Diversity
Diverse characters are on the rise in comics and graphic novels. But superhero comics remain predominantly white and male.
These are books that bring together elders and youngsters, relatives and friends, as they explore the various roles of caregivers, mentors, and companions. The intergenerational relationships that are depicted can be richly rewarding, poignant, and sometimes wildly funny.
In the Margins (ITM), under the umbrella of Library Services for Youth in Custody, has announced the nominated titles for their 2014 book list. A couple may be familiar, but there are definitely some that will be new to you.
Kids are coming out younger, reflecting their courage and desire to live authentic lives. Will the first major queer character for middle-graders emerge through a big publishing house—or find a voice through the chaotic fan fiction of the Internet?
A study by author Krista Maywalt Aronson revealed that children who looked at picture books portraying children from different races together reported more interest in playing across difference.
"If we want parents to have serious discussions about race with their four and five and six-year-olds then we need to have books that help to do this," writes Betsy Bird on her blog A Fuse #8 Production. "A Picture Book Reading List for Discussing Race, Religion, and Alternative Lifestyles with the Young" is included.
In response to the passionate and engaging conversation around the recent list of culturally diverse books, SLJ's review editors asked readers and experts in the field to select titles for inclusion in this expanded list. Add your own favorite titles in the comments section.
Writer Carly Okyle was born with cerebral palsy—a movement disorder—in 1985. She writes of how growing up, she wasn't exposed to disabled characters in books and television and how the media landscape has changed over time, with disability hitting the mainstream, including some worthy book titles.
Tim Wadham shares how Pura Belpré, the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library, was a pioneer in the library field and influenced services and literature for Spanish-speaking patrons.
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