Top Ten Tuesday: Reasons Why I Love Kid Lit

This week’s theme is one that I absolutely adore! Reasons why I love fill-in-the-blank could go in any number of ways and I know that other bloggers will find amazing things they love to share too! But, my thoughts immediately went to the KidLit world. It’s an amazing space and I love that I get to be a small piece and share it with all of you. <3

Top Ten Tuesday: Reasons Why I Love Kid Lit

1. Kind creators
   I’ve said it before, the kidlit world is filled with some of the kindest people in this world. They respond to emails, tweets, and shout-outs! They share extras to make readers more engaged. And most importantly, they truly care about kids.
   
2. Network of teachers, librarians, bloggers, podcasters, publishers, etc.
   I have been graced with some amazing connections with teachers, librarians, bloggers, podcasters, and publishers from around the world. It’s unlikely that I would ever get to meet all of these people in person, and I love that social media connects us all!
   
3. Amazing stories
   My readers have most likely read a picture book recently, but if you haven’t – it’s an art form that so many people don’t experience. There are stories from picture books to young adult novels that will stay in my heart for many years to come.
   
4. Engaging nonfiction
   I love historical fiction as a genre. These days, kidlit creators have instilled an engaging sense of wonder and knowledge. When I was kid, this type of nonfiction wasn’t easy to find. I’ve learned so much from reading children’s nonfiction that I never learned in school or on my own!
   
5. Not afraid of the tough stuff
   Kidlit creators are not afraid to tackle the tough stuff in a well-balanced way for any age group. Kids are tougher than most adults care to believe and it’s so important that those tough topics are reflected in the books they read.
   
6. Promote diversity
   Kidlit creators have been pushing diversity for a number of years now – and not just racial diversity. But diversity in all forms – race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability, beliefs, culture, and everything in between. Kids and teens want to be seen – and kidlit in working to ensure they are.
   
7. Supportive community
   The kidlit community is so supportive. I know a few authors personally who have shared their publishing story. Sharing each other’s posts, tweets, offering suggestions, and support where it’s needed.
   
8. My people
   Have you ever stood in a crowd of people you don’t know and felt like you were a part of something bigger? My crowd are the people at author signings, book conferences, and online that support and promote kidlit – from agents to publishers, from authors to illustrators, from librarians to families.
   
9. Kind creators
   I had to add this one again – the creators of the kidlit world are just that good. These are people who sit for hours to sign (and often draw) in every single book that comes their way. They’re also the ones who organize book drives and free online conferences for families.
   
10. Make a difference
    Kidlit can make a difference in a child’s life and I am so lucky that I get to work in a field every day that can positively affect a child’s life. How amazing is that?

The Artsy Reader Girl currently hosts Top Ten Tuesday, an original feature created by The Broke and the Bookish.