Deborah Lakritz, a member of The 24/7s, and her dear friend and fellow writer, Liza Wiemer, learned that Levine Querido, a small indie that has been publishing underrepresented, diverse voices since 2019, is in a vulnerable position. Why? Deborah explains two major factors: due to acquisitions, the "Big Five" publishing houses are getting bigger, and the organized and aggressive book-banning efforts taking place across the nation.
In response, Deborah and Liza are spearheading an online kidlit auction from September 3 through 13, 2023, to raise money as Friends of Levine Querido. "Levine Querido’s books are vitally important, providing mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors for our youth," Deborah says. "We need them. They need us."
Since the Fall of 2020, LQ books have received over 150 starred reviews as well as the highest honors. Their titles have already earned the Newbery Award, National Book Award Longlist, Sydney Taylor Book Award, Stonewall Book Award, Michael L. Printz Honor Award, Pura Belpré Honor, and the American Indian Youth Literature Award!
"We ask you [kidlit creators] to join us. As a force for good. As a force for free speech. For the freedom to read. For access to outstanding stories," Deborah says, by making a donation of books, critiques, art, school visits, and the like to the list of items to be auctioned off with all the proceeds going to the small indie to help them stay afloat during these tumultuous times in publishing.
The donation form can be found HERE. Son't hesitate to email Deborah or Liza at Friends4LevineQuerido@gmail.com if you have any questions.