Emma Kantor
@emkantor.bsky.social
Writer, film lover, Italian speaker, & senior editor, children's books, at Publishers Weekly (@pwkidsbookshelf.bsky.social). Words in NYT Mag, the Millions, Electric Lit, Lit Hub, Hey Alma, & more. All quips my own. Brooklyn, NY. emmakantor.com
“My crutch was, in improvs, when in doubt, play insane.” A comic genius, and one of my earliest role models. I've loved her ever since I watched SCTV and her Christopher Guest collabs. I still aspire to have even an ounce of Catherine O'Hara's chutzpah.
Catherine O'Hara, 'Schitt’s Creek' Star and Comedy Legend, Dies at 71
Catherine O'Hara has died at the age of 71. O'Hara was known for her appearances in movies including 'Beetlejuice' and 'Home Alone', as well as her Emmy-winning role as Moira Rose on the TV sitcom 'Sc...
people.com
January 30, 2026 at 8:36 PM
“My crutch was, in improvs, when in doubt, play insane.” A comic genius, and one of my earliest role models. I've loved her ever since I watched SCTV and her Christopher Guest collabs. I still aspire to have even an ounce of Catherine O'Hara's chutzpah.
I like living alone, but the public sure is missing out on my nightly floor show.
January 28, 2026 at 5:55 PM
I like living alone, but the public sure is missing out on my nightly floor show.
Congratulations to all of this year's #ALAyma winners and honorees! 🎆❤️
Watson, Chien, Smith Win 2026 Newbery, Caldecott, Printz Awards buff.ly/E80IPV1
January 26, 2026 at 7:53 PM
Congratulations to all of this year's #ALAyma winners and honorees! 🎆❤️
Young Adult: "To All the Boys I've Loved Before"
Adult: "To All the Boys I've Loathed Before"
Adult: "To All the Boys I've Loathed Before"
January 23, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Young Adult: "To All the Boys I've Loved Before"
Adult: "To All the Boys I've Loathed Before"
Adult: "To All the Boys I've Loathed Before"
Reposted by Emma Kantor
USBBY has revealed its 2026 Outstanding International Books list, featuring 41 titles for children and young adults published in 2025
2026 Outstanding International Books List Announced
The United States Board on Books for Young People has revealed its 2026 Outstanding International Books list, featuring 41 titles for children and young adults published in 2025 and originating from…
buff.ly
January 23, 2026 at 12:00 AM
USBBY has revealed its 2026 Outstanding International Books list, featuring 41 titles for children and young adults published in 2025
I signed up for another speed-dating event at a bookstore. Beneath all the cynicism, I'm just plain delusional.
January 23, 2026 at 3:49 AM
I signed up for another speed-dating event at a bookstore. Beneath all the cynicism, I'm just plain delusional.
Happiness is listening to the Traveling Wilburys while looking at art for our Children's Spring Previews.
January 18, 2026 at 12:36 AM
Happiness is listening to the Traveling Wilburys while looking at art for our Children's Spring Previews.
Don't go grocery shopping on an empty stomach. And definitely don't go grocery shopping on an empty stomach and two glasses of wine.
January 17, 2026 at 2:50 AM
Don't go grocery shopping on an empty stomach. And definitely don't go grocery shopping on an empty stomach and two glasses of wine.
A 6:30 PM nap on a Friday was not my brightest idea.
January 10, 2026 at 4:10 AM
A 6:30 PM nap on a Friday was not my brightest idea.
I gave myself a pizza burn so bad on December 31, 2025 that it's lasted into the new year.
January 4, 2026 at 11:29 PM
I gave myself a pizza burn so bad on December 31, 2025 that it's lasted into the new year.
Still my favorite Mary Ex-mas greeting.
December 25, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Still my favorite Mary Ex-mas greeting.
I'm honored and excited to be stepping into the role of children's news editor at Publishers Weekly in March. I feel like Charlie Bucket, being given the key to the Chocolate Factory. www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...
December 23, 2025 at 6:53 PM
I'm honored and excited to be stepping into the role of children's news editor at Publishers Weekly in March. I feel like Charlie Bucket, being given the key to the Chocolate Factory. www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...
Too tired to relax.
December 19, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Too tired to relax.
Happy 250th birthday, Jane Austen! Thanks to @pointsincase.com for the chance to celebrate her genius with a satire piece starring the great satirist herself.
Jane Austen Regrets That She Cannot Attend Your Dream Dinner Party
I cannot abide the vulgar shoptalk of striving strangers who demand to know, “Where do you find your inspiration?”
www.pointsincase.com
December 16, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Happy 250th birthday, Jane Austen! Thanks to @pointsincase.com for the chance to celebrate her genius with a satire piece starring the great satirist herself.
The Hanukkah candles feel like yahrzeit candles. So many to mourn, just in the past few days. Let there be love and light and laughter. And latkes—lots of latkes.
December 16, 2025 at 12:48 AM
The Hanukkah candles feel like yahrzeit candles. So many to mourn, just in the past few days. Let there be love and light and laughter. And latkes—lots of latkes.
“Many teachers are secret revolutionaries and still assign whole books."
A culture where reading and studying an entire book is revolutionary. How disheartening.
A culture where reading and studying an entire book is revolutionary. How disheartening.
Kids Rarely Read Whole Books Anymore. Even in English Class.
www.nytimes.com
December 13, 2025 at 6:25 PM
“Many teachers are secret revolutionaries and still assign whole books."
A culture where reading and studying an entire book is revolutionary. How disheartening.
A culture where reading and studying an entire book is revolutionary. How disheartening.
Reposted by Emma Kantor
‘We Must Remain Vigilant’: an open letter to publishers from Jason Low about book banning | SLJ
We Must Remain Vigilant: An open letter to publishers | Opinion
Lee & Low publisher and co-owner Jason Low says publishers must continue the commitment to diverse titles while also contributing to the larger fight for the freedom to read.
buff.ly
December 10, 2025 at 9:30 PM
‘We Must Remain Vigilant’: an open letter to publishers from Jason Low about book banning | SLJ
In anticipation of Jane Austen's 250th birthday, here's a list of new YA riffs and retellings I put together for Publishers Weekly!
Jane Austen at 250: A YA Book List
As the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth on December 16 draws near, we’ve compiled a selection of new and forthcoming YA novels that pay homage to the author’s wise and witty works.
www.publishersweekly.com
December 11, 2025 at 2:51 PM
In anticipation of Jane Austen's 250th birthday, here's a list of new YA riffs and retellings I put together for Publishers Weekly!
What is Jacob Marley's favorite Christmas Carol(e)? Answer: youtu.be/GjuSDpYIyD0?...
Chains
YouTube video by Carole King - Topic
youtu.be
December 9, 2025 at 11:48 PM
What is Jacob Marley's favorite Christmas Carol(e)? Answer: youtu.be/GjuSDpYIyD0?...
Always a breakdown, never a breakthrough.
December 2, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Always a breakdown, never a breakthrough.
I'm in search of a new therapist and it's just so hard to find someone who accepts my insurance and my sense of humor.
November 26, 2025 at 4:04 AM
I'm in search of a new therapist and it's just so hard to find someone who accepts my insurance and my sense of humor.
Defending myself in a dark alley: "Stand back. I'm a Borscht Belt."
November 19, 2025 at 3:12 AM
Defending myself in a dark alley: "Stand back. I'm a Borscht Belt."
The best part of living alone: I get to practice my accents for an audition with total abandon.
November 9, 2025 at 3:03 AM
The best part of living alone: I get to practice my accents for an audition with total abandon.
"If we keep sharing stories and books—and demanding that people have access to them—we will be okay.” Some highlights from last weekend's BookFest @bankstreet.edu, including a powerful keynote by Laurie Halse Anderson.
www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...
www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...
November 6, 2025 at 10:41 PM
"If we keep sharing stories and books—and demanding that people have access to them—we will be okay.” Some highlights from last weekend's BookFest @bankstreet.edu, including a powerful keynote by Laurie Halse Anderson.
www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...
www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...
Someone was saying they hate watching films with subtitles, but I love it. Movies + Reading?! Yes, please!
November 6, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Someone was saying they hate watching films with subtitles, but I love it. Movies + Reading?! Yes, please!