Celebrating One of Michigan's Amazing Resources:
Great Writers and Illustrators!
The great
state of Michigan has such an abundance of talented writers and illustrators
that I believe our motto should be revised to Si quaeris libri amoenam, circumspice. (That’s my lame attempt at Latin for “If you
seek a pleasant book, look around you.”)
Given this great natural resource, let’s all show our peninsular pride
by increasing our consumption of Michigander lit!
Here are
some resources to get you started: lists
of authors and illustrators; a few of the book-related events and celebrations; some awards and recognitions of Michigan
literature; and ideas you can use in
your own community.
This page
is a just-started work in progress – please send me your suggestions and additions!
Michigan
Authors and Illustrators
- SCBWI-Michigan list of Michigan children's book authors and illustrators
- HAL database of Michigan authors and illustrators
- HAL listing of Michigan children's books about notable Michigan topics
- Michigander Monday is a new feature I've added over on my blog, highlighting a Michigan children's book author or illustrator each Monday
Events, Celebrations, and Awards
Awards
Other
Ways to “Think Global, Read Local”
- If you’re a reader, ask your favorite
librarian or bookseller to recommend a Michigan author. Check out the Michigan section of your local
library or bookstore. Watch your
newspaper for news of local author events.
- If you’re a librarian, include Michigan
authors in your book lists and recommended selections. Invite local authors to speak at your
library. Host a book club or book
discussion group that reads only Michigan authors. Post a map of Michigan on a bulletin board,
and insert flags with author names on them to indicate where various
Michigander writers are from. Celebrate
Michigan Week each year. Share and
publicize lists of Michigan award winners.
- If you’re a bookseller, consider creative
ways to collaborate with local authors. For
instance, create bookmark-sized “trading cards” with one Michigander author
(name, city, books, and brief bio, along with store info) per bookmark; a new
bookmark could be issued each month, starting with local folks. Host a “Think Global, Read Local” author
reception with area writers. Consider
having a bulletin board for customers to post photos of themselves in local
places reading books by Michigan writers; anyone posting a picture could be
entered in a drawing for a gift certificate.
Place information about Michigan literature on your web site. Come up with an annual award to be offered by
your bookstore to a Michigan author whose work has been popular with your
customers.