The ongoing issue of age banding children’s books

The ongoing issue of age banding children’s books was one of the major stories in children’s publishing during 2008. Many publishers feel that age guidance showing on books will increase sales while most authors oppose the initiative saying that it will have a negative impact. Two of the biggest names in children’s writing, Anne Fine and Philip Pullman are against age guidance. Both have accused publishers of putting book sales at risk by banding books for specific ages. According to Fine, no child would pick up a book that was aimed at a younger readership than themselves.