We
will get young readers interested in reading if they can relate to books and
subjects. That’s why there’s Multicultural Children’s Book Day on Jan. 27, an
event to spread the word and raise awareness about the importance of diversity
in children’s literature. According to the MCCBD, their “mission is to not only
raise awareness for the kid’s books that celebrate diversity, but to get more
of these books into classrooms and libraries.”
One of these books is “Our Lives Matter: The Ballou Story Project,” a collection of essays, poems and
photography of 30 teenagers from Frank W. Ballou High School in Washington,
D.C. The book was published last year by
Shout Mouse Press, “a non-profit writing program and publishing house for
unheard voices.” Shout Mouse Press works to empower writers from marginalized
communities to tell their stories in their own voices and, once published, be
the change they want to see in the world.
“Our
Lives Matter” showcases teens of color from a variety of backgrounds, all
experiencing the pains of adolescence in a world marked by inequality, civil
unrest and violence. There’s Anthony Simpson converting to Islam and explaining
why, using examples of how he’s reached common ground between religions. K.F.
had to leave school to care for her sisters when her mother went to prison.
M.H. Jordan writes a letter to the folks on the bus she felt judged her by her
dress and skin. Triony Valdivia left the violence of Bolivia and will now be
the first in his family to attend college.
The
common thread through the book is one of hope and determination. These
teenagers refuse to be judged and pigeon-holed, offering their stories to
emphasize their differences, their dreams, their commitment to education and
change. Through it all forms a thread of hope that the new generation will make
the world a better place and fight the barriers who keep us separated.
On
Jan. 27, I encourage you all — whether you’re readers, parents, teachers,
caregivers or librarians — to choose a book such as “Our Lives Matter” and
expose young readers to books and experiences of other cultures, languages,
traditions and religions. Or maybe offer those who rarely see themselves in
popular culture a chance to relate to stories by reading them diverse
literature. K-8 teachers may earn a free hardcover Multicultural Children’s
Book Day book donated by the Junior Library Guild and pre-screened and approved
by them as well, by clicking here.
Multicultural Children’s Book Day is the project of Mia Wenjen from Pragmatic Mom and Valarie Budayr from Jump Into a Book/Audrey Press.
The sponsors for Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2016 are:
Cheré Dastugue Coen is
the author of “Forest Hill, Louisiana: A Bloom Town History,” “Haunted Lafayette, Louisiana” and “Exploring Cajun Country: A Historic Guide to Acadiana” and co-author of “Magic’s in the Bag: Creating Spellbinding Gris Gris
Bags and Sachets.” She
also writes Louisiana romances under the pen name of Cherie Claire, “A
Cajun Dream” and “The
Letter.” Write her at cherecoen@gmail.com.
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