My Book at 30: Ganesha Dances On With Reading Is Fundamental
This year, the book this blog is named for, the second book I ever wrote, The Broken Tusk: Stories of the Hindu God Ganesha, turns 30. In many ways, with the gentle guidance of editor Diantha Thorpe, this was the book that taught me how to write. Twenty years ago, in 2006, when its original independent publisher, Linnet Books, closed its doors, The Broken Tusk was picked up by another press known for its commitment to fine storytelling, August House.
August House kept The Broken Tusk in the world of print and e-books for another couple of decades. It sold steadily over the years. Parents began to email me telling me they’d read it as children and were now reading it to their kids. Now my book is traveling once more, this time in an unexpected yet fitting direction.
August House—the publishing house and its list—is being formally donated to Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), America’s leading children’s literacy nonprofit.
For more than 60 years, RIF has been dedicated to ensuring children have access to new, high-quality books to call their own. Since its founding in 1966, RIF has distributed nearly half a billion books to children nationwide. In August House President Steve Floyd’s words, “This long-standing commitment to elevating children’s literature makes RIF an amazing home for the August House collection.”
So there. The Broken Tusk has a new home. What’s more, the week after I heard from Steve, I received a welcome package and letter from Reading is Fundamental and an invitation to meet soon via Zoom with the person overseeing author relations. Back when I published with Children’s Book Press I loved the thought that I was working with a nonprofit organization, one with a mission and objectives related to service and activism. I’t’s nice to be back in the nonprofit realm with RIF.
Naturally, I’m pleased that this book of mine is about to step into its next decade. My books have always traveled by word of mouth. Their journey, like mine, has been marathon rather than sprint. The dancing image, filled with grace and humor, on the jacket in Maniam Selven’s immortal rendering, always makes me happy. So, now, does my hefty new RIF tote bag, promising to hold up over many trips to the library.
Who knows what publishing byways the next ten years will lead me to? Here’s to more good story turns. We could all use them.
