I should have subscribed to The Horn Book ages ago. The November/December issue has Richard Peck’s thoughtful, provocative Zena Sutherland Lecture, "And Still the Story." This part kills me (in the good way, the Southern way):
But revolutions always create new literatures–as well as fewer freedoms than before–and that one created the young adult novel. Robert Cormier wrote The Chocolate War, and I quit my job. But then, the only way you can write is by the light of the bridges burning behind you.
Unrelatedly:
(Via Maureen.)
One of my former housemates is a reviewer for the Horn Book–usually YA and Middle Grades SF. ALB.
That thing is hilarious. Mine and scott’s blog are elementary level. Whereas the mumpsimus is college level (undergrad). That’s the first blog rating thing of its kind that is a hundred per cent accurate! I’m in awe.
Although Chris Roberson’s blog is rated at postgrad, which I think is somewhat of an overestimate.
I am convinced this reading level widget makes all its determinations based entirely on word count averages, assigning grades that correspond with assumptions of maturity versus attention span. I have no proof of this, but I am willing to bet forty dollars.
Anybody run any Hal Duncan or Ben Rosenbaum by it?
Word count was my first guess, too, but I actually tried it on Hal Duncan’s blog, and it reported “Elementary School,” so there must be something else going on.
And coincidentally, just now I was looking at No Fear of the Future, which gets a “Genius” rating. I didn’t know the scale went up that high.