Books Good Enough for You: The Storied Life of Ursula Nordstrom, Editor of Extraordinary Children’s Books

Gr 5-9–A fascinating biography about one of the most influential editors of children’s publishing. Ursula Nordstrom (1910–1988) was the publisher and editor-in-chief of juvenile books at Harper & Row from 1940 to 1973, where she edited children’s literature icons Ruth Krauss, E.B. White, and John Steptoe. Nordstrom first started as a secretary at the textbook department at Harper & Row, one of the longest-running publishers. She eventually headed their children’s books division where she emphasized the importance of publishing relevant books that resonated with the intended audience, rather than just morality tales. Hudgins’s biography goes on to explore the legend’s life and relationships with Maurice Sendak, Shel Silverstein, Margaret Wise Brown, and more. The ongoing thread about producing “good books for bad children” and her adversarial relationship with New York Public Library’s head of children’s services Anne Carroll Moore will intrigue readers, book lovers, and aspiring authors and editors. The narrative is accessible and often feels insider-y, but in a way that kids will appreciate. The book also sheds light on Nordstrom’s queerness and how she advocated for John Donovan to write one of the first books to feature a same-sex relationship. Chapter headers are based on the books she edited, and charming illustrations open each chapter. Additional drawings are placed sporadically throughout, along with sidebars on related content, such as writing tips from Ursula and a list of different children’s book awards. These break up the narrative while giving more context to Nordstrom’s world. Back matter includes copious source notes and a selected bibliography.