Shaped

March is Women’s History Month and the perfect time to honor the hundreds of wonderful female authors published by HMH.

Just in time for the Oscars, HMH archivist Susan Steinway takes a look back at HMH’s impact on Hollywood’s biggest night.

I have written two-dozen non-fiction history books for kids over as many years. My latest books recount an environmental disaster and a killer hurricane, neither of which is an easy topic for readers regardless of age. The question I often face is how to present difficult material to kids?

Visual artists approach their work with the same purposes as writers: to persuade, to explain, and to convey experience real or imagined. The difference is in their tools. While writers employ diction, syntax, and imagery to establish a tone and convey their message; visual artists use color, line, shape, object, and scale.

In today’s digital age of texting, autocorrect, spell-checking and tweeting, grammar seems to take a backseat. And while digital linguistic conveniences (think LOL, BRB and BFF) are just that – convenient! – grammar is important because it helps us understand how language works.

We tend to think of technology as the inspiration behind the innovations of today, but what if instead, the idea is born before anyone has invented the technology to realize it?

My own love of reading was cultivated in an era with fewer distractions than today. At that time, all of our play was physical and concrete – we played with hands-on toys and games, we rode bicycles and played outside (which held opportunities for all sorts of mischief).

One of my favorite sayings is “If you take care of the moments, the years will take care of themselves.” I can think of no other moment more precious and invaluable to ensuring a strong foundation than reading with a child.

It’s no secret that, here at HMH, we are firm believers in the crucial role of curiosity in lifelong learning. Exemplified by our beloved friend Curious George, the concept reminds us that education is never static.