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No, seriously. Let's talk about this. Do you really have a reluctant reader, or have they just not found the books that speak to them? How are you helping to remedy that? Are they seeing YOU reading for pleasure? If they don't see that you think it's important or enjoyable, why should they?

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Have a reluctant reader? Well, no more! Thank you, brilliant @tomgauld.bsky.social

Veronica Bartles @vbartles.com · 20h

Reposted by Alison Weiss

Yes!! And it really doesn't matter *what* they read. Just reading (whether it's a picture book, a novel, a college textbook, a graphic novel, or the back of a cereal box) opens your mind to new ideas and primes your brain to see things you wouldn't notice otherwise! There should be no barriers.

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What a service you did!

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Where a kid is NOW doesn't dictate where they'll be. But they might need some adult help (not barriers) to let them embark on that journey.

By 3rd grade, I was in the advanced reader's group, throwing the LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE across the room when Aslan died. I had a fit in the bookstore when my dad wouldn't let me have all the books I wanted. (Not ashamed.) By middle school, I was raiding my dad's annotated college books.

Thank you so much for sharing that! I initially really struggled with reading. I really tried. My parents put in the time. It was just so hard. Then one day, my mom and I were in the backseat on a trip to who-knows-where, and it suddenly clicked. They couldn't keep me in books!

Your kid may not be a reluctant reader. They may need a little help. (Fair.) Or they may need adults to get out of the way. Be their supporter and advocate. Otherwise, let them explore and soar.

Goodness knows there are enough people trying to decide what's okay for kids to read now, even if they themselves haven't picked up a book since they left school. Don't help them in their efforts.

Is reading made to feel like a chore? Is it being policed by frowning on graphic novels or audiobooks or age level or genre? Let them read to find gateways to the next things. Let them read with the safety that they can come to you with questions.

Is it that they "don't like reading," or that they're struggling and have defaulted to this explanation? You know your kid. Has something changed? Do you need to look a little closer?

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Have a reluctant reader? Well, no more! Thank you, brilliant @tomgauld.bsky.social

Your kid's probably not a reluctant reader. They might need a little help (fair) or for the adults to get out of the way. Be the support and advocate if they need it. Otherwise, let them imagine and soar.

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Goodness knows there are enough people trying to decide what's okay for kids to read now, even if they themselves haven't picked up a book since they left school. Don't help them in their efforts.

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Is it that they "don't like reading," or that they're struggling, and have defaulted to this explanation? You know your kid. Has something changed? Do you need to look a little closer?

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Alison Weiss @alioop7.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

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I have openings in my editorial schedule this fall. I'd love to help you with your project, whether it's polishing your query package or a professional deep editorial dive. Please reach out with questions! #KidLit #YA #Booksky www.alisonweisseditorial.com/services

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Alison Weiss @alioop7.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Oh, Pixel+Ink was shut down for all intents and purposes about 2 years ago. I believe Holiday House accepts unsolicited submissions, so you can try that route.

Kelly Barnhill @kellybarnhill.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Reposted by Alison Weiss

Do we really need to explain to people that it is really, REALLY important to read to young children? Like, you, personally, need to read to your child - your voice, your face, your hand gestures, your lap, your arms, your closeness. What kind of parent doesn't know this in their bones?

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PEN America @penamerica.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Still not a hoax.

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Publishing is really hard right now. (Okay, it's always hard.) But if you're doing what you can--working on your craft, being a good book citizen by reading and engaging with the community thoughtfully, doing your research, knowing when to ask for help (ASK, ALREADY!)--you're approaching this right.

Alison Weiss @alioop7.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Reposted by Alison Weiss

Anyone itching for an #AskKidLit? Send your questions on over. If you'd rather DM, just let me know! #BookSky #kidlit #YA

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Dwight Schrute's Question

ALT: Dwight Schrute's Question

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Alison Weiss @alioop7.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

I would call it a chapter book. And for market traction, I'd think in terms of a series, yes. #AskKidLit

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Vicky Weber - Agent, Author, Educator 📚 @vickyweberbooks.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Stop being so hard on yourself.

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Every step moves you onward, even if it feels like a stumble back. You still learn from that. We all stumble. ALL OF US. Your journey is yours, and yours alone. Ignore "THIS is the right way." (Probably not.) I'm so proud to be in this KidLit community with you. You're mighty. I'm rooting for you.

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Alison Weiss @alioop7.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

I think you’d still go to the publisher because it’s getting permission to use the illustration, and how they want it credited.

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I do help with graphic novel scripts!

Alison Weiss @alioop7.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

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Alison Weiss @alioop7.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Reposted by Alison Weiss

It's time to take the next step on your project! Finding pulling your query package together baffling? Need a professional eye to figure out where to focus your next round of revisions? I'd be honored to help. www.alisonweisseditorial.com/services Please reach out with questions!

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I see you have an agent. Your agent can tell folks she has a great client itching for this kind of GN project. We go to agents when we're on the hunt for people all the time. Those casual conversations can really have impact. #AskKidLit

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From there, don't overlook the power of the art sample post card, physical or virtual. I know I collected faves as an editor and flipped through them, recalling styles I loved when I had a project. Art directors do that, too. #AskKidLit

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First, make sure you have GN work in your portfolio to show your style, even if it's just samples you've made for that purpose and not contracted work. Make something up, or take a scene from a fave classic and adapt it. Show what you can do and make sure it's prominent. #AskKidlit

Greg Pincus @gregpincus.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

I still think chapter books are very hard to break out, but I'm hearing publishers are more eager for them with all of the literacy challenges kids are facing right now. And you can definitely sell author-driven ones. Most of the CBs I've published started that way. #AskKidLit

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Didja know that there's gonna be a #kidlitchat at 9PM Eastern/6PM Pacific today here on Bluesky? It happens every Tuesday, in fact - an hour of #kidlit chatting, camaraderie, and desserts that could only be better if even more of you joined the fun. Or maybe not better but bigger, at least. Join us!

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