In his bimonthly letter to members, ABA CEO Oren Teicher shares the renewed sense of optimism about indie bookselling that was evident at last week’s trade show, looks at some of the important changes of the past year, and reminds booksellers about several new programs and initiatives.

Joelle Charbonneau, an accomplished author of mysteries for adult readers, talks to BTW about The Testing, a dystopian thriller for young adults that explores the ramifications of some truly high-stakes tests in a post-apocalyptic world. The book is the number one pick on the Summer Kids’ Indie Next List flier, in stores now.

At the ABA Annual Membership Meeting at BEA, outgoing President Becky Anderson and ABA CEO Oren Teicher looked back at some of the accomplishments of recent years, expressed hope in the future, and thanked members for their support and participation in ABA programs and initiatives. At the earlier Town Hall, members shared their concerns on topics ranging from publisher best practices and e-book release dates, to sales tax fairness and World Book Night.

The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression has released several videos of bestselling authors Sherman Alexie and Laurie Halse Anderson discussing how to fight the censorship of young adult books.

As ABA President Becky Anderson prepares for her last Board meeting, she looks back at some of the changes over the past seven years, reminds booksellers of some work yet to be done, and extends sincere thanks to both her fellow Board members and bookselling colleagues.

In his bimonthly letter to members, ABA CEO Oren Teicher offers congratulations to booksellers for their years of hard work that led to the recent passage of the Main Street Fairness Act in the Senate, but he notes, with opposition to the bill ratcheting up in the House, more action is required.

Anthony Marra, author of A Constellation of Vital Phenomena (Hogarth), talks about his inspirations, research process, and what lies at the heart of his debut novel, which Anderson McKean of Alabama’s Page & Palettte said “expertly balances the pain and suffering inflicted during the Chechen conflict with exquisite moments of loyalty, sacrifice, humility, and enduring love.”

In her bimonthly letter to members, ABA President Becky Anderson looks at some of this spring’s opportunities for booksellers to come together to learn, share ideas and concerns, and take part in special events.

The number one choice of booksellers for this spring’s Kids’ Indie Next List is Stephan Pastis’ Timmy Failure, a chronicle of one the world’s most unfortunate — and funniest — kid detectives. Here, Pastis talks about what it’s like to write humor and prose for kids as well as how he crafts his comedic commentary.

ABA CEO Oren Teicher writes about the Spring Forums and BEA, where booksellers will find some great enhancements and new benefits to the ABA members’ lounge. Teicher also encourages members to take part in a new round of multi-publisher promotions.