Adam Gidwitz

April 10, 2019

Taboos and Children's Literature

Adam Gidwitz has written a New York Times Bestselling book that begins with the main characters being decapitated (A Tale Dark and Grimm), a Newbery Honor book about God and the Problem of Evil (The Inquisitor’s Tale), and a new chapter book for younger middle grade readers about bloodsucking monsters and Trump’s Border Wall (Unicorn Rescue Society: Chupacabras of the Río Grande).

In his talk, Kevin spoke about why he thinks such topics are appropriate for children, the next frontier of taboos in children’s literature, and how writers and gatekeepers can (and should) address the most uncomfortable topics in engaging ways. 

View photos from the 2019 Chase Lecture with Adam Gidwitz