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| Marcus Sedgwick | |
British author and illustrator Marcus Sedgwick, who wrote more than 40 books for children and adults, died November 17. He was 54. The Guardian reported that Sedgwick's work was shortlisted for more than 30 awards, including five nominations for the Carnegie medal, two for the Edgar Allan Poe award and four for the Guardian children's fiction prize. He was also the most noted author in the history of the Printz award, with one win and two honor books. He won the Branford Boase award for his debut novel, Floodland, and the Booktrust Teenage prize for My Swordhand Is Singing.
Earlier this year, Summersdale signed two nonfiction titles by Sedgwick as part of a new series called Be the Change, illustrated by Thomas Taylor, tackling mental health topics for nine- to 12-year-olds. The Bookseller reported that commissioning editor Anna Martin had acquired world rights from Claire Wilson at RCW and Kirsty McLachlan at Morgan Green Creatives for Be the Change: Be Calm--Rise up and Don't Let Anxiety Hold You Back and Be the Change: Be Kind--Rise Up and Make a Difference to the World, which were published in August.
Wilson tweeted: "Marcus was at the start of everything for me--his work reminded me of what children's books can do and why they matter. I will always be grateful for the honor of getting to represent him, and finding such a kind, wise and funny person behind the writing. It is an immense loss."
Hilary Murray Hill, CEO of Hachette Children's Group, and Alastair Williams, managing director of Summersdale, said in a joint statement: "We are extremely saddened to hear the news about Marcus Sedgwick. Marcus wrote many award-winning, powerful books for young people, and we are extremely proud to publish some of his best work--both fiction and non-fiction--at Hachette. Those who had the good fortune to work with him will remember his astonishing creativity, the breadth and depth of his talent and his unforgettably beautiful and moving use of language. He was also a charismatic man and always fascinating to talk to. This is a real loss to children's literature."
Author Phil Earle observed: "My friend has passed away and the world is so much shallower & uglier. He was a beautiful, generous, funny & gentle man. He was brave and loving and he kept me safe every single time I needed him. I wish so much I could speak to him again. I miss my pal.... Many people call themselves writers, Marcus was an artist. His novel plans alone could've hung on the walls at the Tate. He was a gentle man, funny and constant: he was the finest friend I could've asked for. I can't tell you how much I miss him, I just hope booksellers and librarians are able to celebrate him, to do that special thing only they can do, which will keep him with us."
Jon Woolcott of indie publisher and bookshop Little Toller said: "We published Marcus' book Snow as part of our monograph series in 2016. From the beginning to the end working with Marcus was an absolute joy.... He had once been a bookseller and then worked for publishers, so knew exactly how to approach the publishing journey, and he did so with humility, kindness and unfailing good humour. The book was wonderful, one of his few forays into writing for adults, but he examined the world of snow with sensitivity, depth, knowledge and feeling. The book became a Radio Four Book of the Week at Christmas that year. Marcus approached every part of the publishing with professionalism--he was always a favourite with booksellers, who appreciated both his talent and his approachability. We are devastated to hear of his death and we know that the wider world of books will be equally sad."