In the Footsteps of Sydney Taylor: Her Legacy Lives On

At the 2008 Association of Jewish Libraries convention in Cleveland, Ohio, well-known kidlit expert Rita Berman Frischer gave a presentation called "In the Footsteps of Sydney Taylor: Her Legacy Lives On." This lecture offered an overview of Jewish women writers past and present from the perspective of Rita, herself the founding chair of AJL's book award committee.

Rita's presentation was recorded and is now available through the AJL Podcast at jewishlibraries.org/podcast.

You can also listen to the recording right here:


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Kristina Swarner and Sarah Gershman

Kristina Swarner and Sarah Gershman
Originally uploaded by heidiestrin

Here we see the lovely Kristina Swarner and Sarah Gershman, illustrator and author of The Bedtime Sh'ma, the 2008 Sydney Taylor Book Award winner in the Younger Readers Category. These charming ladies were at the Association of Jewish Libraries convention in Cleveland recently to receive their awards. They gave a wonderful presentation to a packed room, talking about the genesis of the book - Kristina even showed original artwork to the awed crowd!

The 2008 winners in the Older Readers and Teen categories were at the convention too. During the special celebration for the award's 40th anniversary, Sid Fleischman, whose Entertainer and the Dybbuk won for Older Readers, gave the luncheon keynote address and Sonia Levitin, whose Strange Relations won for teens, participated in a panel on teen fiction.

Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award Announced

The Sydney Taylor Book Award has a sister award, the Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award, which recognizes the best manuscript by an unpublished author for Judaic children's literature. The Manuscript Award was established by Sydney's husband, Ralph Taylor, because Sydney's own All-of-a-Kind Family series first came to light as the winner of a manuscript contest. Ralph knew how important it was to encourage writers, and that is what the Manuscript Award does. Several past winners of the Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award have gone on to be published, and some have even received further awards; think of Julia's Kitchen by Brenda Ferber, Night of the Burning by Linda Press Wulf, or A Pickpocket's Tale by Karen Schwabach.

Here is the press release announcing the most recent winner of the Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award!

2008 Sydney Taylor Book Award Announced

An Unpublished Gem
Margaret Chaiken has won the 2008 Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award from the Association of Jewish Libraries for her unpublished novel Stealing the Show. The award is presented annually for the best unpublished manuscript of Jewish content written for children 8-11 years old. The winner receives a cash award of $1000.

This year's winner, Stealing the Show, is a historical novel. Ten-year-old Ana, upset that she cannot attend a soccer award dinner that falls on the evening of the first Passover seder, is transported back to 16th century Antwerp and a family of conversos. Through her experience of literally walking in someone else's shoes, Ana learns to appreciate Judaism and understand the importance of one's convictions. A meeting with historical figure of Dona Gracia Nasi and the perils of the Inquisition bring excitement to the story.

Inspiration
Chaikin was inspired to write her novel while teaching fourth grade at Park East Day School in New York. She wanted to convey the story of Dona Gracia Nasi's exciting life to her students, but found nothing suitable.

She decided to write her own book, using historical fiction as her vehicle. Aileen Grossberg, chair of the Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award Committee, says "The time travel that forms the framework of the novel will immediately draw the reader into the story, and the tense situations that the characters face will make the reader want to find out what happens. The Committee was overjoyed to find such a wonderful historical story brought to light for modern readers!"

More Info Available
The Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award will be presented at the annual convention of the Association of Jewish Libraries this June in Cleveland, Ohio. Submissions for next year's Manuscript Award are being accepted through December 15, 2008; more information is available at www.jewishlibraries.org/ajlweb/awards/st_ms.htm.

AJL Convention Article Mentions Sydney Taylor Book Award

The Association of Jewish Libraries annual convention starts this Sunday, June 22, 2008! It's taking place in Cleveland, OH, and today's Cleveland Jewish News ran a great article about the gathering. The article mentions the Sydney Taylor Book Award by name:

“The convention allows me to meet and brainstorm with my colleagues from around the world,” says librarian Wendy Wasman, convention co-chair. “We are also able to promote Jewish authors and advance Jewish literature through our two internationally recognized awards n the Sydney Taylor Book Award (best in Jewish children’s literature) and our reference award for scholarly materials.”

The article also mentions the post-conference being held in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Sydney Taylor Book Award:

New this year is a post-convention day limited to 100 participants called “A Celebration of Jewish Children’s Literature.” The day will include study sessions and book signings by noted authors of Jewish children’s literature.

If you'd like to follow the convention as it unfolds, check out the convention blog at ajlcleveland2008.blogspot.com. Please be sure to post comments, and to use the tag "ajlcleveland2008" if you participate in any social media stuff related to the convention!