Bologna 2013: An Emphasis on Middle-Grade and Realistic Fiction

Despite cold, rainy weather and scheduling that rubbed up against Passover and Easter, attendees at this year’s Bologna Children’s Book Fair reported that foot traffic was heavy, moods were optimistic, and business was getting done. 

Agents, publishers, and rights managers alike reported increased interest in middle-grade fiction. “People want lightly illustrated middle-grade or standalone contemporary,” said agent Ginger Clark. “They’re skeptical of trilogies. I haven’t heard a specific genre that people want, except contemporary YA – that’s refreshing.” more »