Kidlitchat Transcript – January 5 (part 2)

Please click here for part one of the transcript.

8:37 pm	dlschubert:	@Georgia_McBride Feel better & get some good work done. #kidlitchat
8:37 pm	EgmontGal:	@hipwritermama My Marcelo galley still taunts me, unread. Keep up good fight,all, must go read ms (w/new thoughts about race!) #kidlitchat
8:37 pm	MelissadelaCruz:	My family name, according to my dear departed dad, was “chosen from a list nailed to a tree by Spanish conquerors.” LOL. #kidlitchat
8:37 pm	gregpincus:	If you watch Disney Channel original movies, you see a rainbow. But race rarely if ever has any bearing. Is that “diverse”? #kidlitchat
8:37 pm	dawnmetcalf:	RT @Ecologist Diversity in children’s literature requires brave publishers to try new authors, new ideas, different cultures #kidlitchat
8:37 pm	nkrell:	@Ecologist Here, here! #kidlitchat
8:37 pm	laurielyoung:	Yes RT @Ecologist: Diversity in childrens literature requires brave publishers to try new authors, new ideas, different cultures #kidlitchat
8:37 pm	RosalindawithDT:	RT @vdemetros: @WriterRoss Also, Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan is very good. #kidlitchat
8:37 pm	peg366:	RT @debbieohi: Ethnic diversity is good, but only if it supports a good story & strong characters. #kidlitchat
8:37 pm	amyknichols:	I can’t remember where I heard it now, but I recall hearing not to mention race unless it’s integral to story. Agree? Disagree? #kidlitchat
8:37 pm	himissjulie:	I am thrilled when I can buy (as a librarian) picture books that have kids of color just being kids. #kidlitchat
8:37 pm	marybrebner:	Fabulous discussion. Will troll transcripts for titles to use with my awesome diverse students-they’ll be thrilled. Night, all! #kidlitchat
8:37 pm	EgmontGal:	@MelissadelaCruz oh! That’s why I don’t think of your books as particularly Latin! #kidlitchat
8:38 pm	lauram68:	I don’t think diversity is that much of an issue, the books are out there it’s marketing them to all types of people #kidlitchat
8:38 pm	MelissadelaCruz:	My great grandmother on mom’s side was Spanish. #kidlitchat
8:38 pm	KarenCollum:	RT @jessicavarin Need more kids’ books and YAs where people of color do things besides confronting race. #kidlitchat <<agreed
8:38 pm	skodobah:	Must feed family now. Good night, tweeps! #kidlitchat
8:38 pm	vdemetros:	RT @maggiedana: @himissjulie That one drop rule needs to drop dead. #kidlitchat
8:38 pm	jeanie_w:	RT @debbieohi: Ethnic diversity is good, but only if it supports a good story & strong characters. #kidlitchat
8:38 pm	DDHearn:	Here’s a diversity challenge. How many books have you read where MC is a sympathetic conservative who likes to hunt? #kidlitchat
8:38 pm	KOrtizzle:	@DDHearn I’m confused…how would we know what your race is while reading the story? we don’t get author photos with the ms #kidlitchat
8:38 pm	JennBailey:	Good night @Georgia_McBride and @egmontgal #kidlitchat
8:38 pm	gregpincus:	My goal, too! RT @YolaRamunno: I’d like to think my writing is weaved in a way that everyone can relate. #kidlitchat
8:38 pm	Buffyandrews:	Gotta run. Nite everyone and thanks for the lively chat. Be well and peace to each of you. #kidlitchat
8:38 pm	dawnmetcalf:	@skodobah The toughest part is both recognizing that we aren’t something we’re not & can write it honestly & with respect. #kidlitchat
8:38 pm	crissachappell:	@marybrebner Also: Down To The Bone #kidlitchat
8:39 pm	lyonmartin:	#kidlitchat Isn’t a good story more important than what culture the MC comes from? I don’t read based on diversity but on plot.
8:39 pm	shimes06:	RT @ecologist Diversity in children’s literature requires brave publishers to try new authors, new ideas, different cultures #kidlitchat
8:39 pm	sharifwrites:	I remember reading Opal Mehta. A different culture & religion, but teen experience relatable. Unfortunately, also plagiarized. #kidlitchat
8:39 pm	WriterRoss:	Ordinary diversity means diversity is NOT core conflict. Love that. “Difference” is not the problem. Presumes a white std. #kidlitchat
8:39 pm	lauram68:	@MelissadelaCruz You haven’t created any spanish vampires.:) #kidlitchat
8:39 pm	courtneywrites:	@hipwritermama I’m reading Marcelo next, actually! #kidlitchat
8:39 pm	MelissadelaCruz:	I wrote Fresh off the Boat, AA character based on me as a 14 yr old, was my least-selling book EVER. But so proud it got pubbed #kidlitchat
8:39 pm	bonnieadamson:	Off-topic announcement: Anyone interested in discussing portfoilos, there will be a special chat Thurs., 9 pm EST: #kidlitart. #kidlitchat
8:39 pm	JennBailey:	@DDHearn Does Katniss from The Hunger Games count? She certainly isn’t a boat rocker – not in the beginning #kidlitchat
8:39 pm	EgmontUSA:	@planetalvina I really enjoyed Confetti Girl. It was like a breath of fresh air. #kidlitchat
8:39 pm	helainebecker:	@happybluejess And eating the food! #kidlitchat
8:39 pm	dawnmetcalf:	@himissjulie Never even heard of that “rule” ((shudder)). #kidlitchat
8:39 pm	leewind:	@jessicavarin yes, “minority” characters need stories where it isn’t ABOUT their being a “minority.” #kidlitchat
8:39 pm	RaynaReads:	I’m heading out- thanks all! #kidlitchat
8:40 pm	heatherwpetty:	@amyknichols But if you do that, with the industry as it is, will kids assume all chars are white if not told otherwise? #kidlitchat
8:40 pm	kparlin:	@gregpincus Do the kids in the movies end up being caricatures? #kidlitchat
8:40 pm	jessicavarin:	RT @WriterRoss Ordinary diversity means diversity is NOT core conflict. “Difference” is not the problem. Presumes a white std. #kidlitchat
8:40 pm	Brent_Watson41:	RT @lauram68 @brent_wats Why do we need a month to celebrate them? we don’t have Japanese American month for those in the camps? #kidlitchat
8:40 pm	debbieohi:	I enjoy reading about other cultures (esp. Japanese) but only if it enhances the story. #kidlitchat
8:40 pm	TheMuffinMom:	@lauram68 THE Vampire was Romanian, wasn’t he? #kidlitchat
8:40 pm	happybluejess:	Thanks for discussion. Back to the outlining! #kidlitchat
8:40 pm	EgmontGal:	@shimes06 new ideas, different cultures? I’d love that. I don’t see much submitted that way… #kidlitchat
8:40 pm	EKokie:	@lauram68 Strongly disagree. From conversations w/readers & writers of color, still a shallow field & harder market for them. #kidlitchat
8:40 pm	SusanUhlig:	Diversity. What about Mitali Perkin’s books? And I just read the ARC of Boys without Names by Kashmira Sheth – really good! #kidlitchat
8:40 pm	dawnmetcalf:	@courtneywrites @hipwritermama LOVES it. (MitRW) #kidlitchat Enjoy!!

gregpincus: @kparlin No, they don’t. And that’s what makes it work, I think. The goofy sidekick can be any race! #kidlitchat

lauram68: RT @shimes06: Diversity in children’s literature requires brave publishers try new authors, new ideas, different cultures #kidlitchat AMEN

KatGirl_Studio: RT Off-topic announcement: Anyone interested in discussing portfoilos, there will be a special chat Thurs 9 pm EST: #kidlitart. #kidlitchat

planetalvina: 3) educate creaters, publishers, buyers, and readers of children’s books about the importance of diversity in literature. #kidlitchat

catesfolly: @gregpincus about disney: seems like we need both rainbow/ordinary diversity and stories that address racism… #kidlitchat

Brent_Watson41: @lauram68 I agree when shouldn’t just celebrate “them” during one month. It should be all year long. #kidlitchat

helainebecker: @KOrtizzle I’ve got a facebook friend, Mayra Lazara Dole, that writes latina YA #kidlitchat

leewind: @gregpincus good point – in High School Musical, the main girl was Latina, but the main boy was white. I judged it progress! #kidlitchat

sharifwrites: RT @lyonmartin: #kidlitchat Isn’t a good story more imp. than what culture the MC comes from? I don’t read based on diversity but on plot.

tiffanytrent: RT @gregpincus: My goal, too! RT @YolaRamunno: I’d like to think my writing is weaved in a way that everyone can relate. #kidlitchat

vdemetros: I jumped in late and have to head out. Thanks for letting me lurk #kidlitchat

Brent_Watson41: @lauram68 And May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month #kidlitchat

DDHearn: @kparlin Is Katniss in Hunger Games white? I’m trying to remember her description and seem to recall possible other race? #kidlitchat

Shelltex: Interesting topic. Gotta go actually write now. #kidlitchat

CDominiqueG: just popping in to say goodevening to @Melissadelacruz #kidlitchat / thx for Sky and Jack!

dawnmetcalf: @leewind @jessicavarin Yes. I remember @saejjones saying she likes it when Asian characters aren’t just for their “Asianness.” #kidlitchat

jeanie_w: RT @leewind: “minority” characters need stories where it isn’t ABOUT their being a “minority.” #kidlitchat

EKokie: And the Liar cover controversy proves there are still some w/in industry who think books about diverse characters won’t sell. #kidlitchat

amyknichols: @heatherwpetty Then is it “tokenism” to make a character a minority if not integral to story? I don’t know the answers here. #kidlitchat

debbieohi: As a child, I wasn’t really conscious of what race the main character was unless the environment was also culturally different. #kidlitchat

catesfolly: @gregpincus …or we risk reinforcing this fantasy that we live in a “post-racist” society #kidlitchat

lyonmartin: RT @bonnieadamson: OTA Anyone interested in discussing portfoilos, there will be a special chat Thurs., 9 pm EST: #kidlitart. #kidlitchat

lauram68: @Brent_Watson41 hah I didn’t know that about May! #kidlitchat

mumfusa: me too! RT @gregpincus: My goal, too! RT @YolaRamunno: I’d like to think my writing is weaved in a way that everyone can relate. #kidlitchat

JennBailey: @DDHearn Did you say white? Just thinking conservative hunter. And, of course, at first I thought “No”. #kidlitchat

Brent_Watson41: @Shelltex I don’t think Collins ever specifies. She has dark hair and eyes. Her sister and mother are out of place with Blond #kidlitchat

rj_anderson: So unless a book is ABOUT race/culture it doesn’t get counted (or noticed) as “diverse”, is what I’m hearing? Hm. #kidlitchat

jeanie_w: RT @bonnieadamson: OTA Anyone interested in discussing portfoilos, there will be a special chat Thurs., 9 pm EST: #kidlitart. #kidlitchat

TheMuffinMom: @dawnmetcalf Amy Tan made it work–using animals! #kidlitchat

debbieohi: Strongly agree! RT @leewind: “minority” characters need stories where it isn’t ABOUT their being a “minority.” #kidlitchat

Shelltex: @BonnieAdamson That’s true. Pubs do tend to fall back on animal characters. #kidlitchat

catesfolly: Anyone else love Spinelli’s MANIC MAGEE? White author, yes? Interesting handling of racism as part of wider plot? #kidlitchat

Ecologist: RT educate creaters, publishers, buyers, and readers of children’s books about the importance of diversity in literature #kidlitchat

hipwritermama: @courtneywrites @dawnmetcalf Marcelo in the Real World was one of my top reads of 2009. Excellent book. Hope you enjoy it! #kidlitchat

dlschubert: I don’t mention race unless it’s important. RT @amyknichols I recall hearing not to mention race unless it’s integral to story. #kidlitchat

debbieohi: RT @bonnieadamson: OTA Anyone interested in discussing portfolios, there will be a special chat Thurs., 9 pm EST: #kidlitart. #kidlitchat

dawnmetcalf: How about diverse plots? Not every book need be set in suburbs with absent/dead parent(s) and hetero families, for example. #kidlitchat

jessicavarin: I’m writing an MC whose multi-ethnic … like me. Trying to incorporate ethnic indicators without having them drive the story. #kidlitchat

eccentrici: RT @leewind: write what you know is really about the EMOTIONAL truth – under all our world’s diversity we all share that. #kidlitchat

vertigobooks: @lauram68 Sorry, but there is not enough to satisfy in terms of gender, genre, POV. This is very impt. from early literarcy>>YA. #kidlitchat

EgmontGal: @DDHearn exact descrip of katniss: “straight black hair, olive skin, grey eyes” #kidlitchat

MelissadelaCruz: @EgmontGal No worries lots of people make that mistake, ever since we moved here to the good ole US of A. #kidlitchat

TheAsianAngel: @tiffanytrent That’s the slippery slope. If you DO announce the diversity, people roll eyes and think you’re trying too hard. #kidlitchat

EKokie: @DDHearn Katniss is described as having dark hair, olive skin and grey eyes. Contrasted with darker skinned Rue. #kidlitchat

8:44 pm	catesfolly:	Sorry, MANIAC RT @catesfolly: Anyone else love Spinellis MANIC MAGEE?Interesting handling of racism as part of wider plot? #kidlitchat
8:44 pm	debbieohi:	@catesfolly I loved MANIAC MAGEE, too! #kidlitchat
8:44 pm	rj_anderson:	Yes! RT @debbieohi: As a child I wasn’t really conscious of an MC’s race unless their environment was also culturally different. #kidlitchat
8:44 pm	WriterRoss:	Well here’s an embarrasing confession. I thought Ezra Jack Keats was an African-American..until I saw his photo online. #kidlitchat
8:44 pm	MelissadelaCruz:	I don’t think of my books as particularly Asian either though. #kidlitchat
8:44 pm	Shelltex:	@IllustratorErin Not sure how much say artist has in choosing PB ethnicities but I would think they might be allowed input. #kidlitchat
8:44 pm	DDHearn:	@maggiedana Obama has identified himself as black, so that’s partly why. Tiger Woods has avoided it, but most think he’s black. #kidlitchat
8:44 pm	kparlin:	@catesfolly MANIAC MAGEE is on my shelf but haven’t gotten to it yet. Adding it to my 2010 list now! #kidlitchat
8:44 pm	GinaRitter:	Me too! RT @debbieohi Strongly agree! @leewind “minority” characters need stories where it isn’t ABOUT their being a “minority.” #kidlitchat
8:45 pm	JennBailey:	@dawnmetcalf I am very tired of dead parents. #kidlitchat
8:45 pm	LiaKeyes:	Hard to justify how a child can travel the world, but then a white protagonist can comment on differences in a natural way. #kidlitchat
8:45 pm	dawnmetcalf:	@TheMuffinMom Cindy Pon made it work by just having her characters be Asian and gay, no explanations necessary. #kidlitchat
8:45 pm	himissjulie:	RT @EgmontGal: @DDHearn exact descrip of katniss: “straight black hair, olive skin, grey eyes” almost omniethnic. #kidlitchat
8:45 pm	EKokie:	Agree! All kinds of minorities. RT @leewind: “minority” characters need stories where it isn’t ABOUT their being a “minority.” #kidlitchat
8:45 pm	elizaosborn:	I see Katniss as being very Mediterranean or possibly Asian or Latina, even. “Black hair, olive skin…” #kidlitchat
8:45 pm	dawnmetcalf:	RT @debbieohi Strongly agree! @leewind “minority” characters need stories where it isn’t ABOUT their being a “minority.” #kidlitchat << YES!
8:45 pm	bonnieadamson:	@EKokie @DDHearn But why is it important to know Katniss’ race? #kidlitchat
8:45 pm	hipwritermama:	Absolutely! RT @jeanie_w RT @debbieohi: Ethnic diversity is good, but only if it supports a good story & strong characters. #kidlitchat
8:45 pm	gregpincus:	@planetalvina So, how do we educate everyone about the importance of diversity? #kidlitchat
8:45 pm	himissjulie:	@WriterRoss I thought that, too! Isn’t it funny how our expectations work(ed) that way? #kidlitchat
8:45 pm	libmaryann:	@hudsonette Thx 4 RT. Interesting discussion on #kidlitchat re: diversity and should writers be limited to writing about what they know.
8:46 pm	LiaKeyes:	@JennBailey Yes, I’m tired of dead parents, too. Lazy writing. Dealing with parents is a big part of childhood. Don’t lve it out #kidlitchat
8:46 pm	prufrocke:	@dawnmetcalf I’d like some books about homeschoolers! Which aren’t about protag dealing w/ going to school for the first time.:P #kidlitchat
8:46 pm	bonnieadamson:	@WriterRoss Me, too–and apparently much controversy surrounding Snowy Day because of that. #kidlitchat
8:46 pm	lauram68:	@MelissadelaCruz I suspected you were Filipino! but you just confirmed it! YAY! #kidlitchat
8:46 pm	planetalvina:	@dawnmetcalf @TheMuffinMom I think you meant Malinda Lo, author of ASH? #kidlitchat
8:46 pm	DDHearn:	@KrisYankee Read a disturbing article in Times that said we shouldn’t try to make kids colorblind.They notice, and get confused. #kidlitchat
8:46 pm	GinaRitter:	Me too. But what else to do with them? RT @JennBailey: @dawnmetcalf I am very tired of dead parents. #kidlitchat
8:47 pm	WriterRoss:	@himissjulie So it was reverse stupid assumptions on my part. #kidlitchat
8:47 pm	shimes06:	RT @egmontgal new ideas, different cultures? I don’t see much sumbitted that way…my mistake, I assumed it was being sumbitted #kidlitchat
8:47 pm	tiffanytrent:	@TheAsianAngel That’s why I think subtlety is the better part of valor most times. Otherwise, beware the stereotype hammer! #kidlitchat
8:47 pm	EKokie:	@bonnieadamson Just answering question posed. She was described by Collins. Needed? I don’t know. Not for me – I like to decide #kidlitchat
8:47 pm	MelissadelaCruz:	Can’t they just be books? In my books I’ve had Asian-Am protags, Latina protags, Caucasian protags, African-Am protags, etc. #kidlitchat
8:47 pm	lauram68:	@MelissadelaCruz The Blue Blood books are pretty Lily white in your descriptions of Bliss and Mimi and Jack #kidlitchat
8:47 pm	elizaosborn:	@prufrocke Aprilynne Pike’s WINGS is about a homeschooler, right? #kidlitchat
8:47 pm	dawnmetcalf:	@gregpincus @planetalvina Educate others = read great, diverse books and hand-sell them to ALL of your friends! #kidlitchat
8:47 pm	EgmontGal:	Personally as a publisher, I don’t care about race. Want a sexy paranormal protagonist of any skin color/species to lust after. #kidlitchat
8:47 pm	laurielyoung:	I think it is important to develop reading programs in minority neighborhoods to encourage a life long habit @gregpincus #kidlitchat
8:47 pm	himissjulie:	@bonnieadamson I don’t think it is “important”, per se, but rather on comment on how her ethnicity is open to interpretation. #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	KrisYankee:	@DDHearn I don’t make them colorblind; I just don’t talk about their race. We’re all the same, just different cultures. #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	DDHearn:	@Georgia_McBride I wouldn’t mind being in back of store. It means I’m published. Would like cover facing out, though. #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	catesfolly:	long history to why people who are only very part “black” or “indian” are labeled that way; race is a political construct #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	MelissadelaCruz:	@EgmontGal Aw, lady, i’ll take YA hotness anytime! #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	debbieohi:	@bonnieadamson @WriterRoss Ok, now -I’m- embarrassed. I didn’t know that about Ezra Jack Keats! #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	pussreboots:	@dawnmetcalf I put a book down at the library today because the setting was so cliched … too much turn off. #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	WriterRoss:	@bonnieadamson Was there? I didn’t know. Remember how enchanted I was w/ the books. I hope I didn’t notice Peter was not white. #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	helainebecker:	@himissjulie Ur right, but that “one drop rule” is horrible – and similar rules have been used to murder people for generations #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	dlschubert:	@GinaRitter RE: Parents – Include them in the story! #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	leewind:	@dawnmetcalf Dawn – who’s gay in Cindy Pon’s book – Silver Phoenix, right? #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	prufrocke:	@elizaosborn Haven’t read that! Shall look out for it, though. #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	shimes06:	i may be just naive…hope i wasnt sounding harsh on the editors/publishers #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	heatherwpetty:	@amyknichols Me neither, but I’ve heard the same as you, and the idea of that confuses me. Why hide the race of a character? #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	JennBailey:	LOL! RT @EgmontGal: Personally, I dont care about race. Want a sexy paranormal protagonist any skin color/species to lust after. #kidlitchat
8:49 pm	jolantru:	Any Southeast Asian protags? #kidlitchat
8:49 pm	EKokie:	@MelissadelaCruz Agree. Books should just be books – ie, no segregation – but if examining diversity of market, have to discuss. #kidlitchat
8:49 pm	dawnmetcalf:	RT @GinaRitter @JennBailey Take this personal challenge to include 2 loving parents & still have MC adventures. Gauntlet thrown! #kidlitchat
8:49 pm	KOrtizzle:	@MelissadelaCruz agreed #kidlitchat
8:49 pm	GinaRitter:	Dead parents…in adult books too because you end up with too many characters. A very pubbed writer taught me that #kidlitchat
8:49 pm	PattyJMurphy:	@EgmontGal: Yes, yearning comes in all colors:) #kidlitchat
8:49 pm	WriterRoss:	@debbieohi Well then I’ve done my good deed for the day. <g> – Pamela, former (horrible) Girl Scout ;> #kidlitchat
8:49 pm	lauram68:	I grew up in Boston. So I would write about a)Irish family b)catholic family c) drunken families #kidlitchat that is putting me in a bubble
8:49 pm	prufrocke:	I love racial and cultural differences: would enjoy seeing them quietly celebrated, not hidden or made political necessarily. #kidlitchat
8:50 pm	dawnmetcalf:	@pussreboots Exactly. Unless you PLAY off the cliche (Joss Whedon does this best, IMO!) #kidlitchat
8:50 pm	bonnieadamson:	@WriterRoss Yes, I think he was criticized–esp. for portrayal of “stereotyical mother”–<shakes head>. #kidlitchat
8:50 pm	kparlin:	@amyknichols I struggle with that myself. If ethnicity of character isn’t imp. to story, do we tend to default to our own? #kidlitchat
8:50 pm	EgmontGal:	@shimes06 Well, I’m a wimp, but I want something daring and new to publish. I get a lot of paranormal YA submitted! #kidlitchat
8:50 pm	planetalvina:	@gregpincus this chat is a start! I give a talk sometimes at scbwi conferences about the impotance of diversity. #kidlitchat
8:50 pm	amyknichols:	@heatherwpetty I don’t know. Probably because it’s easier that way? Lazy and perpetuates system, but easier? #kidlitchat
8:50 pm	GinaRitter:	PS: All of my WIPs have parents and healthy families so far…. just asking questions! #kidlitchat
8:50 pm	prufrocke:	But perhaps I can say this because I’m white and have had very few problems re. my race? :/ #kidlitchat
8:50 pm	dlschubert:	@EgmontGal Here, here to sexy protags! #kidlitchat (But let’s stray from glue sticks tonight!!!)
8:50 pm	sandy_shin:	RT @leewind: “minority” characters need stories where it isn’t ABOUT their being a “minority.” #kidlitchat
8:50 pm	himissjulie:	ppl gave Ezra a tough time for depicting a black child: http://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/about/index.html #kidlitchat
8:50 pm	dawnmetcalf:	@lauram68 LOL! I asked in anthro whether I was only “allowed” to study/hang out with liberal Jewish 30-something females. #kidlitchat
8:50 pm	debbieohi:	@WriterRoss I suspect I was a worse Girl Scout … I only lasted 3 months. (!) #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	WriterRoss:	@EgmontGal Just say No to the Paranormal as Normal! #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	MelissadelaCruz:	@lauram68 Yes blue bloods is pretty white. but it’s based on people who came over on mayflower though. #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	mitaliperkins:	@kparlin @debbieohi @catesfolly Some criticisms of racism in MANIAC MAGEE in academic circles: http://bit.ly/6F7iPE #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	MonicaEmme:	@EgmontGal what makes something daring? #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	mumfusa:	@dlschubert @amyknichols mentioning race unless integral.http://ktliterary.com/2009/12/ask-daphne-about-race-and-descriptions/ #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	bonnieadamson:	After Avatar, maybe we’ll have lots of stories about blue people. #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	TheAsianAngel:	@tiffanytrent And if you paint your own race wrong? BEWARE!!! #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	WriterRoss:	@dlschubert Thought you wrote “Here’s to sexy hashtags.” #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	adamselzer:	You have to give the parents a project to work on. #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	EKokie:	@debbieohi I quit Girl Scouts after I realized how much camping there would be. #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	justJoanS:	Me too. RT @EgmontGal:I dont care about race. Want a sexy paranormal protagonist of any skin color/species to lust after. #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	lauram68:	@EgmontGal publishing is like the stock market. It’s cyclical! right now it’s paranormal, 6 months it will be some other genre #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	dawnmetcalf:	@GinaRitter YAY! I recently challenged myself to write a character with a broken family. <:-S #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	LiaKeyes:	@GinaRitter One of the great things about Harry Potter was kids had parents. Even Harry had ghostly parents, family, +Weasleys #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	bonnieadamson:	@dlschubert Oh no you didn’t! #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	suerichy:	@mitaliperkins #kidlitchat not recent but excellent – Breaking Through and The Circuit by Francisco Jimenez
8:51 pm	MelissadelaCruz:	There will be more of the fabulous Chinese vampire twins in future blue bloods books though. #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	amyknichols:	@kparlin I know I do, out of fear of getting it wrong and offending. This chat is making me want to step out of comfort zone. #kidlitchat
8:52 pm	JennBailey:	@dawnmetcalf I’m tryin in my MG. Family on a cruise. Kids on their own for a bit-still safe. Parents doing own thing makes sense #kidlitchat
8:52 pm	helainebecker:	@DDHearn I was told not to send NF proposal on a Native topic since I’m not Native THAT’s offensive. Knowledge is colorblind #kidlitchat
8:52 pm	PattyJMurphy:	RT @lauram68: I grew up in Boston. So I’d write @ a)Irish family b)catholic family c) drunken families <<–I beg your pardon;) #kidlitchat
8:52 pm	leewind:	RT @EgmontGal: I don’t care about race. Want a sexy paranormal protagonist of any skin color/species to lust after. #kidlitchat <– LOL!
8:52 pm	WriterRoss:	@himissjulie Thanks. Will check out link after chat. #kidlitchat

debbieohi: @mitaliperkins Thanks for the link to MANIAC MAGEE info. Whoa, I’m learning a lot in this chat! #kidlitchat

jessicavarin: @TheAsianAngel No kidding. #kidlitchat

mitaliperkins: @jonisensel Marcelo’s abuela spoke fluent Spanish, but Marcelo was born in the US, as was his father, if I remember correctly. #kidlitchat

EgmontGal: @lauram68 we have a really good paranormal coming out in june, hope trend lasts thru summer #kidlitchat

heatherwpetty: @amyknichols I reference race of my characters, not to create tokens, but because that is their race in my head when I form them #kidlitchat

JennBailey: @dawnmetcalf But sense your challenge is stronger then I’ve embraced. Hmmmm. Let me ponder. #kidlitchat

dlschubert: @GinaRitter Parents are in kid’s lives. They shouldn’t mysteriously be absent from them in books. IMHO. #kidlitchat

mitaliperkins: @suerichy Two of my favorites by Francisco Jimenez! #kidlitchat

dawnmetcalf: @leewind Oops!! I meant ASH by Malindo Lo. (Although Cindy Pon’s SILVER PHOENIX is my kind of fantasy novel!) #kidlitchat

catesfolly: @mitaliperkins oh fascinating links; thanks for doing that! #kidlitchat

pussreboots: RT @dlschubert: @GinaRitter Parents are in kid’s lives. They shouldn’t mysteriously be absent from them in books. IMHO. #kidlitchat

Brent_Watson41: @Shelltex Sorry, that was HUNGER GAMES. #kidlitchat

leewind: RT @PattyJMurphy: @EgmontGal: Yes, yearning comes in all colors:) #kidlitchat <–I like that!

lauram68: Honestly, even H-wood portrays Jesus as white, and well most likely he was dark brown at least! #kidlitchat. one version he had blue eyes!

tiffanytrent: @TheAsianAngel Well that’s just it, isn’t it? Your perceptions of your own race are diff than others and…oh what a knot! #kidlitchat

jamieharrington: @dlschubert I totally agree. I hate the no parents in books things. #kidlitchat

GinaRitter: Hey wait, vampire, werewolf, alien, witch.. aren’t they included in the multicultural ms? Diversity just jumped a few notches #kidlitchat

debbieohi: @EKokie Heh. I quit Girl Scouts because I couldn’t stand the opening dancing/song. #kidlitchat

LiaKeyes: @EgmontGal The trend will last as long as really good paranormals r coming out. Trouble comes when quality dips to meet market #kidlitchat

JennBailey: Is someone making a list of all these great books? #kidlitchat

adamselzer: @EgmontGal It’s gotta go at LEAST three more weeks. #kidlitchat

amyknichols: @mumfusa Thanks for the link. #kidlitchat

helainebecker: @DDHearn Sympathetic conservative? Whuuuh???? LOL! #kidlitchat

WriterRoss: @dlschubert May be going off the road here but can parents and kids like one another in a successful MG or YA? ;> #kidlitchat

heatherwpetty: THIS! RT @EgmontGal: Personally, I dont care about race.Want a sexy paranormal protagonist any skin color/species to lust after. #kidlitchat

dawnmetcalf: @prufrocke GREAT point! Anyone know if homeschoolers are represented in books? #kidlitchat

michellewitte: Jumping in late, but race isn’t the only factor of diversity. Religion, culture irrespective of race, economic status. #kidlitchat

EKokie: @mitaliperkins And one of the great things in Marcelo is seing so much “difference” even among the Mexican/American characters. #kidlitchat

EgmontGal: @MonicaEmme What makes something daring is good ques. Can be hard to get reps excited about something that isn’t obvious. #kidlitchat

crissachappell: RT @dlschubert: @GinaRitter Parents are in kids lives. They shouldnt mysteriously be absent from them in books. IMHO. #kidlitchat

prufrocke: @dlschubert Yes! Heard the argument “don’t want parents to solve all of protag’s problems”, but even RL parents don’t do that! #kidlitchat

jemifraser: Late again for #kidlitchat (looooong, weird day) Is topic diversity in YA?

bonnieadamson: @JennBailey That’s what transcripts are for. #kidlitchat

gregpincus: Yes, @JennBailey, someone is making a list – @mitaliperkins! And she says she’ll put up a blog post on it, too #kidlitchat

dlschubert: @mumfusa TX for the link. I’ll read it later for sure. #kidlitchat

jessicavarin: I reference race so that my younger siblings don’t have to feel invisible. #kidlitchat

poodle649: @dawnmetcalf Not enough homeschoolers in books! We are the minority though… #kidlitchat

jonisensel: @mitaliperkins: OK, thx. But does “born in US” = not diverse? (Maybe not best example, just wondering) #kidlitchat

JennBailey: @lauram68 The Baby Jesus in my nativity is outrageously white . . . and with blond curls. *sigh* #kidlitchat

lyonmartin: #kidlitchat I have Spanish/European, Aisian and Middle Eastern blood. Who should I write? A good story will sell if it has depth of feeling.

lauram68: @EgmontGal And lets hope the stock market stays on the upswing too! #kidlitchat

helainebecker: @KOrtizzle And don’t forget gender issue. My book 4 boys has only my first initial the cover so buyers won’t know I’m a girl. #kidlitchat

mitaliperkins: People to follow if you care about POC in Kid/YA Lit include @coloronline @brownbookshelf @LeeandLow @ReneeatShens. Others? #kidlitchat

EgmontGal: @WriterRoss What about Twilight? Bella is close to both her parents, so are Edward and Jacob #kidlitchat

emilytastic: Hi! I’m late. What’s going on? #kidlitchat

kparlin: @mitaliperkins Wow, great info. Thanks! #kidlitchat

WriterRoss: RT @michellewitte: YES to this: Race isnt the only factor of diversity. Religion, culture irrespective of race, economic status. #kidlitchat

KOrtizzle: RT @GinaRitter Parents are in kids lives. They shouldnt mysteriously be absent from them in books. IMHO. #kidlitchat

hipwritermama: So true! RT @leewind RT @PattyJMurphy: @EgmontGal: Yes, yearning comes in all colors:) #kidlitchat <–I like that!

debbieohi: I don’t mind books where there’s a missing parent. I can identify/connect. #kidlitchat

lyonmartin: RT @MonicaEmme: @EgmontGal what makes something daring? #kidlitchat

bonnieadamson: @dawnmetcalf Just finished Star Girl (I Know, I’m behind)–that was a negative portrayal, though. #kidlitchat

dlschubert: @WriterRoss Heck, yeah! I just wrote one where mc gets along quite well w/her parents. It works just fine. #kidlitchat

GinaRitter: I think there’s enough separation from your parents encouraged to teens. I agree writers should keep them if possible. #kidlitchat

planetalvina: signing off! g’night, all. #kidlitchat

prufrocke: @dawnmetcalf I can’t even remember ever reading any books abt homeschoolers, just backs of ones that offended even 9yrold me. #kidlitchat

catesfolly: @helainebecker Whoa, I wondered how often that happens (with author’s names and their audiences) Weird for you? #kidlitchat

EKokie: Ok, I draw the line at including more parents in kids books. How would they ever have adventures/get in trouble? (Sarcasm, BTW). #kidlitchat

helainebecker: @lyonmartin #kidlitchat and good plot can trascend diversity; open readers’ minds to possibilities of connection beyond their own microworld

dawnmetcalf: @JennBailey I wrote a MG where parents were there but helpless to change MC’s sit: “Have to live with this” + loving support. #kidlitchat

pussreboots: @jemifraser I liked the Kayla Chronicles because she has a family. They aren’t a big part of the story but they are there. #kidlitchat

WriterRoss: @EgmontGal Precisely. I like it when there are strong relationships with parents. Alive parents. #kidlitchat

bonnieadamson: @emilytastic Addressing diversity in kid’s books. #kidlitchat

JennBailey: Yeah @mitaliperkins! Lists are easier than reading through the transcripts. Thanks. #kidlitchat

PattyJMurphy: Let’s not forget about Sherman Alexie and Louise Eldrich amazing masterpieces exploring NA’s lives, realities, yearnings, etc. #kidlitchat

DDHearn: @JennBailey A sympathetic conservative, fundamentalist Christian (let’s go all out) hunter of any race would be rarest of all!:) #kidlitchat

KOrtizzle: @helainebecker yea, JK Rowling did that as well. Sad that it actually helps sometimes :-/ #kidlitchat

catesfolly: @debbieohi Same; I know too many kids without a parent so that one never gets old to me. #kidlitchat

writereader: @mitaliperkins Love @LeeandLow books as they depict other cultures so well. #kidlitchat

hipwritermama: RT @mitaliperkins People to follow if u care @ POC in Kid/YA Lit @coloronline @brownbookshelf @LeeandLow @ReneeatShens. Others? #kidlitchat

shimes06: @egmontgal wanting something daring and new= diverse and non paranormal? lol #kidlitchat

lauramanivong: @prufrocke there’s a newbery honor book from a few years back…blanking on the name. kids did theater… #kidlitchat

helainebecker: @jessicavarin Yes, I think you are right. Who defines diff? I find the WASP paradigm a little wierd, having grown up “ethnic.” #kidlitchat

katie_bowden: I like the freedom missing/distant parents gives to kids learning to make choices – as long as it’s authentic to the story. #kidlitchat

GinaRitter: I think writers, like real parents, don’t know how to NOT solve the kids’ probs if the parent is there. #kidlitchat

kparlin: Have to bow out, unfortunately. Thanks for the great discussion everyone! #kidlitchat

quirkywriter: @himissjulie Thanks for sharing the link. #kidlitchat

bonnieadamson: I keep thinking about Ursula LeGuin’s LATHE OF HEAVEN, where everyone woke up gray one morning. #kidlitchat

lauram68: The trend with a dead parent is getting old as way to allow MC do anything he/she wants #kidlitchat.

JennBailey: @DDHearn Ack! *runs and hides* #kidlitchat

prufrocke: I love Madeleine L’Engle’s families: flawed, disagree, but love each other, enjoy each other’s company, talk thru their problems #kidlitchat

gregpincus: @EgmontGal @monicaEmme – hmmm. possible future topic? What is “daring” today? #kidlitchat

WriterRoss: @dlschubert Sell that book, please! I’ll buy it. <g> #kidlitchat

GinaRitter: Like n our parenting here at my home, we can’t and shouldn’t solve it all. It’s HARD, but I can see that in my writing now #kidlitchat

DDHearn: RT @dawnmetcalf: How about diverse plots? Not every book need be set in suburbs with absent/dead parent(s) and hetero families. #kidlitchat

Ecologist: RT @lyonmartin #kidlitchat & good plot can trascend diversity; open readers minds to possibilities of connection beyond their own microworld

SheviStories: Taking the parents out gives child protagonists a need to think, decide and act for themselves. #kidlitchat

mumfusa: isn’t that why Rowling is known as JK? RT @helainebecker: My book 4 boys has my 1st initial on cvr so buyers wont know Im female #kidlitchat

dawnmetcalf: @katie_bowden But I think that “freedom” can be had with loving parents as an anchor or something MC wants to get back to. (Oz?) #kidlitchat

poodle649: Parental relationships are diverse enough in reality. Their absence in fiction keeps kids from questioning their own parents. #kidlitchat

pussreboots: @helainebecker My son reads books by women (and sometimes aimed at girls) #kidlitchat

helainebecker: @Brent_Watson41 And the dark peopled provinces in Hunger Games are the lowest on the totem pool too…#kidlitchat

MonicaEmme: @gregpincus I’d really like to know. Is daring just something different than what you often see now? #kidlitchat

GinaRitter: @dawnbonnevie Again, there’s no one out there to tell you no. A ghost won’t come tell you that you can’t write as a ghost #kidlitchat

EKokie: Night all. Thanks for the great chat. I must run. #kidlitchat

catesfolly: @bonnieadamson Love LeGuin on this; also Octavia Butler, fantastic Af Am sci fi writer using sci fi to explore race and gender #kidlitchat

LiaKeyes: @SheviStories So are you saying that regular kids with parents don’t think, decide and act for themselves? #kidlitchat

michellewitte: It’s fine to take parents out of the equation, but if every book you write has the same kind of characters, it gets old quickly. #kidlitchat

KrisYankee: Great chat everyone. Need to get rid of this head cold. Night all. #kidlitchat

GinaRitter: Are publishers interested though? RT @poodle649: @dawnmetcalf Not enough homeschoolers in books! We are the minority though… #kidlitchat

dlschubert: @WriterRoss I’m working on it, trust me!!! (Will go on submission w/in next few months.) #kidlitchat

lauram68: There are more single parents in the world (I was one for 10 years!) who do a darn good job too! #kidlitchat

prufrocke: @lauramanivong (says the girl who attends 2+ folk music festivals a year, burns candles all day, disregards pop stereotypes ) #kidlitchat

jemifraser: When I read aloud books in my classroom, I try to choose a “different” protag each time – age, gender, ethnicity, family life… #kidlitchat

bonnieadamson: @gregpincus We did that, 9/1: “What’s taboo?” Not to say we can’t revisit. #kidlitchat

dawnmetcalf: @SheviStories Some parents allow kids to think, decide and act for themselves (within safety reasons/what they know) [?]. #kidlitchat

pussreboots: @dawnmetcalf Dorothy’s parents were her aunt and uncle so it’s a compromise between missing parents and present family #kidlitchat

DDHearn: @EgmontGal Thanks. So Katniss is not stereotypically white. Could be mixed race. #kidlitchat

justJoanS: Interesting topic. Lots of things to think about. Thanks all. Have a great night. #kidlitchat

gregpincus: As we keep yakking, I really want to thank everyone in #kidlitchat today for not shying away from the conversation(and being so smart, too!)

WriterRoss: @bonnieadamson Retweet that chat! #kidlitchat

MonicaEmme: loving parents doesn’t = kids without problems. Sometimes they actually create problems. Ew that would make a good story. #kidlitchat

varianjohnson: Crap. I missed a great #kidlitchat

SheviStories: @lauram68 It doesn’t let them do what they want; it forces them to deal with conflicts beyond their years. #kidlitchat

bonnieadamson: @catesfolly Of course, in LeGuin story, grayness didn’t solve anything–it took an attack of space aliens, lol. #kidlitchat

himissjulie: what would the plot of a book with a homeschooler protag be? (sincerely) #kidlitchat

katie_bowden: @dawnmetcalf but doesn’t real absence create different opportunities/decisions for kid protags than a loving anchor scenario? #kidlitchat

dawnmetcalf: @lauram68 YES! Wouldn’t want to portray single parents as “absent” or “out of the picture”. #kidlitchat

poodle649: @GinaRitter Yeah, and how many people are out there pitching publishers good stories about homeschoolers in the first place? #kidlitchat

GinaRitter: That was exactly what I mentioned about fan base RT @helainebecker …rst initial the cover so buyers won’t know I’m a girl. #kidlitchat

prufrocke: @poodle649 I -like- this! Yes! & it’s often beautiful to be given windows of understanding re. parents when you don’t understand #kidlitchat

helainebecker: @gregpincus As society becomes more diverse, education will come naturally. Tho there will always be those who want to hive off #kidlitchat

WriterRoss: @dlschubert I’m rooting for you. #kidlitchat

dlschubert: True! RT @poodle649 Parental relationships are diverse in reality. Their absence in fiction keeps kids from ? their own parents. #kidlitchat

bonnieadamson: @WriterRoss What chat? #kidlitchat

lauramanivong: Just because real life is a certain way doesn’t mean it belongs in your story. If it’s done well, parents can be there or not. #kidlitchat

KOrtizzle: All right all…have lots to read…must get back to my stack…interesting topic anyone know how to find transcript? #kidlitchat

dawnmetcalf: @MonicaEmme LOL! I think you’re on to something! #kidlitchat

LiaKeyes: @lauram68 I was single parent, too. But Dad still a presence, & a source of conflict re diff lifestyle, even tho living in HK #kidlitchat

DDHearn: @bonnieadamson There was a question about books we’ve read where MC might be different race, but we don’t much notice. #kidlitchat

LiaKeyes: RT @MonicaEmme: loving parents doesnt = kids without problems. Sometimes they actually create problems. #kidlitchat

helainebecker: I’ve always believed that mandatory public school for all is the best way to teach tolerance and diversity #kidlitchat No sep. but equal BS

MonicaEmme: @catesfolly I love Octavia Butler. Her books are amazing! #kidlitchat

debbieohi: Darn you, @mitaliperkins! I got distracted by that link u sent me & following up on the topic online. #kidlitchat

EgmontUSA: @GinaRitter If a pub got a really great story where homeschooling was integral they wouldn’t shy away. #kidlitchat

catesfolly: @bonnieadamson I just read smwhere writers supposed to reveal complexity, not solve problems. We’re off the hook. #kidlitchat

dawnmetcalf: @bonnieadamson @catesfolly LOL! That’s why I like the relative safety of SFF: aliens, dragons & elves rarely blog or sue. #kidlitchat

dlschubert: @gregpincus Great topic, Greg. Interesting to see what has come up for people. #kidlitchat

prufrocke: @himissjulie The same as a plot with kid who goes to public school and happens to fall into Faerie/struggle with divorce! #kidlitchat

lauram68: @dawnmetcalf Being a single parent is hard enough. But my 19 year old is a freshman in college #kidlitchat and I wasnt’ a drunk!

GinaRitter: I see what you’re saying, but what about modeling for the future? RT @debbieohi …a missing parent. I can identify/connect. #kidlitchat

michellewitte: The biggest thing about diversity is that you shouldn’t write these stories with an agenda. People can tell; it’s a big turnoff. #kidlitchat

EgmontGal: This topic terrifies me, yet I keep coming back. Just want to say, I truly am reading this ms. more aware of race after tonight #kidlitchat

helainebecker: It’s impossible to be colorblind. You just want kids to learn that the color is immaterial to worth as a human being. #kidlitchat

bonnieadamson: Reminder: illustrators, pb writers, editors, agents: we’ll be discussing portfolios Thurs., 9pm EST #kidlitart #kidlitchat

WriterRoss: @bonnieadamson The “What’s taboo?” chat in re: a future “Daring” chat. Bad joke. My bad. #kidlitchat

lauram68: @LiaKeyes I was lucky I was totally single parent. HE was not a part of her life and it suited me fine #kidlitchat

dawnmetcalf: @katie_bowden Of course. I just don’t like “dead parents” all the time. It seems sloppy/convenient writing. #kidlitchat

shimes06: I have a young boy mc in a mg story that centers around fairies and flowers (not as cliche as it sounds) but afraid to pursue #kidlitchat

jeanie_w: RT @BonnieAdamson: illustrators, pb writers, editors, agents: we’ll be discussing portfolios Thurs., 9pm EST #kidlitart #kidlitchat

thebbsecret: RT @MelissadelaCruz: There will be more of the fabulous Chinese vampire twins in future blue bloods books though. #kidlitchat

laurielyoung: I have to go–really thought-provoking topic. Thanks and see you all next week! #kidlitchat

helainebecker: well said RT @catesfolly race is a political construct #kidlitchat

dawnmetcalf: @debbieohi That’s the danger with @mitaliperkins — she’s too inspiring! #kidlitchat

amyknichols: @bonnieadamson @gregpincus Time to read to kids b4 bed. Thanks everyone for an interesting and inspiring chat. Has me thinking! #kidlitchat

catesfolly: Side note: I thought Ann Patchett in RUN did a lovely job (as white person) revealing complexity of race in families #kidlitchat

bonnieadamson: @WriterRoss Oh–haha. My brain is still moving slowly after days of cold meds. #kidlitchat

lyonmartin: RT @BonnieAdamson: illustrators, pb writers, editors, agents: we’ll be discussing portfolios Thurs., 9pm EST #kidlitart #kidlitchat

tinahoggatt: Latest: I had trouble with connectivity (technical!) tonight – but have loved the conversation. Thanks all. #kidlitchat

mumfusa: @gregpincus @bonnieadamson diversity really is a diverse topic. great choice for tonight! #kidlitchat

himissjulie: @prufrocke I think that might be a unique challenge for a writer, since the school setting offers so many possibilities for… #kidlitchat

DDHearn: @LiaKeyes But let’s face it. Harry Potter’s parents were dead. It is a convenient plot to get the kid on their own. #kidlitchat

jolantru: Have to duck out. Good convos, folks! #kidlitchat

prufrocke: @dawnmetcalf Also it often seems to me as a further implication of the popular idea that parents/adults are irrelevant. #kidlitchat

gregpincus: @dlschubert Thanks. And thanks, as always, for jumping in. Have fun tomorrow night at #YALitchat! #kidlitchat

michellewitte: @helainebecker We shouldn’t seek to be colorblind but appreciate each culture and recognize their worth. #kidlitchat

LiaKeyes: @amyknichols Enjoy that reading hour with your kids! Nice chatting with you! #kidlitchat

bonnieadamson: @catesfolly Well, that’s a relief! #kidlitchat

dlschubert: The key to having parents in a story: If they belong in the story, put them there. If not, leave them out. #kidlitchat

Donna_Earnhardt: @dawnbonnevie good point about perspective! #kidlitchat

PattyJMurphy: RT @mumfusa: @gregpincus @bonnieadamson diversity really is a diverse topic. great choice for tonight! <–LOL Sooo true! #kidlitchat

WriterRoss: RT @lauramanivong: Just because real life is certain way doesnt mean belongs in story. Done well, parents can be there or not. #kidlitchat

himissjulie: …exposition, conflict, etc. It is a world I don’t know much about. Madapple had elements of homeschooling (but it is YA) #kidlitchat

MRDunn12: Could our YA/Kidlit diversity problems stem from worrying too much about offending a “culture” if we don’t get it exactly right? #kidlitchat

helainebecker: @debbieohi I got kicked out of GS during Brownies…#kidlitchat

debbieohi: @GinaRitter When I read stories w/missing parent, I was focusing on the story.(Didn’t affect my expectations of the future.) #kidlitchat

LiaKeyes: @DDHearn Harry Potter had difficult adopted family to deal with. #kidlitchat

edithcohn: @MonicaEmme @catesfolly Love Octavia Butler too!! #kidlitchat

michellewitte: Exactly. RT @dlschubert The key to having parents in story: If they belong in the story, put them there. If not, leave them out. #kidlitchat

prufrocke: @himissjulie True, but, as a homeschooled kid I read a lot of books where school isn’t remotely integral to plot and wondered.:) #kidlitchat

dawnmetcalf: But “diversity” has also become shorthand for “race” (and “race” for AA vs. White). We need to broaden those horizons, too, IMO. #kidlitchat

debbieohi: @GinaRitter Though maybe you had a different experience when you read single parent stories as a child? #kidlitchat

Donna_Earnhardt: @BonnieAdamson re: LATHE OF HEAVEN … I haven’t read that. But def sounds interesting! #kidlitchat

leewind: Good night #kidlitchat. Bedtime Story Time… Enjoyed talking about diversity and the challenge of keeping it succinct & real

adamselzer: I don’t see how you can leave parents out of a story. They have to either be gone or worked around. Can’t really ignore ‘em. #kidlitchat

shimes06: that was meant to be mg or ya (could go either way) but the fear is no one has interest in a boy who isn’t in a “boy” story #kidlitchat

catesfolly: Not sure kid readers care where the parents are. Can’t we just neglect to say much about them and let them fade to background? #kidlitchat

WriterRoss: @bonnieadamson I don’t have a cold. What’s my excuse for delayed a-ha moments?Great topic tonight. Wish I had come home earlier #kidlitchat

dawnmetcalf: @helainebecker @debbieohi I couldn’t keep a straight face during the “Make New Friends” song in Brownies. #kidlitchat

DDHearn: @poodle649 But the homeschooling community does have it’s own culture, and to be effective author would need to know it. #kidlitchat

jessicavarin: Diversity: all the ways by which people differ. #kidlitchat

debbieohi: @dawnmetcalf It’s true. I start reading tweets by @mitaliperkins sometimes & suddenly it’s an hour later. #kidlitchat

quirkywriter: Parents can be in the story, but kids must be the heroes. #kidlitchat

debbieohi: @helainebecker You got kicked out of Girl Scouts during Brownies?!? #kidlitchat

gregpincus: RT @bonnieadamson Reminder: illustrators, pb writers, editors, agents: we’ll be discussing portfolios Thurs., 9pm EST #kidlitart #kidlitchat

bonnieadamson: @Donna_Earnhardt It’s become a cult icon–has been translated to film twice–last time with Bruce Davidson in title role. #kidlitchat

prufrocke: @catesfolly I cared as a kid! Seeing characters interact with parents/family helps kids to understand/confront their own. #kidlitchat

helainebecker: @lauram68 Jesus pics almost always look like the people who he’s painted for. #kidlitchat Black, white, blond….

debbieohi: YES!-> RT @dlschubert The key to having parents in story: If they belong in the story, put them there. If not, leave them out. #kidlitchat

WriterRoss: @adamselzer Gone/dead parents seems to be point in question. Yes, it happens but I don’t like its use for Child Problem-Solving. #kidlitchat

bonnieadamson: @catesfolly Yes, parents can be there, just not the focus–unless they are the problem, as someone suggested. #kidlitchat

LiaKeyes: RT @bonnieadamson Reminder: illustrators, pb writers, editors, agents: well be discussing portfolios Thurs., 9pm EST #kidlitart #kidlitchat

prufrocke: @DDHearn Yeah, plus it has like FIVE DIFFERENT CULTURES. ^-^ Someday I’ll write YA fantasy w/ incidental homeschooled character. #kidlitchat

helainebecker: @tiffanytrent Writing negatively about your own group can bring down wrath of other members who see you as betraying the tribe #kidlitchat

GinaRitter: @debbieohi Thanks for sharing! I read hundreds of books as a teen but do not remember thinking about parents AT ALL! #kidlitchat

dawnmetcalf: @debbieohi I know. @mitaliperkins‘ Fire Escape should have a warning label: YOU WILL BE READING BRILLIANCE FOR HOURS. #kidlitchat

earth_mommy: RT @dawnmetcalf But “diversity” has also become shorthand 4 “race” ( “race” 4 AA vs. White). We need 2 broaden those horizons #kidlitchat

JennBailey: @mitaliperkins Mine is very old, but I do have a lovely one now made from olive wood. Can’t even see features, let alone race. #kidlitchat

catesfolly: @prufrocke sorry I just meant in a story where it’s not about that relationship, instead of killing them off… #kidlitchat

EgmontUSA: Sorry I was a little lurky tonight. Off to ms reading or @Egmontgal will scold me tomorrow. Night all! #kidlitchat

PattyJMurphy: RT @jessicavarin: Diversity: all the ways by which people differ <<Absolutely! #kidlitchat

gregpincus: @adamselzer Agreed. Though interestingly, as a teen, I spent time ignoring my parents (or so they say) #kidlitchat

GinaRitter: @debbieohi BUT then, I wasn’t reading teen books as a teen. I was reading adult stuff exclusively. #kidlitchat

adamselzer: Gone for real this time (probably). This book is a five pipe problem. #kidlitchat

LiaKeyes: RT @gregpincus: @adamselzer Agreed. Though interestingly, as a teen, I spent time ignoring my parents (or so they say) #kidlitchat

bonnieadamson: @EgmontUSA Goodnight, Alison. #kidlitchat

poodle649: @DDHearn Exactly! There are just fewer homeschool-experienced people out there among the masses trying to get published. #kidlitchat

EgmontGal: Hey, why has no one mentioned how much Jacob Black and his Native American pack have done for diversity in kid lit? KIDDING!!! #kidlitchat

jemifraser: I have a culturally diverse classroom – they love discussing & celebrating their sim/diff – books should reflect this joy #kidlitchat

LiaKeyes: Kids who ignore their parents is a detail that feels real. Give me a story where that happens and kid deals with consequences. #kidlitchat

debbieohi: @GinaRitter What kind of adult stuff? (e.g. mystery, sf?) #kidlitchat

prufrocke: @catesfolly Not to sound cliched, but doesn’t -everything- have to do w/ our relationships w/ our families? *ponders* #kidlitchat

helainebecker: @GinaRitter IMO, How the kids relate to the parents should be driven by the story, characters #kidlitchat

WriterRoss: @gregpincus Ignoring = conflict in its own passive way #kidlitchat

SuzDC: loved finding smart, exciting, thought-provoking new YA tweeters to follow @ #kidlitchat tonight. Thx all 4 WONDERFUL, NEEDED discussion!

GinaRitter: Okay now I need therapy. Just realized I read more YA novels NOW than as a kid when I read adult novels @debbieohi #kidlitchat

debbieohi: @GinaRitter My husband was a similar type of reader as a teen as you were, I think. #kidlitchat

helainebecker: @catesfolly Very weird. And it bugs me. But I want to sell more books too so am not making a fuss #kidlitchat

LeftyWritey: Parents can make perfect tension & drama in kidlit/YA when they have addictions, or let-down factor/flaws. Shines mirror on MC #kidlitchat

jeanie_w: Good night, everybody! Thanks for another great chat @gregpincus @bonnieadamson #kidlitchat

prufrocke: @EgmontGal Regardless of Twilight’s racefail I’ve been pleased to see a not-white character presented as desirable to teens. #kidlitchat

8:44 pm	catesfolly:	Sorry, MANIAC RT @catesfolly: Anyone else love Spinellis MANIC MAGEE?Interesting handling of racism as part of wider plot? #kidlitchat
8:44 pm	debbieohi:	@catesfolly I loved MANIAC MAGEE, too! #kidlitchat
8:44 pm	rj_anderson:	Yes! RT @debbieohi: As a child I wasn’t really conscious of an MC’s race unless their environment was also culturally different. #kidlitchat
8:44 pm	WriterRoss:	Well here’s an embarrasing confession. I thought Ezra Jack Keats was an African-American..until I saw his photo online. #kidlitchat
8:44 pm	MelissadelaCruz:	I don’t think of my books as particularly Asian either though. #kidlitchat
8:44 pm	Shelltex:	@IllustratorErin Not sure how much say artist has in choosing PB ethnicities but I would think they might be allowed input. #kidlitchat
8:44 pm	DDHearn:	@maggiedana Obama has identified himself as black, so that’s partly why. Tiger Woods has avoided it, but most think he’s black. #kidlitchat
8:44 pm	kparlin:	@catesfolly MANIAC MAGEE is on my shelf but haven’t gotten to it yet. Adding it to my 2010 list now! #kidlitchat
8:44 pm	GinaRitter:	Me too! RT @debbieohi Strongly agree! @leewind “minority” characters need stories where it isn’t ABOUT their being a “minority.” #kidlitchat
8:45 pm	JennBailey:	@dawnmetcalf I am very tired of dead parents. #kidlitchat
8:45 pm	LiaKeyes:	Hard to justify how a child can travel the world, but then a white protagonist can comment on differences in a natural way. #kidlitchat
8:45 pm	dawnmetcalf:	@TheMuffinMom Cindy Pon made it work by just having her characters be Asian and gay, no explanations necessary. #kidlitchat
8:45 pm	himissjulie:	RT @EgmontGal: @DDHearn exact descrip of katniss: “straight black hair, olive skin, grey eyes” almost omniethnic. #kidlitchat
8:45 pm	EKokie:	Agree! All kinds of minorities. RT @leewind: “minority” characters need stories where it isn’t ABOUT their being a “minority.” #kidlitchat
8:45 pm	elizaosborn:	I see Katniss as being very Mediterranean or possibly Asian or Latina, even. “Black hair, olive skin…” #kidlitchat
8:45 pm	dawnmetcalf:	RT @debbieohi Strongly agree! @leewind “minority” characters need stories where it isn’t ABOUT their being a “minority.” #kidlitchat << YES!
8:45 pm	bonnieadamson:	@EKokie @DDHearn But why is it important to know Katniss’ race? #kidlitchat
8:45 pm	hipwritermama:	Absolutely! RT @jeanie_w RT @debbieohi: Ethnic diversity is good, but only if it supports a good story & strong characters. #kidlitchat
8:45 pm	gregpincus:	@planetalvina So, how do we educate everyone about the importance of diversity? #kidlitchat
8:45 pm	himissjulie:	@WriterRoss I thought that, too! Isn’t it funny how our expectations work(ed) that way? #kidlitchat
8:45 pm	libmaryann:	@hudsonette Thx 4 RT. Interesting discussion on #kidlitchat re: diversity and should writers be limited to writing about what they know.
8:46 pm	LiaKeyes:	@JennBailey Yes, I’m tired of dead parents, too. Lazy writing. Dealing with parents is a big part of childhood. Don’t lve it out #kidlitchat
8:46 pm	prufrocke:	@dawnmetcalf I’d like some books about homeschoolers! Which aren’t about protag dealing w/ going to school for the first time.:P #kidlitchat
8:46 pm	bonnieadamson:	@WriterRoss Me, too–and apparently much controversy surrounding Snowy Day because of that. #kidlitchat
8:46 pm	lauram68:	@MelissadelaCruz I suspected you were Filipino! but you just confirmed it! YAY! #kidlitchat
8:46 pm	planetalvina:	@dawnmetcalf @TheMuffinMom I think you meant Malinda Lo, author of ASH? #kidlitchat
8:46 pm	DDHearn:	@KrisYankee Read a disturbing article in Times that said we shouldn’t try to make kids colorblind.They notice, and get confused. #kidlitchat
8:46 pm	GinaRitter:	Me too. But what else to do with them? RT @JennBailey: @dawnmetcalf I am very tired of dead parents. #kidlitchat
8:47 pm	WriterRoss:	@himissjulie So it was reverse stupid assumptions on my part. #kidlitchat
8:47 pm	shimes06:	RT @egmontgal new ideas, different cultures? I don’t see much sumbitted that way…my mistake, I assumed it was being sumbitted #kidlitchat
8:47 pm	tiffanytrent:	@TheAsianAngel That’s why I think subtlety is the better part of valor most times. Otherwise, beware the stereotype hammer! #kidlitchat
8:47 pm	EKokie:	@bonnieadamson Just answering question posed. She was described by Collins. Needed? I don’t know. Not for me – I like to decide #kidlitchat
8:47 pm	MelissadelaCruz:	Can’t they just be books? In my books I’ve had Asian-Am protags, Latina protags, Caucasian protags, African-Am protags, etc. #kidlitchat
8:47 pm	lauram68:	@MelissadelaCruz The Blue Blood books are pretty Lily white in your descriptions of Bliss and Mimi and Jack #kidlitchat
8:47 pm	elizaosborn:	@prufrocke Aprilynne Pike’s WINGS is about a homeschooler, right? #kidlitchat
8:47 pm	dawnmetcalf:	@gregpincus @planetalvina Educate others = read great, diverse books and hand-sell them to ALL of your friends! #kidlitchat
8:47 pm	EgmontGal:	Personally as a publisher, I don’t care about race. Want a sexy paranormal protagonist of any skin color/species to lust after. #kidlitchat
8:47 pm	laurielyoung:	I think it is important to develop reading programs in minority neighborhoods to encourage a life long habit @gregpincus #kidlitchat
8:47 pm	himissjulie:	@bonnieadamson I don’t think it is “important”, per se, but rather on comment on how her ethnicity is open to interpretation. #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	KrisYankee:	@DDHearn I don’t make them colorblind; I just don’t talk about their race. We’re all the same, just different cultures. #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	DDHearn:	@Georgia_McBride I wouldn’t mind being in back of store. It means I’m published. Would like cover facing out, though. #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	catesfolly:	long history to why people who are only very part “black” or “indian” are labeled that way; race is a political construct #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	MelissadelaCruz:	@EgmontGal Aw, lady, i’ll take YA hotness anytime! #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	debbieohi:	@bonnieadamson @WriterRoss Ok, now -I’m- embarrassed. I didn’t know that about Ezra Jack Keats! #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	pussreboots:	@dawnmetcalf I put a book down at the library today because the setting was so cliched … too much turn off. #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	WriterRoss:	@bonnieadamson Was there? I didn’t know. Remember how enchanted I was w/ the books. I hope I didn’t notice Peter was not white. #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	helainebecker:	@himissjulie Ur right, but that “one drop rule” is horrible – and similar rules have been used to murder people for generations #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	dlschubert:	@GinaRitter RE: Parents – Include them in the story! #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	leewind:	@dawnmetcalf Dawn – who’s gay in Cindy Pon’s book – Silver Phoenix, right? #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	prufrocke:	@elizaosborn Haven’t read that! Shall look out for it, though. #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	shimes06:	i may be just naive…hope i wasnt sounding harsh on the editors/publishers #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	heatherwpetty:	@amyknichols Me neither, but I’ve heard the same as you, and the idea of that confuses me. Why hide the race of a character? #kidlitchat
8:48 pm	JennBailey:	LOL! RT @EgmontGal: Personally, I dont care about race. Want a sexy paranormal protagonist any skin color/species to lust after. #kidlitchat
8:49 pm	jolantru:	Any Southeast Asian protags? #kidlitchat
8:49 pm	EKokie:	@MelissadelaCruz Agree. Books should just be books – ie, no segregation – but if examining diversity of market, have to discuss. #kidlitchat
8:49 pm	dawnmetcalf:	RT @GinaRitter @JennBailey Take this personal challenge to include 2 loving parents & still have MC adventures. Gauntlet thrown! #kidlitchat
8:49 pm	KOrtizzle:	@MelissadelaCruz agreed #kidlitchat
8:49 pm	GinaRitter:	Dead parents…in adult books too because you end up with too many characters. A very pubbed writer taught me that #kidlitchat
8:49 pm	PattyJMurphy:	@EgmontGal: Yes, yearning comes in all colors:) #kidlitchat
8:49 pm	WriterRoss:	@debbieohi Well then I’ve done my good deed for the day. <g> – Pamela, former (horrible) Girl Scout ;> #kidlitchat
8:49 pm	lauram68:	I grew up in Boston. So I would write about a)Irish family b)catholic family c) drunken families #kidlitchat that is putting me in a bubble
8:49 pm	prufrocke:	I love racial and cultural differences: would enjoy seeing them quietly celebrated, not hidden or made political necessarily. #kidlitchat
8:50 pm	dawnmetcalf:	@pussreboots Exactly. Unless you PLAY off the cliche (Joss Whedon does this best, IMO!) #kidlitchat
8:50 pm	bonnieadamson:	@WriterRoss Yes, I think he was criticized–esp. for portrayal of “stereotyical mother”–<shakes head>. #kidlitchat
8:50 pm	kparlin:	@amyknichols I struggle with that myself. If ethnicity of character isn’t imp. to story, do we tend to default to our own? #kidlitchat
8:50 pm	EgmontGal:	@shimes06 Well, I’m a wimp, but I want something daring and new to publish. I get a lot of paranormal YA submitted! #kidlitchat
8:50 pm	planetalvina:	@gregpincus this chat is a start! I give a talk sometimes at scbwi conferences about the impotance of diversity. #kidlitchat
8:50 pm	amyknichols:	@heatherwpetty I don’t know. Probably because it’s easier that way? Lazy and perpetuates system, but easier? #kidlitchat
8:50 pm	GinaRitter:	PS: All of my WIPs have parents and healthy families so far…. just asking questions! #kidlitchat
8:50 pm	prufrocke:	But perhaps I can say this because I’m white and have had very few problems re. my race? :/ #kidlitchat
8:50 pm	dlschubert:	@EgmontGal Here, here to sexy protags! #kidlitchat (But let’s stray from glue sticks tonight!!!)
8:50 pm	sandy_shin:	RT @leewind: “minority” characters need stories where it isn’t ABOUT their being a “minority.” #kidlitchat
8:50 pm	himissjulie:	ppl gave Ezra a tough time for depicting a black child: http://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/about/index.html #kidlitchat
8:50 pm	dawnmetcalf:	@lauram68 LOL! I asked in anthro whether I was only “allowed” to study/hang out with liberal Jewish 30-something females. #kidlitchat
8:50 pm	debbieohi:	@WriterRoss I suspect I was a worse Girl Scout … I only lasted 3 months. (!) #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	WriterRoss:	@EgmontGal Just say No to the Paranormal as Normal! #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	MelissadelaCruz:	@lauram68 Yes blue bloods is pretty white. but it’s based on people who came over on mayflower though. #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	mitaliperkins:	@kparlin @debbieohi @catesfolly Some criticisms of racism in MANIAC MAGEE in academic circles: http://bit.ly/6F7iPE #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	MonicaEmme:	@EgmontGal what makes something daring? #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	mumfusa:	@dlschubert @amyknichols mentioning race unless integral.http://ktliterary.com/2009/12/ask-daphne-about-race-and-descriptions/ #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	bonnieadamson:	After Avatar, maybe we’ll have lots of stories about blue people. #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	TheAsianAngel:	@tiffanytrent And if you paint your own race wrong? BEWARE!!! #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	WriterRoss:	@dlschubert Thought you wrote “Here’s to sexy hashtags.” #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	adamselzer:	You have to give the parents a project to work on. #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	EKokie:	@debbieohi I quit Girl Scouts after I realized how much camping there would be. #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	justJoanS:	Me too. RT @EgmontGal:I dont care about race. Want a sexy paranormal protagonist of any skin color/species to lust after. #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	lauram68:	@EgmontGal publishing is like the stock market. It’s cyclical! right now it’s paranormal, 6 months it will be some other genre #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	dawnmetcalf:	@GinaRitter YAY! I recently challenged myself to write a character with a broken family. <:-S #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	LiaKeyes:	@GinaRitter One of the great things about Harry Potter was kids had parents. Even Harry had ghostly parents, family, +Weasleys #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	bonnieadamson:	@dlschubert Oh no you didn’t! #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	suerichy:	@mitaliperkins #kidlitchat not recent but excellent – Breaking Through and The Circuit by Francisco Jimenez
8:51 pm	MelissadelaCruz:	There will be more of the fabulous Chinese vampire twins in future blue bloods books though. #kidlitchat
8:51 pm	amyknichols:	@kparlin I know I do, out of fear of getting it wrong and offending. This chat is making me want to step out of comfort zone. #kidlitchat
8:52 pm	JennBailey:	@dawnmetcalf I’m tryin in my MG. Family on a cruise. Kids on their own for a bit-still safe. Parents doing own thing makes sense #kidlitchat
8:52 pm	helainebecker:	@DDHearn I was told not to send NF proposal on a Native topic since I’m not Native THAT’s offensive. Knowledge is colorblind #kidlitchat
8:52 pm	PattyJMurphy:	RT @lauram68: I grew up in Boston. So I’d write @ a)Irish family b)catholic family c) drunken families <<–I beg your pardon;) #kidlitchat
8:52 pm	leewind:	RT @EgmontGal: I don’t care about race. Want a sexy paranormal protagonist of any skin color/species to lust after. #kidlitchat <– LOL!
8:52 pm	WriterRoss:	@himissjulie Thanks. Will check out link after chat. #kidlitchat
9:13 pm	yachicka:	Couldn’t leave my book to make #kidlitchat – got to lurk a bit tho #kidlitchat
9:13 pm	catesfolly:	@prufrocke maybe so, but maybe not every plot in an overt way; we learn about ourselves and our parents by venturing out… #kidlitchat
9:13 pm	catesfolly:	@helainebecker and so would i in your situation! #kidlitchat
9:13 pm	dawnmetcalf:	And sincerely empathized pious/religious characters. Don’t see much of them. 8th GRADE SUPER ZERO was genius with MC’s faith. #kidlitchat
9:13 pm	dlschubert:	@gregpincus @bonnieadamson Tx 4 a great chat! FYI to all: I’ll be co-hosting #yalitchattomorrow night at 9PM w/ @GeorgiaMcBride.#kidlitchat
9:13 pm	bonnieadamson:	Re: parents. Kids most often have to deal with world parents have created, whether or not they’re present. #kidlitchat
9:13 pm	GinaRitter:	@debbieohi A lot of sci fi, though I don’t know WHY because I don’t read/write it since then, and various other adult novels #kidlitchat
9:14 pm	helainebecker:	@GinaRitter You didn’t know my parents LOL! #kidlitchat
9:14 pm	catesfolly:	@prufrocke “racefail” I like that; new term? #kidlitchat
9:14 pm	LiaKeyes:	RT @LeftyWritey: Parents make perfect tension in kidlit/YA when have addictions, or let-down factor/flaws. Shines mirror on MC #kidlitchat
9:14 pm	debbieohi:	LOL! –RT @GinaRitter: Okay now I need therapy. Just realized I read more YA novels NOW than as a kid when I read adult novels #kidlitchat
9:14 pm	bonnieadamson:	@dlschubert Happy hosting tomorrow night! #yalitchat #kidlitchat
9:14 pm	LiaKeyes:	RT @bonnieadamson: Re: parents. Kids most often have to deal with world parents have created, whether or not theyre present. #kidlitchat
9:14 pm	melodychamlee:	Years ago I was told not to assign ethnically identifying description to force avoidance of stereotypes. I think it works. #kidlitchat
9:14 pm	WriterRoss:	@GinaRitter I read more picture books now than I did as a kid (and I swept the shelves in the library, A to Z, for new books) #kidlitchat
9:14 pm	catesfolly:	@bonnieadamson like the great invisible hand of the market! #kidlitchat
9:15 pm	dlschubert:	@EgmontGal I have just one word for that last tweet: ABS!!!! #kidlitchat
9:15 pm	GinaRitter:	@debbieohi As an advanced reader, I read The Color Purple when I was 9. It was all downhill from there Therapy, here I come! #kidlitchat
9:15 pm	earth_mommy:	@LeftyWritey It also allows you to show the reader it is possible to overcome these obsticles in life. #kidlitchat
9:15 pm	helainebecker:	@mumfusa When I sell as many books as JK, I’ll get my full name reinstated! #kidlitchat
9:15 pm	prufrocke:	@dawnmetcalf YES. I cannot tell you how many times I have felt erased/irrelevant by lack of empathetic characters of faith. #kidlitchat
9:15 pm	heatherwpetty:	@EgmontGal Mmmm… diverse abs… #kidlitchat ahahahhaha!
9:15 pm	Brent_Watson41:	@EgmontGal yeah, I try not to think about those books, as much as my wife likes to remind me. #kidlitchat
9:15 pm	JennBailey:	Realized my kids are still up because I’m “chatting”. Time for bed. Thanks @gregpincusand @bonnieadamson. Great start to 2010. #kidlitchat
9:15 pm	dawnmetcalf:	@prufrocke @EgmontGal Thought the same thing about HEROES’ Mohinder. Go hot East Indian guy! #kidlitchat
9:15 pm	poodle649:	@Gina_Chat @EgmontUSA said it all. There has to be more behind the story than just homeschool life, which can get pretty boring! #kidlitchat
9:15 pm	edithcohn:	@dawnmetcalf I second this! RT: Sincerely empathized pious/religious characters. 8th GRADE SUPER ZERO was genius with MC’s faith #kidlitchat
9:16 pm	helainebecker:	@pussreboots Hooray for wise boys and voracious readers of all sorts! #kidlitchat
9:16 pm	LiaKeyes:	Yes, all the bst for tomorrow! RT @bonnieadamson: @dlschubert Happy hosting tomorrow night! #yalitchat #kidlitchat
9:16 pm	prufrocke:	@dawnmetcalf Of course ~Christian Fiction~ tended to make me feel equally marginalised. Thank God for L’Engle. #kidlitchat
9:16 pm	GinaRitter:	@WriterRoss I read picture books by the droves now! #kidlitchat
9:16 pm	debbieohi:	@GinaRitter Reading a lot of YA books now is the best therapy. #kidlitchat
9:16 pm	rj_anderson:	Me too! A LOT more. RT @GinaRitter: Just realized I read more YA novels NOW than as a kid when I read adult novels #kidlitchat
9:16 pm	bonnieadamson:	RT @debbieohi: LOL! –RT @GinaRitter: Okay now I need therapy. Just realized I read more YA novels NOW than as a kid.<-So true! #kidlitchat
9:17 pm	helainebecker:	@michellewitte Perfect example from this past week’s reading: John Green. I love his books, but they seem to be same basic story #kidlitchat
9:17 pm	SheviStories:	@LiaKeyes I’m saying kids with good parents aren’t forced to make hard choices on their own. #kidlitchat
9:17 pm	GinaRitter:	@WriterRoss @helainebecker @debbieohi Apparently I am reclaiming my childhood with YA and PBs! #kidlitchat
9:17 pm	LiaKeyes:	SOOOO hot! RT @dawnmetcalf: @prufrocke @EgmontGal Thought the same thing about HEROES Mohinder. Go hot East Indian guy! #kidlitchat
9:17 pm	DDHearn:	Tonight’s chat has given me a lot to think about. Thanks for an amazing hour! #kidlitchat
9:17 pm	poodle649:	@prufrocke Ain’t that the gospel truth about Christian Fiction there. Haha. #kidlitchat
9:18 pm	debbieohi:	HUGE thanks to @gregpincus & @bonnieadamson for founding & hosting #kidlitchat. I love it here & always get inspired. #kidlitchat
9:18 pm	prufrocke:	@poodle649 Heeee, I can vouch for that. Fun to live, not always much with the plot-ability of public school drama. #kidlitchat
9:18 pm	bonnieadamson:	Thanks for RTs everyone–hope to see some of you at #kidlitart Thurs. night. DM me for details. #kidlitchat
9:18 pm	helainebecker:	@DDHearn I think she was “futurerace” Like Brazilians today, Americans in 100 years, an ethnic mishmash #kidlitchat
9:18 pm	jemifraser:	Going to watch OT (World Junior’s) Thanks for a great #kidlitchat everyone
9:18 pm	mumfusa:	@helainebecker if having a pen name can help get your books out the door, i’m all for it. #kidlitchat
9:19 pm	debbieohi:	Oh darn, don’t talk about Mohinder or I’ll have to stay. Nonono, must go to bed now. Gnite all… #kidlitchat
9:19 pm	LiaKeyes:	Thanks to Greg and Bonnie for another terrific chat! I learned a lot tonight! #kidlitchat
9:19 pm	SheviStories:	@dawnmetcalf But how fun is it to read when the MC’s choices are always “safe”? Unsafe choices are more exciting. #kidlitchat
9:19 pm	edithcohn:	Sorry I missed most of this, but it’s a great topic & I’ll enjoy the transcripts. Thanks to our fabulous hosts! #kidlitchat
9:19 pm	melodychamlee:	I think the best thing to do with a character is allow them to be a mirror of your reader. About the inner workings. #kidlitchat
9:19 pm	prufrocke:	@poodle649 However, we homeschooled kids would have way less trouble w/ magical shenanigans. Kidnapped by Elves? Catch up later! #kidlitchat
9:19 pm	WriterRoss:	RT @debbieohi: thanks to @gregpincus & @bonnieadamson for founding & hosting #kidlitchat. I love it here & always get inspired. #kidlitchat
9:19 pm	activelearning:	@mitaliperkins Kid/YA book I read in last month w/protagonist of different race: Gold-Threaded Dress & Maizon at Blue Hill . #kidlitchat
9:19 pm	catesfolly:	Yes yes! RT @debbieohi: HUGE thanks to @gregpincus & @bonnieadamson for founding & hosting #kidlitchat. #kidlitchat
9:19 pm	dawnmetcalf:	@prufrocke Rock on! I’m Jewish & many in my family are Orthodox/Chasid. Talk about erasure. I hear you! #kidlitchat
9:19 pm	helainebecker:	@MonicaEmme Loving your kids doesn’t mean you won’t screw them up!! My folks loved me, and I’m nuts. No telling my kids’fates #kidlitchat
9:19 pm	lauram68:	@LiaKeyes Naveen Andrews is hot too from Lost! fell in love with him in The English Patient #kidlitchat
9:20 pm	mumfusa:	yup, thanks! RT @debbieohi: HUGE thanks to @gregpincus & @bonnieadamson for founding & hosting #kidlitchat. always inspiring. #kidlitchat
9:20 pm	bonnieadamson:	@debbieohi Thanks for coming to the party. You guys are the best. #kidlitchat
9:20 pm	GinaRitter:	I’m doing it backwards like that Benjamin Button guy — starting with adult novels at 9 and kid lit in middle age! #kidlitchat
9:20 pm	mitaliperkins:	Excellent essay by Teju Coles on authenticity as a writer in a complex world:http://bit.ly/4zVbV4 #kidlitchat
9:20 pm	yachicka:	So great to hang with folks who love YA as much as I do! #kidlitchat
9:21 pm	dawnmetcalf:	@LiaKeyes @prufrocke @EgmontGal Of course, I’m biased. My best friend from college is a handsome East Indian guy. #kidlitchat
9:21 pm	MonicaEmme:	@helainebecker my parent’s were/are awesome. I struggled with disappointing them, but also trying things I shouldn’t #kidlitchat
9:21 pm	GinaRitter:	THANKS to all for putting up with my questions and nagging. Great stuff to think about and inspiration #kidlitchat

To go to the transcript home page, please click here.

Kidlitchat Transcript – January 5 (part 2)

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