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| David Gale | |
David Gale, longtime children's books editor, died last Friday, October 9. He was 65. Gale began his career in publishing editing books for HarperCollins and Dell/Delacorte, then became a book review editor at School Library Journal, then joined Simon & Schuster, where he was named v-p, editorial director of the S&S Books for Young Readers imprint and worked for 25 years.
Justin Chanda, senior v-p & publisher of Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, said, "David was a terrific colleague and a dear friend. His passion for children's literature and inclusivity on the page allowed him to help foster a legacy of books that not only helped change lives, but will continue to change lives with every new generation of readers."
Quoted in a tribute by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, art director, author, and friend Laurent Linn said of Gale, "For decades he was such a nurturer of authors, illustrators, and books, changing the landscape of middle grade and YA, and loudly and proudly championing LGBTQ children's literature in profound ways. He had deep respect for authors and illustrators and their creations."
Authors and illustrators with whom he worked included Gary Paulsen, Katherine Rundell, Alex Sanchez, Emily Gravett, Benjamin Alire Sáenz, Ellen Wittlinger, Andrew Smith, Tim Federle, Sonya Sones, Jonathan Maberry, Pete Hautman, Todd Strasser, Chris Lynch, Margaret Peterson Haddix, Neal Shusterman, John Lithgow, Tony DiTerlizzi and many more.
S&S added, "Some of the most important children's books of the last decade would not have come into being without David's guiding hand. The same is true of some of the brightest editorial stars whom he helped mentor. Books that he edited were named National Book Award finalists and received Printz honors and awards, Lambda awards, Stonewall honors and awards, Pura Belpré honors and awards, and countless other accolades."
Donations in his name can be made to the MS Society, The New York Public Library, and Live Out Loud, or the favorite charity of your choice.