2018 School Spending Survey Report
Authors Pen Letter of Support to NC Youth
A North Carolina law seen as LGBT discrimination has prompted roughly 270 members of the kid lit community to show their support for all young readers.
A law affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in North Carolina has spurred 269 authors and illustrators of children's literature to write an open letter to young readers in the state. The document is in response to the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act, a law directing all public schools, government agencies, and public college campuses to require that multiple-occupancy bathrooms and changing facilities be designated for use only by people based on their "biological sex" stated on their birth certificate. The letter was crafted by authors Phil Bildner, C. Alexander London, Meg Medina, and R.J. Palacio. Among the signatories are Laurie Halse Anderson, Katherine Applegate, Jay Asher, Chris Crutcher, Matt de la Peña, Jack Gantos, Rita Williams Garcia, John Green, Ellen Hopkins, Jeff Kinney, David Levithan, Patrick Ness, Jason Reynolds, Rick Riordan, and Jacqueline Woodson. The letter, a portion of which appears below, and complete list of signatories is being formally released by School Library Journal. As artists, we strive to create books that promote acceptance of all people regardless of race, religion, or gender identity. We will continue to do so; however, we cannot and will not support a state government that promotes discrimination. Each one of us will have to consider our participation in conferences and festivals in North Carolina while this law is in place. But you have our word that we will never abandon our thousands and thousands of readers in North Carolina. We stand with those who share our guiding principles and fundamental beliefs of equality, inclusion, and fair treatment. Thus, we will continue to visit your schools and libraries. We will spread kindness and inspire compassion and hope, as we believe books, in their best moments, always have and always will.
Palacio, author of Wonder (Knopf, 2012), was the impetus. "I generally avoid talking about politics publicly, but this legislation isn’t about politics. It's about human rights. If one person’s human rights are violated, every human’s rights are violated," she said. She reached out to Medina and Bildner, who in turn contacted London. "Whenever we visit schools, we often find ourselves talking about kindness and empathy. It was time to walk the talk,” said picture book and middle grade author Bildner. "The authors who’ve signed our open letter are not a corporation. We're not part of a union. We don’t all work together....All we are is a small group of people who write books for a large number of children,” Palacio told SLJ. Corporate boycotts in North Carolina have been part of the reaction to the law. London, author of the "Accidental Adventures" series, wanted to make sure his readers know their lives are not invisible. Medina, who is active in the We Need Diverse Books movement, sees the letter as “confirmation that our children’s book community is filled with people who genuinely care about and advocate for young people.”
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Leslie Bulion
If the signatories are updated, please add my name in ink/pixels. I'm adding my name here, with my thoughts and beliefs, in my heart and in my actions.Posted : Apr 07, 2016 12:32
Megan Dowd Lambert
Signing in spirit, as well.Posted : Apr 05, 2016 11:27
Erin Ringrose
As an NC reader, mom, and former teacher and librarian, thank you so much! Our young people need to hear these words ring loud and clear.Posted : Apr 05, 2016 05:44
Alex Flinn
Would love to add my name.Posted : Apr 04, 2016 01:50
Michelle Knudsen
I fully support this as well and would love to add my name. Many thanks to those who put this together!Posted : Apr 03, 2016 09:43
Julie Gribble
Would love to add my name to the list. I'm confused by the craziness that is now North Carolina.Posted : Apr 03, 2016 10:31
Crickett Rumley
I am a young adult author from Washington, North Carolina, and I completely endorse this letter.Posted : Apr 03, 2016 08:09
Susan B
As a mother and grandmother, I support your ideas and will do anything to helpPosted : Apr 03, 2016 05:19
J.J. Johnson
Yup, add me! I live right here in NC and oppose HB2 with the heat of a thousand suns.Posted : Apr 03, 2016 04:50
Andrea Beaty
Yes! Is it possible to sign on to this letter? This law is a travesty.Posted : Apr 03, 2016 03:53
sally suehler
As a writer, mom, grandma, wife, and friend, I would be honored to be added to this list. We must uphold all rights, of all people.Posted : Apr 03, 2016 01:11
Dian Curtis Regan
I agree and add my support.Posted : Apr 03, 2016 01:05
Marloes N
I absolutely agree with this letter. Add me to the list!!!Posted : Apr 02, 2016 11:21
Lindsey Lane
Signed in spirit.Posted : Apr 02, 2016 09:37
Jen Klein
As an author of young adult books and a transplant from NC, I would love to sign this letter.Posted : Apr 02, 2016 08:46
Deborah Blumenthal
I'd like to add my name too.Posted : Apr 02, 2016 07:46
Sarah Jude
I would be heartened to include my name among the signatories. Thank you so much for this.Posted : Apr 02, 2016 07:33
Beck McDowell
Bravo! Happy to add my name as well.Posted : Apr 02, 2016 07:02
Sarah Sullivan
I stand with you and would happily sign this letter.Posted : Apr 02, 2016 06:39
Nancy Krulik
Love is all you need.Posted : Apr 02, 2016 06:18
Rebecca Fyfe
I'd happily add my name. Well done!Posted : Apr 02, 2016 05:49
Cinda Williams Chima
I support this without reservation. We have so many real problems, and yet our politicians are targeting the vulnerable and solving problems that don't exist in order to win political points.Posted : Apr 02, 2016 05:06
Lauren McLaughlin
I would happily add my name to this letter. LGBT youth deserve our support and encouragement.Posted : Apr 02, 2016 05:05
Lester Laminack
As a citizen of North Carolina and the author of books for children I stand with you.Posted : Apr 02, 2016 04:21
Loree Griffin Burns
Yes. I support this statement completely, and would sign without hesitation. We stand with you, North Carolina readers. Always.Posted : Apr 02, 2016 03:54
Russ Cox
I would love to add my name as well. Please let me know if I can do so. We must stand together and protect one another.Posted : Apr 02, 2016 08:18
Amy G Koss
Would happily add my name -- in unity & agreement. Amy G kossPosted : Apr 02, 2016 07:21