays in which he weighed out how art, history, and books for younger readers could respond to the altered world. As in his previous collection, Exploding the Myths, the Truth About Teenagers and Reading, he exposes the mythologies and false beliefs that distort our understanding of books and their readers.

Provocative and informative, this collection of essays will challenge those who know children's literature well to think in new ways, while linking the debates within that industry to the wider intellectual currents of our time.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1963902 in Books
• Published on: 2003-02
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .74 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 168 pages

From School Library Journal
This collection of essays, many of which Aronson delivered as speeches during late 2001 and 2002, covers a wide range of subjects, but still presents a cohesive whole of multiple ideas. The author begins by reprinting his own controversial essay from Horn Book (May/June 2001) on culturally specific book awards (Coretta Scott King, Pura Belpr‚, etc.) and Andrea Davis Pinkney's response, also from Horn Book (September/October 2001). From there, he moves on to discuss the impact of September 11, 2001, on art and history, especially for young people, and discusses the challenges of writing and publishing YA literature, both fiction and nonfiction, with particular attention to the difficulties of reaching male readers, before concluding with an essay in which he unites the ideas previously discussed. This excellent book should be required reading for anyone who cares about young adults and their literature.
Ellen A. Greever, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
This single volume reveals the wider context of Aronson's particular concerns as a publisher, writer, and reader of young adult literature. Passionate and unafraid of stirring up controversy, Aronson notes the gap between what young people want to know and read and what well-meaning adults want them to know and read. (Horn Book Magazine )

Aronson's words will prompt discussion about the direction of young adult literature, and his thoughts will resound throughout the library field...Controversial? Yes. Interesting? Yes. Is it a must-read for professionals working with young adults? A definite yes. (Voya )

....presents a cohesive whole of multiple ideas....This excellent book should be required reading for anyone who cares about young adults and their literature. (Library Journal )

About the Author
Marc Aronson is Editorial Director and Vice-President of Non-Fiction Content Development at Carus Publishing company and has written widely on young adult literature.