Kidlitchat Transcript – January 5 (part 1)

  • kidlitchat: TOPIC: How can the children’s lit community address the relative lack of diversity in published work? #kidlitchat
  • Shelltex: Hub just heated up leftover chicken spaghetti from last night & it smells good but i can’t eat and type. Poor me. #kidlitchat
  • amyknichols: I missed last week’s chat. Glad I remembered tonight. Been missing out on all the fun. :) #kidlitchat
  • gregpincus: TOPIC: How can the children’s lit community address the relative lack of diversity in published work? #kidlitchat
  • writereader: @EgmontUSA Glad to be here this week too #kidlitchat
  • onbeyondwords: Tweet Chat is a revelation. Wish I could stay, but going out to dinner soon – only have a few minutes for #kidlitchat
  • jeanie_w: RT @bonnieadamson: TOPIC: How can the children’s lit community address the relative lack of diversity in published work? #kidlitchat
  • dlschubert: Houston, do we have lift off? I mean, a topic? #kidlitchat
  • JennBailey: @bonnieadamson Wow! You guys are starting 2010 with a Bang not a Wimper! #kidlitchat
  • bonnieadamson: @bonnieadamson Glad to have you back, Greg! #kidlitchat
  • gregpincus: And please note, “diversity” means a slew of things! #kidlitchat
  • mitaliperkins: RT @gregpincus: TOPIC: How can the children’s lit community address the relative lack of diversity in published work? #kidlitchat
  • EgmontGal: @bonnieadamson Diversity in the races/religions written about, or of authors and artists, or what exactly? #kidlitchat
  • planetalvina: hi all! chatting from my iPhone– this is going to be challenging. Is there a better ap for this than tweetdeck #kidlitchat
  • happybluejess: @JennBailey Thanks. She really does. I need to go back and study her tips again. #kidlitchat
  • skodobah: @onbeyondwords At least you know what you’re gonna do for dinner! LOL! #kidlitchat
  • sharifwrites: RT @bonnieadamson: TOPIC: How can the children’s lit community address the relative lack of diversity in published work? #kidlitchat
  • JennBailey: RT @gregpincus: TOPIC: How can the childrens lit community address the relative lack of diversity in published work? #kidlitchat
  • jlmartin: RT @gregpincus: TOPIC: How can the children’s lit community address the relative lack of diversity in published work? #kidlitchat
  • dlschubert: RT @kidlitchat TOPIC: How can the children’s lit community address the relative lack of diversity in published work? #kidlitchat
  • dawnmetcalf: RT @bonnieadamson TOPIC: How can the children’s lit community address the relative lack of diversity in published work? #kidlitchat
  • amyknichols: @justJoanS My thoughts, too. Not sure I’m going to have many answers. #kidlitchat
  • skodobah: Yes. RT @justJoanS: Wow, hefty topic there. #kidlitchat
  • gregpincus: @justJoanS There are a many less hefty parts, I think. But it’s a key issue and there’s been some good blog buzz this week #kidlitchat
  • bonnieadamson: @EgmontGal Debate kicked off by Cybils announcement–but across the board. #kidlitchat
  • Shelltex: I guess the obvious is to include more diverse characters. But I must be really naiive. I didn’t realize it was that lacking. #kidlitchat
  • justJoanS: @planetalvina can you use tweetchat on the iphone? #kidlitchat
  • PattyJMurphy: RT @EgmontGal: @bonnieadamson Diversity in the races/religions written about, or of authors and artists, or what exactly? #kidlitchat
  • mitaliperkins: My old refrain: Why expect Kid/YAs to want books about kids “like” them when we adults like books to be mirrors AND windows? #kidlitchat
  • dlschubert: @gregpincus What do you mean by “lack of diversity?” #kidlitchat
  • EgmontGal: @gregpincus please define the question. relative lack of ethnic diversity of authors and artists you mean, or what? #kidlitchat
  • crissachappell: @gregpincus “diversity” includes subject matter? #kidlitchat
  • mumfusa: RT @gregpincus: TOPIC: How can the childrens lit community address the relative lack of diversity in published work? #kidlitchat
  • EgmontGal: @bonnieadamson need more clarity before I weigh in. Cybils announcement? #kidlitchat
  • Buffyandrews: @Shelltex I didn’t realize lacking either. #kidlitchat
  • gregpincus: That’s also a valid question – is it lacking? Is it perception? #kidlitchat
  • lyonmartin: RT @bonnieadamson TOPIC: How can the children’s lit community address the relative lack of diversity in published work? #kidlitchat
  • gregpincus: Two interesting recent posts, one prompted by the Cybils shortlistsi at BlackEyed Susan’s: http://bit.ly/8uRn9p (expand) #kidlitchat
  • onbeyondwords: @skodobah Yes – but actually this dinner was a last minute thing and I wish it was another night so I could stay for all of #kidlitchat
  • amyknichols: @bonnieadamson What as Cybils’ announcement? Missed it. #kidlitchat
  • dawnmetcalf: How to write with more “diversity”: Push your own envelope. Get uncomfortable. Dare to fail. #kidlitchat
  • gregpincus: Also, Colleen Mondor posted at http://chasingray.com about it #kidlitchat
  • novaren: RT @dawnmetcalf: How to write with more “diversity”: Push your own envelope. Get uncomfortable. Dare to fail. #kidlitchat
  • justJoanS: I guess I missed the blog buzz out there. I’m not sure what’s going on. #kidlitchat
  • KrisYankee: Hi all, just chiming in. Saw the topic and need to think a bit. #kidlitchat
  • crissachappell: My fear = the sucky economy will stop pubs from buying books that take risks. #kidlitchat
  • skodobah: @onbeyondwords Well, have a good dinner! Lucky! #kidlitchat
  • adamselzer: Of course it’s lacking. And many of the “minority” characters make me wonder what they do when they aren’t thinking about race. #kidlitchat
  • inkyelbows: #kidlitchat on NOW. TOPIC: How can kidlit community address the relative lack of diversity in published work?
  • skodobah: RT @dawnmetcalf: How to write with more “diversity”: Push your own envelope. Get uncomfortable. Dare to fail. #kidlitchat
  • PattyJMurphy: RT @dawnmetcalf: How to write w/more “diversity”: Push the envelope. Get uncomfortable. Dare to fail <–Follow your own weird:) #kidlitchat
  • skodobah: I like the idea of pushing envelopes. #kidlitchat
  • Buffyandrews: @jamieharrington How can the children’s lit community address the relative lack of diversity in published work? #kidlitchat
  • planetalvina: ooh, a topic near and dear to my heart. 1) the demographics of ppl in publishing needs to reflect the diversity outside better. #kidlitchat
  • JennBailey: I would agree not much diversity in film or TV. I think literature overs much more diversity but you probably have to seek it. #kidlitchat
  • MRDunn12: RT @kidlitchat: TOPIC: How can the children’s lit community address the relative lack of diversity in published work? #kidlitchat
  • onbeyondwords: Re the topic – ultimately, this could link to literacy programs and empowering more people with the ambition and tools to write. #kidlitchat
  • RaynaReads: @jamieharrington RT TOPIC: How can the children’s lit community address the relative lack of diversity in published work? #kidlitchat
  • amyknichols: @PattyJMurphy “Follow your own weird”. I like that! #kidlitchat
  • skodobah: If you think you’re doing it right, you’re probably doing it wrong. Get pushing on that envelope! #kidlitchat
  • adamselzer: @crissachappell already happened, didn’t it? #kidlitchat
  • hopelarson: RT @dawnmetcalf: How to write with more “diversity”: Push your own envelope. Get uncomfortable. Dare to fail. #kidlitchat
  • bonnieadamson: @amyknichols Kickoff was observation that AA protags mostly found in historical work: Civil War era. #kidlitchat
  • JennBailey: @adamselzer If they aren’t thinking race, perhaps they’re thinking about what most YA are? Fitting in? Sex? so it sounds same? #kidlitchat
  • crissachappell: @Brent_Watson41 like the cover for the book, Liar….. #kidlitchat
  • gregpincus: @Buffyandrews @shelltex Lacking could be perception.But can you name five picture books with African American MCs last year? 10? #kidlitchat
  • mgbuehrlen: @Brent_Watson41 Lots of white ppl in stock photos in general. I run a parenting site. Hard to find other races in stock photos. #kidlitchat
  • debbieohi: Thanks for posting that link at blackeyedsusans.blogspot.com, Greg. Catching up now… #kidlitchat
  • KrisYankee: I just started reading THE TRUE MEANING OF SMEKDAY- main character is african american. She calls the white guy, “the white guy” #kidlitchat
  • gregpincus: Perhaps another question is… can the community do more to shine a light on the tremendous diversity that does exist #kidlitchat
  • RaynaReads: @Brent_Watson41 Especially upsetting when you read the book & find out MC isn’t white! #kidlitchat
  • GinaRitter: Is it possible, that like adoptive parents, there tends to be more of one race of writer? #kidlitchat
  • gregpincus: RT @planetalvina: 1) the demographics of ppl in publishing needs to reflect the diversity outside better. #kidlitchat
  • planetalvina: @justJoanS just checked–no tweetchat. #kidlitchat
  • jamieharrington: I think the lack of diversity in kidlit is the same as in television, it’s about the audience and finding it… #kidlitchat
  • Buffyandrews: @gregpincus Very good question. Perhaps it’s a matter of showcasing all that is there. #kidlitchat
  • crissachappell: @adamselzer I shudder to think…how many great books are going to get pushed aside in these dark days? #kidlitchat
  • lyonmartin: #kidlitchat Who decides what is diverse enough to publish and will still sell?
  • mumfusa: RT @gregpincus: Perhaps another Q is… can the community do more to shine a light on the tremendous diversity that does exist #kidlitchat
  • authorlaurasaba: RT @gregpincus: RT @planetalvina: 1) the demographics of ppl in publishing needs to reflect the diversity outside better. #kidlitchat
  • justJoanS: @planetalvina Darn. I’m not sure about any other apps. =( #kidlitchat
  • debbieohi: Having chats like this helps because it makes us all more aware. #kidlitchat
  • bonnieadamson: @KrisYankee Yes–loved SMEKDAY–great positive example. #kidlitchat
  • GinaRitter: And if so, how do I write as if I know holidays, traditions, and what-not? aren’t I supposed to stick with what I know? #kidlitchat
  • cheriwilliams: @gregpincus Is the lack of diversity at the writing level or the publishing level? #kidlitchat
  • cheriwilliams: @gregpincus Is the lack of diversity at the writing level or the publishing level? #kidlitchat
  • sharifwrites: @GinaRitter You mean we write about what we know? #kidlitchat
  • EgmontGal: @gregpincus “The tremendous diversity that does exist” yeah, but how diverse is book buying public? therein lies ur answer #kidlitchat
  • amyknichols: @bonnieadamson @gregpincus Thanks for link and explanation. I get it now. #kidlitchat
  • laurielyoung: diversity is a hard thing to incorporate when the bottom line is so often the decision maker #kidlitchat
  • marybrebner: @bonnieadamson I agree! Doing historical fiction lit circles & only novel sets at school w/ AA MCs are Civil War/slavery era. #kidlitchat
  • gregpincus: @lyonmartin But does ‘diverse’ have to mean it won’t sell? #kidlitchat
  • Buffyandrews: How does supply and demand enter into this equation, if at all? #kidlitchat
  • onbeyondwords: Part of the problem may be – people tend to write from personal experience. Maybe writers need to live more diverse lives. #kidlitchat
  • dawnmetcalf: RT @gregpincus Perhaps another question is: can the community do more to shine light on the tremendous diversity that does exist #kidlitchat
  • Brent_Watson41: @gregpincus That a look at the photos of the people in this chat. Not a lot of diversity as far as race. #kidlitchat
  • EgmontGal: This is a complex and impt subject that is hard to address in 140 char, but if 1 book is a HIT, others will follow #kidlitchat
  • jamieharrington: @GinaRitter I think that’s a real good point. I can’t write a story about something I know nothing about and make it seem real #kidlitchat
  • GinaRitter: Why aren’t the illustrators/editors choosing more diversity in the illustrations when THEY can? Is it just the writer? #kidlitchat
  • skodobah: Does this extend to race only? Or people with disabilities? @joshberkbooks has a good one coming out with a deaf MC. #kidlitchat
  • Shelltex: Okay I agree the characters on the covers should be true to the character in the book. #kidlitchat
  • KatGirl_Studio: done lat. what was the topic? #kidlitchat
  • planetalvina: @kttweets I have twitterific, but not sure how to use it for the chat? #kidlitchat
  • PattyJMurphy: RT @amyknichols: @PattyJMurphy “Follow your own weird”. <<–Not sure who said it, but a friend of mine shared it w/me:) #kidlitchat
  • JennBailey: Could we need a diversity of Booksellers? More than Borders & B&Ns. Reading Reptile is only independent in our area. He risks. #kidlitchat
  • bonnieadamson: @EgmontGal But do buyers buy only books that mirror themselves? That sounds crazy to me. #kidlitchat
  • skodobah: @onbeyondwords Write what you know… and then what? Do research. #kidlitchat
  • GinaRitter: @sharifwrites Yes, exactly, write what we know or what we can have a base understanding of #kidlitchat
  • marybrebner: “Write what you know”–if your real world isn’t diverse, expand it. Then write about it! Fascinating ppl out there. #kidlitchat
  • dlschubert: Is it simply a reflection of the writers’ background? Ex: White writers write white chars, minority write minority chars? #kidlitchat
  • mumfusa: 1.as writers, we need to include diverse characters. 2.as consumers, we need to BUY these books, showing publishers what we want #kidlitchat
  • mitaliperkins: What’s a recent Kid/YA book you’ve read with a protagonist of a different race than yours? #kidlitchat
  • justJoanS: @onbeyondwords yeah, but how do we go about living a diverse life on a very fixed income? ;-) #kidlitchat
  • nkrell: @GinaRitter I don’t know what it’s like to teleport, but I wrote about it. I don’t think we always ‘write what we know’. #kidlitchat
  • onbeyondwords: @skodobah Thank you- I know dinner will be fun. Luckily, I can check the transcript later. #kidlitchat
  • GinaRitter: Would someone be offended if I wrote about Chinese traditions if I have no basic understanding or background or ethnicity? #kidlitchat
  • sharifwrites: @cheriwilliams I think I got a decent level of interest when subbing my multicultural work. That’s good. :) #kidlitchat
  • EgmontGal: @JennBailey Diversity of booksellers, good idea. #kidlitchat
  • rj_anderson: I’ve noticed a lot more non-white MCs and significant chars in fantasy lit lately, but this is almost never shown on the cover. #kidlitchat
  • skodobah: @onbeyondwords Transcripts are our friends! #kidlitchat
  • mgbuehrlen: RT @marybrebner: “Write what you know”–if your real world isnt diverse, expand it. write about it! Fascinating ppl out there. #kidlitchat
  • Buffyandrews: Buffyandrews: How does supply and demand enter into this equation, if at all? #kidlitchat
  • dawnmetcalf: @skodobah I believe “diversity” is everything: subject, time, race, religion, ability, socioeconomic, setting, experience, etc. #kidlitchat
  • rj_anderson: @mitaliperkins Deva Fagan’s MARVELLOUS MISADVENTURES OF PRUNELLA BOGTHISTLE has a non-white heroine — & she’s on the cover. #kidlitchat
  • marybrebner: @mitaliperkins Forged by Fire. LOVE Sharon Draper & so do my students. Any Bluford High series. #kidlitchat
  • GinaRitter: @nkrell That’s where my last point comes in though.. there’s no race that will be offended by your teleportation story #kidlitchat
  • laurielyoung: @mitaliperkins Bobby vs. Girls. At least the main character is mixed race. #kidlitchat
  • earth_mommy: Joy Luck Club is a fav of mine, I think diverse is goodRT @gregpincus @lyonmartin But does ‘diverse’ have to mean it won’t sell? #kidlitchat
  • EgmontGal: @GinaRitter some would say you should not write that. (Not me) #kidlitchat
  • bonnieadamson: @mitaliperkins @KrissYankee mentioned a biggie–one of my recent faves: THE TRUE MEANING OF SMEKDAY. #kidlitchat
  • gregpincus: @Brent_Watson41 Agreed. And this ties into @planetalvina‘s point number 1 #kidlitchat
  • RaynaReads: @mitaliperkins Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher- mixed race mc #kidlitchat
  • adamselzer: Beware of the phrase “Write What You Know.” It can be an excuse to be uncreative. It SHOULD be an order to go learn stuff. #kidlitchat
  • amyknichols: @justJoanS Volunteer. I help women from other countries improve their English (mostly Asian). #kidlitchat
  • Georgia_McBride: @TracyClark_TLC But ppl are not afraid to research aliens, zombies, vampires, differently-abled ppl. Why other races? #kidlitchat
  • happybluejess: A great point. I think most of us need to. @onbeyondwords Maybe writers need to live more diverse lives. #kidlitchat
  • EgmontGal: I am worried about being drawn and quartered if I quote things heard at some pub meetings….hmmm… #kidlitchat
  • Shelltex: @mitaliperkins My Big Fat Manifesto was one. And the African Am family was the wealthier one. I think writer did a good job. #kidlitchat
  • debbieohi: Some great points re: ethnic writing by @moonrat: http://bit.ly/8wMyBO (expand) Comments also fascinating. #kidlitchat
  • jeanie_w: @mitaliperkins I like Sharon Flake’s books. They all have AA main characters. #kidlitchat
  • PattyJMurphy: @nkrell: Jane Yolen once said, “Write what you WANT to know!” I like that. We have to go out ,research, live…to REALLY write:) #kidlitchat
  • DDHearn: @jamieharrington I’ve heard disapproval of authors who write about races other than their own. Need more diversity in authors? #kidlitchat
  • onbeyondwords: @skodobah touche – I agree about the research. #kidlitchat
  • TheMuffinMom: @gregpincus Ethnic lit is too often relegated to “niche” classes like AfrAm.Lit or Hispanic Lit. Solution=Desegregate curricula! #kidlitchat
  • sharifwrites: @earth_mommy I enjoy Amy Tan too. #kidlitchat
  • bonnieadamson: As an illustrator, my portfolio is pretty diverse, thanks to early mag. work–but I don’t choose assignments . . #kidlitchat
  • laurielyoung: Please do RT @EgmontGal: I am worried about being drawn and quartered if I quote things heard at some pub meetings….hmmm… #kidlitchat
  • EgmontGal: SUPER popular board book illustrator Karen Katz did a book with AA characters. In all stores inc Target and wal mart, it bombed. #kidlitchat
  • earth_mommy: I love reading about other cultures. And I think it’s good for children to learn about them, too. But writing must be good. #kidlitchat
  • shimes06: there are writers and illustrators out there who are producing plenty of “diverse” material…so is it the editors/publishers #kidlitchat
  • KatGirl_Studio: what’s the topic this week? #kidlitchat
  • PatEsden: To me diversity is being honest about the tension between groups of people not adding a minority character to make a sale #kidlitchat
  • adamselzer: @Georgia_McBride You can’t offend too many people with zombie book. Writing about another race WILL offend some people. #kidlitchat
  • maggiedana: @EgmontGal You can trust us. We won’t tell anyone. #kidlitchat
  • crissachappell: @rj_anderson One of my students asked, “Why aren’t there any Asian fantasy books?” I steered her to Cindy Pon’s Silver Phoenix. #kidlitchat
  • KrisYankee: Isn’t there still author integrity? If you don’t know what you’re writing about, you research. If you’re white, res oth cultures #kidlitchat
  • vertigobooks: Ex-bookseller chiming in: our store spec. multicult. books for years, yet 2/3 of our YA was suitable for white 10 yo girls. #kidlitchat
  • jeanie_w: @mitaliperkins Also loved Millicent Min. #kidlitchat
  • GinaRitter: To me, that responsibility belongs to editors/illus. RT @Brent_Watson41: It seems to me there are a lot of white kids…. #kidlitchat
  • Georgia_McBride: @dlschubert It probably is and I see nothing wrong with that. Natural. I just wrote a white MC. Not planned. She happened to be. #kidlitchat
  • KymBrunner: Took a multicultural literature class for teachers & the professor said only authors of same race as MC were “authentic.” #kidlitchat
  • mgbuehrlen: RT @PattyJMurphy: @nkrell: Jane Yolen once said, “Write what you WANT to know!” I like that. We have to go out ,research, live #kidlitchat
  • laurielyoung: @EgmontGal We might as well know what goes on behind closed doors. #kidlitchat
  • skodobah: @onbeyondwords Research is key, even if you know what you’re writing about. #kidlitchat
  • jamieharrington: @DDHearn amaybe that’s the problem… #kidlitchat
  • lyonmartin: #kidlitchat I write “diverse” when subbing was told there “wasn’t a big enough audience.” How big is big enough?
  • dlschubert: @EgmontGal You mean you’re afraid to “tell it like it is?” I totally get it. #kidlitchat
  • planetalvina: 2) prove that kids actually like to read about others both the same and different as themselves #kidlitchat
  • Georgia_McBride: @adamselzer Not about offending about comfort. Ppl are sayign they are not comfortable about writing the character #kidlitchat
  • DDHearn: @mumfusa I agree to a point about including diversity. But that can also feel forced, like in educational publishing. #kidlitchat
  • debbieohi: RT @maggiedana: @EgmontGal You can trust us. We wont tell anyone. — LOL! #kidlitchat
  • mumfusa: RT @adamselzer: Beware of “Write What You Know.” It can be an excuse to be uncreative. It SHOULD be an order to go learn stuff. #kidlitchat
  • vertigobooks: I wanted books for black male reluctant readers. I constantly asked authors to do something other than civil rights/hist. #kidlitchat
  • sharifwrites: @jeanie_w That’s one of my favorite MG books. #kidlitchat
  • rj_anderson: @crissachappell And there are others — Grace Lin’s WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON, Deva Fagan’s upcoming CIRCUS GALACTICUS. #kidlitchat
  • gregpincus: @EgmontGal Is it simply a matter of what sells? Can that be changed by what is published or featured? I don’t know. Just asking! #kidlitchat
  • bonnieadamson: RT @TheMuffinMom: Desegregate curricula! <–I like that.#kidlitchat
  • amyknichols: @Georgia_McBride I think people are afraid of offending. And failing. Aliens, vampires, etc. you have more room for error. #kidlitchat
  • Buffyandrews: RT @KrisYankee: Isnt there still author integrity? If you dont know what youre writing about, you research. … #kidlitchat
  • earth_mommy: @GinaRitter Research. Talk to people, get their thoughts and opinions. You write what you know, you have to learn to know. #kidlitchat
  • RaynaReads: @KymBrunner Had a similar experience in a world lit. class- if they didn’t experience first-hand, didn’t come off as authentic #kidlitchat
  • dlschubert: @Georgia_McBride Yup, and I just wrote a gay guy – I love him. He was great to write! #kidlitchat
  • KOrtizzle: @DDHearn agreed.but @ the same time we can’t take on an author based on their race alone.we take a story based on it’s strength. #kidlitchat
  • DDHearn: @GinaRitter I think there could be some resistance to writing about a different culture, unless you are spot on about it. #kidlitchat
  • EgmontGal: @dlschubert I’m more afraid of being taken out of context, or being quoted for things I don’t believe. tough topic for 140 char #kidlitchat
  • GinaRitter: But again, is that for a lack of AA writers? RT @gregpincus …can you name five picture books with African American MCs …. #kidlitchat
  • ninaberry: I’m female and I write about males, an only child who writes about siblings. I’m white and I write about other ethnicities. #kidlitchat
  • lauram68: @EgmontGal I have a picture book here with AA that my daughter loves Bippity Bop Barbershop #kidlitchat.
  • debbieohi: Working on an Asian MG fantasy is forcing me to learn more about my own cultural heritage. :-) #kidlitchat
  • planetalvina: @GinaRitter not if you did your research and wrote it well. #kidlitchat
  • dawnmetcalf: Josh Berk, David Gill, Sarah S. Brannen, Barry Lyga, Justine Larbalestier, etc. have taken brave steps in their books. #kidlitchat
  • jolantru: Lack of diversity: get more people to write? #kidlitchat
  • skodobah: @amyknichols It’s not like Edward Cullen’s gonna come get you if he’s offended! #kidlitchat
  • KOrtizzle: @EgmontGal agreed…very good topic…just not sure if it’s good for 140 characters or less… #kidlitchat
  • Georgia_McBride: @TracyClark_TLC True. But I don’t find that authentic enough reason. It’s like all research. #kidlitchat
  • bonnieadamson: I like books where the race of main character is interesting, but incidental to plot–like @Cynthea‘s PARIS PAN. #kidlitchat
  • mawbooks: @mitaliperkins I read two books today w/ protagonist different race. LIAR & BRENDAN BUCKLE’S UNIVERSE & EVERYTHING IN IT. #kidlitchat
  • marybrebner: @earth_mommy Exactly! research. Learn about other ppl, cultures, races. Then include in story, blend it. #kidlitchat
  • TheMuffinMom: @DDHearn Lit scholars call it “transvestite authorship” when authors write from an ethnic perspective that is not their own. #kidlitchat
  • Shelltex: I think lack of diverse chars in PBs is on pubs because they can dictate the way char is depicted in art, right? #kidlitchat
  • mumfusa: ooo, i’m filing this away! good one! RT @PattyJMurphy: @nkrell: Jane Yolen once said, “Write what you WANT to know!” #kidlitchat
  • shimes06: writing what you know is key, researching has it’s place…but trying to force a “diverse” piece will show #kidlitchat
  • ninaberry: RT @adamselzer: Beware of “Write What You Know.” It can be an excuse to be uncreative. It SHOULD be an order to go learn stuff. #kidlitchat
  • cheriwilliams: @mitaliperkins Paris Pan Takes the Dare – Chinese-American. #kidlitchat
  • nkrell: Do they mean from other countries? Because I have a mss for that. #kidlitchat
  • debbieohi: I loved Linda Sue Park’s A SINGLE SHARD (set in mid- to late 12th-century Korea). #kidlitchat
  • PattyJMurphy: RT @planetalvina: @GinaRitter not if you did your research and wrote it well. <<–Amen. I so agree. #kidlitchat
  • tiffanytrent: May not say much, but am listening in to #kidlitchat. Definitely great topic.
  • Brent_Watson41: @debbieohi That’s awesome #kidlitchat
  • dawnmetcalf: What makes me crazy is when people assume I’m “like them” or write “like me” (whatever that is). #kidlitchat
  • PatEsden: I write fantasy set in rural northern Vermont but even here there is a great deal of diversity if you write with your eyes open #kidlitchat
  • GinaRitter: RT @debbieohi: Having chats like this helps because it makes us all more aware. #kidlitchat
  • Georgia_McBride: @amyknichols You can fail at anything. Character-building in general. A character with a specific disease for ex. #kidlitchat
  • dlschubert: @EgmontGal Good point. Twitter demands economy w/words which may cause confusion. #kidlitchat
  • JennBailey: But aren’t we looking at common themes regardless of race, religous diversity? My sons don’t care what MC is, if it’s good story #kidlitchat
  • mitaliperkins: Most buzz titles feature whites. POC kids often cross racial/ethnic lines to read; for white readers it’s the exception. #kidlitchat
  • RaynaReads: I love reading about ppl completely different- best way to learn and pretend. I’m already me, I don’t want to read me #kidlitchat
  • KatGirl_Studio: I really liked Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian #kidlitchat
  • skodobah: @amyknichols Definitely room for error w/paranormal creatures. #kidlitchat
  • mawbooks: @mitaliperkins Although in both books, characters are both 1/2 white. Why does the one 1/2 of race define them over the other? #kidlitchat
  • PattyJMurphy: RT @debbieohi: I loved Linda Sue Parks A SINGLE SHARD (set in mid- to late 12th-century Korea) <<–Me, too. Loved it! #kidlitchat
  • ninaberry: Yes! RT@jolantru: Lack of diversity: get more people to write? #kidlitchat
  • gregpincus: @KOrtizzle @EgmontGal It is hard in 140 characters, indeed. But it’s hard in 140 lines or pages, too! #kidlitchat
  • Buffyandrews: If writer is good at craft, you shouldn’t be able to tell what ethnicity wrote book, no? #kidlitchat
  • lauram68: @gregpincus February is a good month to find books written and featuring AA in most genres. #kidlitchat (keep forgetting that!)
  • earth_mommy: Is it that the diversity isn’t published, or could it be that saleable books have notbeen offered for publication? #kidlitchat
  • rj_anderson: Writing non-white characters in fantasy may be easier because it doesn’t (have to) carry the same historical & social baggage. #kidlitchat
  • GinaRitter: But would an editor BUY my story if I am not Chinese? @PattyJMurphy @planetalvina #kidlitchat
  • gregpincus: Thanks! RT @mitaliperkins: Great list of books, everybody. I’ll compile in a blog post, keep them coming. #kidlitchat
8:19 pm mumfusa: @DDHearn very true, but if in the hands of a stellar writer, they can mix in the educational parts w/the sassy, dark, cool parts #kidlitchat
8:19 pm amyknichols: @Georgia_McBride I agree. I just think that’s one of the reasons for the lack of diversity. Fear of getting it wrong. #kidlitchat
8:19 pm jeanie_w: Ooh, that’s a good one! RT @KatGirl_Studio: I really liked Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian #kidlitchat
8:19 pm skodobah: @crissachappell My last blog post was about that. Love male POV… from my perspective. #kidlitchat
8:19 pm himissjulie: Everything I know about writing/diversity I learned from Justine Larbalestierhttp://bit.ly/6Ankby #kidlitchat
8:19 pm Georgia_McBride: @JennBailey I agree. Look at music. Good music sells to the races–regardless. #kidlitchat
8:19 pm EKokie: Interesting topic and discussion so far – trying to catch up. #kidlitchat
8:19 pm bonnieadamson: @Shelltex Good point–PB characters are generally more amorphous–and frequently sensitive subject portrayed by animals. #kidlitchat
8:19 pm gregpincus: RT @planetalvina: 2) prove that kids actually like to read about others both the same and different as themselves #kidlitchat
8:19 pm EgmontGal: @dlschubert this is SUCH a sensitive topic. Publishers all terrified of being misquoted or vilified in some way. #kidlitchat
8:19 pm GinaRitter: Now don’t get me wrong, I am ALL for everything ya’ll are saying! I just don’#kidlitchat
8:19 pm dawnmetcalf: RT @mumfusa ooo, i’m filing this away! good one! RT @PattyJMurphy: @nkrell: Jane Yolen once said, “Write what you WANT to know!” #kidlitchat
8:19 pm jasouders: @RaynaReads I agree completely, but then again I can’t read about ppl I wouldn’t WANT to be. Major turn off, esp. in YA. #kidlitchat
8:19 pm KrisYankee: I agree that I like MCs where it doesn’t matter their race. #kidlitchat
8:20 pm stephaniejenki: RT @Georgia_McBride: @JennBailey I agree. Look at music. Good music sells to the races–regardless. #kidlitchat
8:20 pm Georgia_McBride: @amyknichols Fear is crippling. But I hear you. All of you. #kidlitchat
8:20 pm GinaRitter: I just don’t think it’s the WRITERS. I think it’s the buyers. #kidlitchat
8:20 pm jolantru: RT @mitaliperkins Most buzz titles feature whites. POC kids often cross racial/ethnic lines to read. #kidlitchat
8:20 pm EgmontGal: @Georgia_McBride DOES good music sell to the races? Hip hop to whites, country to black,s etc? not so sure… #kidlitchat
8:20 pm TheMuffinMom: Problem is 2 many DWM/rich kids in high school/college curricula. Discourages would-be writers from other backgrounds/races #kidlitchat
8:20 pm PattyJMurphy: RT @ninaberry: Yes! RT@jolantru: Lack of diversity: get more people to write? <<–More ppl to write truthfully + authentically. #kidlitchat
8:20 pm johnlechner: Would like to hear from editors/agents: are diverse books being published? Are big publishers too conservative? #kidlitchat
8:20 pm mitaliperkins: @mawbooks Good question. The minority half of a biracial kid defines him or her in North America. #kidlitchat
8:20 pm amyknichols: @skodobah But somehow it’s different than a white person writing a minority character and coming off offensive, isn’t it? #kidlitchat
8:20 pm crissachappell: @skodobah I’m working on a boy book. It feels…strangely natural. #kidlitchat
8:20 pm GinaRitter: By buyers, I mean editors/publishers buying stories from people with no background. #kidlitchat
8:20 pm debbieohi: Also enjoyed @MahtabNarsimhan’s THE THIRD EYE, which draws from a lot of Indian mythology. #kidlitchat
8:20 pm jeanie_w: In PBs, I love the work of Ezra Jack Keats. Esp The Snowy Day. #kidlitchat
8:20 pm prufrocke: !!! I love this beyond words. RT @PattyJMurphy: @nkrell: Jane Yolen once said, “Write what you WANT to know!” #kidlitchat
8:20 pm TheMuffinMom: Even the female authors we’ve recently added to high school anthologies were rich Manhattanites (Cather, Millay, et al) #kidlitchat
8:21 pm KatGirl_Studio: @GinaRitter The author of Memoirs of a Geisha wasn’t Japanese so why would they not accept yours if your not Chinese #kidlitchat
8:21 pm dawnmetcalf: @TheMuffinMom @DDHearn “Transvestite authorship”?!? In anthropology, we called that responsible ownership (or hermeneutics). #kidlitchat
8:21 pm kparlin: @DDHearn That’s how I feel. I’m writing a chapter book in which Yoruba culture is prominent. I worry about it being authentic. #kidlitchat
8:21 pm Brent_Watson41: @lauram68 It is sad that February is about the only month that good AA books are showcased. What about the other 11 months? #kidlitchat
8:21 pm RaynaReads: @jasouders Do you mean someone you hate or don’t understand? #kidlitchat
8:21 pm amyknichols: @KatGirl_Studio I loved it, too! Great book. #kidlitchat
8:21 pm GinaRitter: Think about this.. would our fan base be as big if we were representing someone else? And doesn’t the number count to them? #kidlitchat
8:21 pm TheMuffinMom: Oops–Cather was midwest, but prep-schooled. Iwas thinking of another . . . #kidlitchat
8:21 pm onbeyondwords: Goodnight everyone – fascinating chat – Sorry I have to go. #kidlitchat
8:21 pm EgmontGal: @GinaRitter depends on how good your story is, Gina. (And that’s true whether or not you’re chinese) #kidlitchat
8:21 pm Buffyandrews: Our schools are such a melting pot with all kinds of cultures rep. that I think kids expect this in books. it’s their world. #kidlitchat
8:21 pm courtneywrites: Catching up #kidlitchat
8:21 pm bonnieadamson: @EgmontGal Good lord–you’re relegating me to country music because I’m white? Yikes! #kidlitchat
8:21 pm DDHearn: @Shelltex I think in most cases the artist decides on the pictures. Editors could have a veto, of course, if they don’t approve. #kidlitchat
8:21 pm jolantru: Thought: Can a Chinese write about a (white) steampunk story? #kidlitchat
8:21 pm pussreboots: @gregpincus My son is always looking for books w/ stories of different cultures. (That and monsters) #kidlitchat
8:21 pm earth_mommy: RT @ninaberry I’m female & I write abt males, an only child who writes abt siblings. I’m white & I write abt other ethnicities. #kidlitchat
8:21 pm fullofstars: RT @jeanie_w Ooh, that’s a good one! RT @KatGirl_Studio: I really liked Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian #kidlitchat (much love!)
8:21 pm planetalvina: @GinaRitter @PattyJMurphy yes! editors will always buy excellent, authentic books. #kidlitchat
8:21 pm Georgia_McBride: @EgmontGal Everyone is. Believe me. I’m terrified my book is hard to sell because my MC is white. What to do? Reality is a b. #kidlitchat
8:21 pm gregpincus: Yes, I can see how it’s a very sensitive issue, @EgmontGal. We should all respect that from all the editors/publishers here! #kidlitchat
8:22 pm hopelarson: Not exactly a picture book, but the AYA series of graphic novels (good for young adults) features an all-African cast. #kidlitchat
8:22 pm rj_anderson: John Claude Bemis’s NINE-POUND HAMMER has racially diverse cast — not just one token POC, I’m glad to say. Tho MC is white. #kidlitchat
8:22 pm EgmontGal: No one is mentioning hispanic community but we, traditional trade mg and ya pubs, have not had a real breakthrough there yet #kidlitchat
8:22 pm lauram68: I know that since Precious has come out, I’m interested in reading Push by Sapphire. #kidlitchat. Have not seen the movie.
8:22 pm LiaKeyes: Hi everyone! A bit late to the party… are we talking about the need for diversity in kidlit? #kidlitchat
8:22 pm tiffanytrent: I wonder if it’s possible that we sometimes assume characters are white when they’re not? #kidlitchat
8:22 pm pussreboots: RT @jeanie_w: In PBs, I love the work of Ezra Jack Keats. Esp The Snowy Day. #kidlitchat (Me too)
8:22 pm Shelltex: @EgmontGal I can vouch that white kids buy hip hop & rap. Not sure how well country music goes over with other races. #kidlitchat
8:22 pm bonnieadamson: @jolantru Why not? #kidlitchat
8:22 pm KrisYankee: AGREE! They don’t see color at all. RT @JennBailey: My sons don’t care what MC is, if it’s good story. #kidlitchat
8:22 pm dlschubert: @mawbooks Good question re: 1/2 white or black. Why do we call Obama black when he’s 1/2 white? #kidlitchat
8:22 pm mawbooks: @mitaliperkins My husband is 1/2 Chinese & 1/2 white. Always defines himself as Chinese but I relate to him as white. Weird. #kidlitchat
8:22 pm tiffanytrent: Frex, I seldom write entirely white characters, but then I also generally don’t spend time explaining their ancestry, either. #kidlitchat
8:22 pm dawnmetcalf: @crissachappell @skodobah We’re more alike than we are different. Write the human experience. #kidlitchat
8:23 pm JennBailey: @LiaKeyes Yes, we are. And it’s grand. #kidlitchat
8:23 pm lauram68: Veronica Chambers and Jaqueline Woodson are authors of color and both of them have written a white MC in one of their books #kidlitchat
8:23 pm pussreboots: @jolantru Sure. Why not? #kidlitchat
8:23 pm EgmontGal: @bonnieadamson no, i am saying music doesn’t necessarily always transcend race–much music is culturally identified. #kidlitchat
8:23 pm akoviem: RT @dlschubert: @EgmontGal Good point. Twitter demands economy w/words which may cause confusion. #kidlitchat
8:23 pm Georgia_McBride: @EgmontGal Yes. Coming from the music industry, yes. Blacks buy country music. Whites buy a ton of rap. #kidlitchat
8:23 pm laurielyoung: My favorite series of books when I was a child was a set about different Native American tribes. Each book had a different MC #kidlitchat
8:23 pm jasouders: @RaynaReads Someone I hate. I once read a book where the whole time the MC was more concerned about her mani … #kidlitchat
8:23 pm gregpincus: @pussreboots I will start working on books of monsters of different cultures :-) #kidlitchat
8:23 pm DDHearn: @KatGirl_Studio The author of that was Native American. Do you think a white author could have been as effective? #kidlitchat
8:23 pm tiffanytrent: Unless the story somehow hinges on that ancestry. #kidlitchat
8:23 pm amyknichols: For me, it’s abt immersion. Only now that I’ve spent a couple yrs with my Asian friends do I feel comfy writing about/for them. #kidlitchat
8:23 pm Georgia_McBride: @EgmontGal BUT! It is also an age/demographic thing. #kidlitchat
8:23 pm crissachappell: RT @dawnmetcalf: @crissachappell @skodobah Were more alike than we are different. Write the human experience. #kidlitchat
8:23 pm jolantru: @bonnieadamson I wrote one (YA set in alternate Victorian England) and a comment said that I was writing a parody. :P #kidlitchat
8:23 pm mitaliperkins: I don’t trust the word “authentic.” Absolute authenticity is memoir. Fiction must take us some distance from our protagonist. #kidlitchat
8:24 pm nkrell: @EgmontGal Was just wondering about that. My hubby is half South American and I had an idea. Is there a market yet? #kidlitchat
8:24 pm jasouders: @RaynaReads …than the fact that her friends were dying. I rd the whole thing, but I won’t read the sequel.#kidlitchat
8:24 pm marybrebner: @EgmontGal True-been some breakthrough in adult novels w/ hispanic MCs but hasn’t trickled down to kids lit yet, it seems #kidlitchat
8:24 pm TheMuffinMom: @EgmontGal But Hispanic kids attending our high schools r assigned Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Salinger. What message does that send? #kidlitchat
8:24 pm gregpincus: RT @tiffanytrent: I wonder if it’s possible that we sometimes assume characters are white when they’re not? #kidlitchat
8:24 pm mawbooks: @EgmontGal It’s not very often that you see black artists in country music. #kidlitchat
8:24 pm adamselzer: Interesting experiment: ask a room full of white people how many consider themselves “100% white.” Usually, few/no hands go up. #kidlitchat
8:24 pm Georgia_McBride: @mawbooks @mitaliperkins In the eye of the beholder. #kidlitchat
8:24 pm sharifwrites: @lauram68 I’ve been wanting to buy that book too. #kidlitchat
8:24 pm dawnmetcalf: @tiffanytrent Remember the questions of whether Harry Potter’s “Blaise” was male or female? People wonder about these things. #kidlitchat
8:24 pm leewind: write what you know is really about the EMOTIONAL truth – under all our world’s diversity we all share that. #kidlitchat
8:24 pm rj_anderson: @tiffanytrent Yes! And I love when I’m challenged in the assumption that an MC’s skin color is the same as mine. #kidlitchat
8:24 pm Buffyandrews: My sons read books if they’re good. Doesn’t matter if MC is white or black or purple or one-legged or spotted or … #kidlitchat
  • bonnieadamson: @jolantru Oh, wow. It’s hard to understand that attitude. #kidlitchat
  • JennBailey: Good Point! RT @mitaliperkins: I dont trust the word “authentic.” Fiction must take us some distance from our protagonist. #kidlitchat
  • KarenCollum: @dlschubert I am reluctant to venture outside my own knowledge base after seeing others slammed for misrep. other cultures #kidlitchat
  • KatGirl_Studio: @DDHearn I personally don’t think it matters what race you are or what race the MC is as long the book is good. #kidlitchat
  • DDHearn: @mawbooks I often wonder why somebody 1/2 white is usually regarded as being of the 1/2 that isn’t white. Tiger Woods. Obama. #kidlitchat
  • LiaKeyes: @JennBailey Cool~ great topic! But diversity isn’t just about race, but about culture and ways of life. #kidlitchat
  • Georgia_McBride: @crissachappell @dawnmetcalf @skodobah I say this all the time. No one listens. #kidlitchat
  • pussreboots: RT @gregpincus: @pussreboots I will start working on books of monsters of different cultures :-) #kidlitchat (yay! Son will love them)
  • happybluejess: Immersing myself in all of the art forms of other cultures is essential for me: dancing the dances, hearing/playing the music. #kidlitchat
  • bonnieadamson: @IllustratorErin Exactly! Animals as stand-ins have a long tradition. #kidlitchat
  • EgmontGal: Most of us YA Pubs have tried for Latina success. But I haven’t seen a Latina YA take off yet, can anyone think of 1 hit? #kidlitchat
  • maggiedana: @TheMuffinMom The message is only alcoholic white guys know how to write. #kidlitchat
  • rj_anderson: Agreed! RT @Buffyandrews: My sons read books if they’re good. Doesn’t matter if MC is white or black or purple or one-legged… #kidlitchat
  • MyraMcEntire: I know Ursula Le Guin has addressed this in an essay. #kidlitchat
  • bonnieadamson: RT @leewind: write what you know is really about the EMOTIONAL truth – under all our world’s diversity we all share that. #kidlitchat
  • vertigobooks: Good points, but please just let POC kids see themselves in the pages of books–kids biking, building forts, whatever #kidlitchat
  • amyknichols: RT @leewind write what you know is really about the EMOTIONAL truth – under all our world’s diversity we all share that. #kidlitchat
  • Buffyandrews: My son brought a black baby home (fake) to care for and it made me smile. He picked which baby he wanted from the shelf. #kidlitchat
  • Georgia_McBride: I bleed red, I’m afraid of having my heart broken, when it’s my time, I’m gonna die–just like you. #kidlitchat Write that.
  • vdemetros: @EgmontGal Esperanza Rising, is that YA?? #kidlitchat
  • happybluejess: After experiencing that firsthand, I feel more comfortable writing about it. #kidlitchat
  • KOrtizzle: @EgmontGal not off the top of my head, though I’d LOVE LOVE LOVE to rep one #kidlitchat
  • DDHearn: @mumfusa I’m thinking of text books, where as an illustrator I was told to make sure there was the exact right mix. Felt forced. #kidlitchat
  • ylin0621: @EgmontGal Perfect Chemistry kinda, sorry for the intrusion. #kidlitchat
  • lyonmartin: @bonnieadamson but animals are only a portion of books. #kidlitchat
  • Irisheyz77: @EgmontGal in Perfect Chemistry one of the MCs is Mexican & uses spanish words/phrases in speech & that’s done well i think #kidlitchat
  • dawnmetcalf: @TheMuffinMom @EgmontGal It bothered me that I didn’t even know about Octavio Paz, Frieda Kahlo, etc. until after high school! #kidlitchat
  • laurielyoung: @DDHearn Because that’s what you see . . . #kidlitchat
  • EKokie: @mitaliperkins I like “organic” over “authentic” – implies natural, as opposed to true – ie, the experiences have to be real. #kidlitchat
  • SuzDC: can a good author w/a good story write about another culture authentically just based on extensive research/interviews? #kidlitchat
  • vertigobooks: RT @leewind write what you know is really about the EMOTIONAL truth – under all our world’s diversity we all share that. #kidlitchat
  • marybrebner: RT @EgmontGal: I haven’t seen a Latina YA take off yet, can anyone think of 1 hit? <-would love to know of one, too! Anyone? #kidlitchat
  • jolantru: @bonnieadamson I was shocked to hear/see the comment as well. #kidlitchat
  • kparlin: @tiffanytrent Was wondering that. Trying to remember books I read where I may have assumed. Good to keep in mind #kidlitchat
  • dlschubert: @62seabee RE: Obama – I guess it’s a matter of how he (or anyone of 2 distinct races) identifies himself. #kidlitchat
  • tiffanytrent: @dawnmetcalf @rj_anderson I like giving subtle clues that let you know if you know the culture. #kidlitchat
  • KatGirl_Studio: The race of the author or MC has never affected my book buy in my life so I’m not sure what to say #kidlitchat
  • LiaKeyes: It’s not enough to say a character is of another race. How does it inform their perspective on events? Their reactions? #kidlitchat
  • dawnmetcalf: @Georgia_McBride You so rock. #kidlitchat
  • jeanie_w: @EgmontGal Is The House on Mango Street YA? #kidlitchat
  • bonnieadamson: @vertigobooks You mean not always as standard-bearers . . .good point. #kidlitchat
  • lyonmartin: #kidlitchat I write what calls to me to write it. Last novel featured Native American MC.
  • skodobah: @dawnmetcalf My art teacher, who was from Mexico, introduced me to Frida. Best thing ever. Loved the books abouther. #kidlitchat
  • writetoday: Just realized that in my ms I don’t actually specify ethnicity at all; thinking about assumptions people make when see author. #kidlitchat
  • littlefluffycat: @EgmontGal I don’t know about that-rap is in countries as diverse as Mexico, Norway, & Israel. @BonnieAdamson #kidlitchat
  • MyraMcEntire: It’s about the EarthSea movie, but here’s the link from Ursula Le Guin: http://www.slate.com/id/2111107/ #kidlitchat
  • TheMuffinMom: @EgmontGal Mango Street–how old is that one? But was it a pub hit, or just scholarly hit? #kidlitchat
  • Buffyandrews: RT @KatGirl_Studio: The race of the author or MC has never affected my book buy in my life so Im not sure what to say #kidlitchat
  • debbieohi: MEXICAN WHITEBOY by Matt de la Pena is a great story. Love the voice. Also love reading about outsiders trying to fit in. #kidlitchat
  • bonnieadamson: @jolantru I think that’s one of those fringe comments you just ignore. :-) #kidlitchat
  • elizaosborn: Re: the topic #kidlitchat: if a character comes to me as a certain race, I go with it. In Darknesses, the de Cameras just *were* Latin.
  • rj_anderson: In LeGuin’s WIZARD OF EARTHSEA the hero Ged was red-brown, his best friend Vetch black-brown. In 1968. And it’s still a classic. #kidlitchat
  • amyknichols: @EgmontGal Mexican White Boy by Matt de la Pena? #kidlitchat
  • jolantru: RT @vertigobooks Good points, but please just let POC kids see themselves in the pages of books–kids biking, building forts. #kidlitchat
  • lauram68: @sharifwrites maybe it takes a book like that to get people of any color to read it. #kidlitchat
  • libmaryann: Recall that the Bronte’s world was very limited, but they wrote with remarkable insights into human nature. #kidlitchat
  • DDHearn: @EgmontGal I agree about music. How many African Americans listen to “white” music? Cross over seems to be in one direction. #kidlitchat
  • sharifwrites: @GinaRitter Most diverse works (with race, religion, or sexuality) usually have the author share those values. #kidlitchat
  • Georgia_McBride: @EgmontGal I don’t know. I haven’t seen one marketed wide, like the others. Please don’t put my book in the back of the store. #kidlitchat
  • EgmontGal: Melissa de la Cruz v successful, though i don’t think of hers as “latina” books in general but maybe that is good… #kidlitchat
  • skodobah: My characters are white, but they have disabilities, illnesses… #kidlitchat
  • writereader: @marybrebner @EgmontGal I’m racking my brain, but I can’t think of a Latina YA take off…anybody? #kidlitchat
  • Shelltex: Going Bovine has character who is a dwarf and uses a lot of spanish. Gave the impression he was also hispanic. #kidlitchat
  • mumfusa: @tiffanytrent it’s possible to incorrectly assume a MC is white. i accidentally did so w/love interest in RAMPANT @dpeterfreund #kidlitchat
  • KatGirl_Studio: but then again I’ve lived in a very multi-cultural place all my life…so #kidlitchat
  • amyknichols: @debbieohi Oh, didn’t see you already tweet that title. :) #kidlitchat
  • tiffanytrent: I feel that unless the author shouts “XYZ had alabaster skin” or other obvious cues, we shouldn’t assume much of anything. #kidlitchat
  • sharifwrites: @GinaRitter If not, then authenticity came from stellar writing and research. #kidlitchat
  • Buffyandrews: @dlschubert Always wondered why ppl said Obama black. Why not say he’s white. Don’t get that. #kidlitchat
  • leewind: @Georgia_McBride Yes – exactly. We all share the same emotional core of being teens, even if our cultural experiences are diff. #kidlitchat
  • KOrtizzle: @Irisheyz77 true…it was an awesome book for sure. But other MC was Caucasian..would love one with MC Latina(o). make sense? #kidlitchat
  • JennBailey: @rj_anderson Yes! Loved that book. #kidlitchat
  • debbieohi: @amyknichols Ha! Our posts about MEXICAN WHITEBOY crossed. :-D #kidlitchat
  • dawnmetcalf: @skodobah Adore them, too. My book under contract has a Latina MC. Asked Ann Brashares about Carmen when I did it. #kidlitchat
  • rj_anderson: @tiffanytrent Right. I don’t think it needs to be announced with a fanfare of trumpets, more of a prize to the attentive reader. #kidlitchat
  • happybluejess: I’m an art teacher, and it’s still more challenging to get reproductions, books, and films about artists from other cultures. #kidlitchat
  • heatherwpetty: @EgmontGal PERFECT CHEMISTRY by Simone Elkeles? That sold really well. I thought it made NYT list. #kidlitchat
  • jolantru: @bonnieadamson True. ;) But it made me wonder if Asians are allowed to write (white) Victorian England… #kidlitchat
  • davechua: @jolantru Should a Caucasian write about Asian cultures? Sure! So why not the other way around? #kidlitchat
  • tiffanytrent: However, that doesn’t change the fact that we desperately need more obviously (and truly) diverse books. #kidlitchat
  • gregpincus: @YolaRamunno ack. too long for me to RT without editing here (and adding #kidlitchat while removing my name)
  • KOrtizzle: It’s kinda like saying a book is diverse bc the sidekick is of another race. Doesn’t work…but I did like Perfect Chemistry #kidlitchat
  • littlefluffycat: @EgmontGal Gabriela & Rodrigo, guitarists from Mexico, flavor their music drumming on guitars like Irish drums. @BonnieAdamson #kidlitchat
  • dawnmetcalf: Actually, I *loved* the play off of assumptions in MT Anderson’s OCTAVIAN NOTHING. Who Octavian was blew me away! #kidlitchat
  • DDHearn: @dawnmetcalf Shows I”m not an anthropologist. :) #kidlitchat
  • TheMuffinMom: @dawnmetcalf Pietro diDonato, Betty Smith–immigrant authors w/ extremely literary works; shelved by ivy leaguer school bosses #kidlitchat
  • maggiedana: Same here. RT @Buffyandrews: @dlschubert Always wondered why ppl said Obama black. Why not say hes white. Dont get that. #kidlitchat
  • KrisYankee: @Buffyandrews That’s awesome about your son. You aren’t teaching him about color. Same in our house. #kidlitchat
  • gregpincus: RT @leewind write what you know is really about the EMOTIONAL truth – under all our world’s diversity we all share that. #kidlitchat
  • dawnmetcalf: @heatherwpetty @EgmontGal GAH! Thank you! I was trying to remember the title: PERFECT CHEMISTRY! #kidlitchat
  • leewind: @SuzDC I always think of Memoirs of a Geisha – Arthur Golden wasn’t Japanese. Or a woman. But it’s an amazing book. #kidlitchat
  • JennBailey: @leewind Yes. The story is about the themes and emotions. Could we say the diversity is the background? The driver? #kidlitchat
  • Shelltex: I don’t have an attached mental image of any of my PB characters. No qualms about artist depicting them as any race. #kidlitchat
  • Georgia_McBride: I better step out. My last tweet was not meant to be offensive. I just want chance like everyone else-not in the back of store. #kidlitchat
  • TheMuffinMom: @dawnmetcalf Octavian ROCKS! Remind me: is author African American? #kidlitchat
  • hudsonette: RT @libmaryann: Recall that the Bronte’s world was very limited, but they wrote with remarkable insights into human nature. #kidlitchat
  • bonniedoerr: Thought I’d pop in while my dinner guests were chatting, but no way can I keep up. You guys are rocking’ #kidlitchat
  • sharifwrites: @leewind When people read my samples, that’s what they say, they can relate even if MC is culturally different than them. #kidlitchat
  • skodobah: @dawnmetcalf Carmen! Where I grew up, we had (have) a heavy Latino population. It would be interesting for YA. #kidlitchat
  • tiffanytrent: @kparlin @mumfusa I’m sure I’ve done it when reading, but I’m more aware of now simply b/c I’m writing. #kidlitchat
  • jessicavarin: @Buffyandrews Our president is black. Our president is white. He can be both at the same time. #kidlitchat
  • jeanie_w: RT @leewind write what you know is really about the EMOTIONAL truth – under all our world’s diversity we all share that. #kidlitchat
  • Shelltex: But there is a diff between kids shown with diff color skin and the story containing aspects to indicate ethnicity. #kidlitchat
  • bonniedoerr: @leewind Awesome book. It’s possible he proved it. #kidlitchat
  • dawnmetcalf: RT @JennBailey @leewind Yes. The story is about the themes & emotions. Could we say the diversity is the background? The driver? #kidlitchat
  • Irisheyz77: @KOrtizzle what i liked about PC was that it was bridging divide between towns races. saying race doesn’t matter where love is #kidlitchat
  • KrissiDallas: A little late tonight… trying to figure out our topic??? Cultural themes in literature?? #kidlitchat
  • jonisensel: Problem w/ BlackEyedSusan’s post, my POV: My FWQ char’s = all mixed brown. Doesn’t come up in plot, tho. So… #kidlitchat
  • rj_anderson: If a book has an exciting genre plot which is not race-focused, people tend to not notice or forget the color of the MC’s skin. #kidlitchat
  • dawnmetcalf: RT @leewind write what you know is really about the EMOTIONAL truth – under all our world’s diversity we all share that. #kidlitchat EXACTLY
  • skodobah: I saw some of the white girls get into the Latino gangs, and some of the Latinas leave the gangs and date jocks. #kidlitchat
  • mumfusa: ii too have wondered. RT @dlschubert: @mawbooks Good ques re: 1/2 white or black. Why do we call Obama black when hes 1/2 white? #kidlitchat
  • WriterRoss: Did anyone mention Ellen Wittlinger’s HARD LOVE; female lead is Marisol, writer of the zine. If I am wrong, forgive me, Ellen. #kidlitchat
  • Buffyandrews: @jessicavarin But they always refer to him as black. Why? #kidlitchat
  • jonisensel: … Do even POC assume the characters are white , if not specified? #kidlitchat
  • bonnieadamson: @jolantru I don’t mean to sound flippant–but surely a historical fantasy treatment is open to all–none of us are Victorians! #kidlitchat
  • tiffanytrent: @dawnmetcalf @leewind And then there are some of us who write TO know. ;) #kidlitchat
  • vdemetros: @davechua Kazuo Ishiguro writes about whites in the UK, and quite well. #kidlitchat
  • dlschubert: @Georgia_McBride It wasn’t offensive at all. Hang in there, Georgia! We need your perspective! #kidlitchat
  • KOrtizzle: @jonisensel yea, i liked that too. Especially because of the location she chose (which i’ve been to before). #kidlitchat
  • debbieohi: Looking forward to @NelsaRoberto‘s ILLEGALLY BLONDE (Portuguese immigrants): http://bit.ly/7cH73C (expand) #kidlitchat
  • DDHearn: @EgmontGal Right about music. I think that’s the main reason most churches are still segregated. People like their own music. #kidlitchat
  • lauram68: @tiffanytrent wasn’t the whole bruhahaha about Larbalestier’s book LIAR was about. White girl cover when MC was mixed race? #kidlitchat
  • EgmontGal: 1 thing I’ve been asking agents for is “ordinary” diversity. middle class AA kids, Latinos who aren’t 2nd gen immigrants… #kidlitchat
  • skodobah: This topic is giving me an idea about a few girls I knew in HS. Would be interesting perspective. #kidlitchat
  • dawnmetcalf: @DDHearn Well, we can’t *all* be anthropologists. ;-) #kidlitchat
  • cheriwilliams: @sharifwrites That is good! #kidlitchat
  • jessicavarin: @Buffyandrews I assume that’s how he identifies himself. #kidlitchat
  • leewind: @JennBailey it’s how writers are able to write fantasy – the emotions have to be real, and the details consistent. #kidlitchat
  • bonnieadamson: @Georgia_McBride Not offensive at all, Georgia. Valuable perspective. #kidlitchat
  • dawnmetcalf: @tiffanytrent Have I mentioned lately that you rock? #kidlitchat
  • TheMuffinMom: @maggiedana Exactly! And they all have penned their works from either Europe or the Village–ghetto kids got the msg (boo!) #kidlitchat
  • hipwritermama: @EgmontGal What about Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork? I loved it! #kidlitchat
  • Georgia_McBride: @dlschubert Stepping out. My stomach hurts and you know I’ve work to do. Love to you all. #kidlitchat
  • quirkywriter: RT @leewind: write what you know is really about the EMOTIONAL truth – under all our world’s diversity we all share that. #kidlitchat
8:33 pm Buffyandrews: @DDHearn They say church is the most segregated hour of the week. #kidlitchat
8:34 pm himissjulie: The “one drop rule” is probably why as a culture we often refer to Obama, Tiger, etc, as black: http://tinyurl.com/4dgl4q #kidlitchat
8:34 pm skodobah: RT @leewind: @JennBailey its how writers are able to write fantasy – the emotions have to be real, and the details consistent. #kidlitchat
8:34 pm dawnmetcalf: @skodobah Me, too. My three friends in elementary school were latina. We looked a lot alike. #kidlitchat
8:34 pm EKokie: Issues of diversity in lit is complex because not just @ needing diversity within books, but needing diversity behind them, too #kidlitchat
8:34 pm Georgia_McBride: @EgmontGal @DDHearn ROFL. That’s funny. Never thought about it that way. Really leaving now. #kidlitchat
8:34 pm jolantru: *hugs to Georgia* #kidlitchat
8:34 pm jessicavarin: @EgmontGal Ordinary diversity is key. #kidlitchat
8:34 pm skodobah: @Georgia_McBride Bye, Georgia. #kidlitchat
8:34 pm LiaKeyes: @Georgia_McBride Feel better soon, Georgia! #kidlitchat
8:34 pm dlschubert: @maggiedana @mumfusa @Buffyandrews RE: Race, I think it’s a matter of how the person views & introduces themselves. #kidlitchat
8:34 pm amyknichols: @Georgia_McBride I didn’t think your tweet was offensive. It was honest. And it’s a true, good point. #kidlitchat
8:35 pm jolantru: @bonnieadamson Not flippant at all. :) #kidlitchat
8:35 pm jeanie_w: @Georgia_McBride Feel better! :) #kidlitchat
8:35 pm KarenCollum: I love diversity & celebrate our collective humanity but wonder if I can capture that from my background without tokenism? #kidlitchat
8:35 pm KOrtizzle: @EgmontGal yea i get a LOT of queries w/ that…it’s forced and not a natural storyline… #kidlitchat
8:35 pm himissjulie: RT @EgmontGal: “ordinary” diversity. middle class AA kids, Latinos who arent 2nd gen immigrants…” exactly! not every AA… #kidlitchat
8:35 pm bonnieadamson: @EgmontGal I like that: “ordinary diversity.” #kidlitchat
8:35 pm MelissadelaCruz: @EgmontGal Lawsy! I am Filipino, hence Asian. I have Spanish blood but like one-sixteenth. #kidlitchat
8:35 pm maggiedana: @himissjulie That one drop rule needs to drop dead. #kidlitchat
8:35 pm skodobah: @dawnmetcalf Some of my friends joined the gangs and looked Latina (1)… #kidlitchat
8:35 pm skodobah: even though they were not. How we step into the role, regardless of race. (2) #kidlitchat
8:36 pm himissjulie: …Latino, Asian, etc, kid spends all of his/her time PONDERING what it is to be a POC. #kidlitchat
8:36 pm debbieohi: @Georgia_McBride Hope you feel better soon! #kidlitchat
8:36 pm vdemetros: @WriterRoss Also, Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan is very good. #kidlitchat
8:36 pm jessicavarin: Need more kids’ books and YAs where people of color do things besides confronting race. #kidlitchat
8:36 pm littlefluffycat: RT @leewind: write what you know is really about the EMOTIONAL truth – under all our world’s diversity we all share that. #kidlitchat
8:36 pm gregpincus: Goodnight @Georgia_McBride. Hope to see you at #YALitchat tomorrow night! #kidlitchat
8:36 pm hipwritermama: RT @dawnmetcalf RT @leewind write what you know is really @ EMOTIONAL truth – under all our world’s diversity we all share that. #kidlitchat
8:36 pm Buffyandrews: Me, too ,RT @bonnieadamson: @EgmontGal I like that: “ordinary diversity.” #kidlitchat
8:36 pm Ecologist: Diversity in children’s literature requires brave publishers to try new authors, new ideas, different cultures #kidlitchat
8:36 pm adamselzer: Okay, back to trying to plot out a mystery series. Night, all! #kidlitchat
8:36 pm sharifwrites: @Georgia_McBride Hope to see you tomorrow for #yalitchat #kidlitchat
8:36 pm dawnmetcalf: @hipwritermama Adored both MARCELO and CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHTTIME. Look for HARMONIOUS FEEDBACK this year! #kidlitchat
8:36 pm himissjulie: @maggiedana no arguments here! #kidlitchat
8:36 pm jessicavarin: Feel better Georgia #kidlitchat
8:36 pm planetalvina: @EgmontGal read Confetti Girl by Diana Lopez! #kidlitchat
8:36 pm SusanUhlig: I’ve read some of Matt de la Pena’s books – wonder how they do… RT @EgmontGal: No one is mentioning hispanic community #kidlitchat
8:36 pm DDHearn: @KatGirl_Studio I agree with you, but I have read about reluctance to accept stories written by author not same race as MC. #kidlitchat
8:36 pm KOrtizzle: @jessicavarin yes! i agree #kidlitchat
8:37 pm debbieohi: Ethnic diversity is good, but only if it supports a good story & strong characters. #kidlitchat

To go to part two of the transcript, please click here.

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