Author, Lillian G. Reeves
Aiken, SC
Educator Activist
English, BA, MA
For too long, all the stories about young people published in the US have reflected the success and the triumph of white children in white institutions, white neighborhoods, white schools, white privileges. For too long, stories have only shown one small group of Americans at play, at work, and at love. For those of us, however, who spend our lives with diverse populations of humans, as our friends, our family, our co-workers, our students, or ourselves -- we see the incredible impact this purposeful absence of characters of color has on young readers, young writers, and young dreamers. Additionally, speak to any parent with children of color, and you'll quickly understand how frustrating it is to run into a book store to find their child a birthday book, a reward book, a just-for-fun book, and not come across one story with a character of color being celebrated, loved, or written about in our own time. The good news is that movements in children's literature across the country are working harder than ever to bring stories like Jordon's to the public's view. With the completion of this book, I'm really excited that Kate and I will get to be part of this effort.
I hope all of my family and friends will love this book as much as I do. I've benefited tremendously from the support and interest of peers, colleagues, and strangers, too, who all feel compelled to recreate, reimagine, and contribute to an equitable children's book industry. The beautiful lives of young people everywhere, as they struggle and succeed their way into teenagerhood and later adulthood must be given safe passage in the books they read and are asked to read, in the communities they visit and live in, and most importantly of all, in the schools they attend.
Thank you for your interest, for your support, and for your hope as we embark on this project.
Aiken, SC
Educator Activist
English, BA, MA
For too long, all the stories about young people published in the US have reflected the success and the triumph of white children in white institutions, white neighborhoods, white schools, white privileges. For too long, stories have only shown one small group of Americans at play, at work, and at love. For those of us, however, who spend our lives with diverse populations of humans, as our friends, our family, our co-workers, our students, or ourselves -- we see the incredible impact this purposeful absence of characters of color has on young readers, young writers, and young dreamers. Additionally, speak to any parent with children of color, and you'll quickly understand how frustrating it is to run into a book store to find their child a birthday book, a reward book, a just-for-fun book, and not come across one story with a character of color being celebrated, loved, or written about in our own time. The good news is that movements in children's literature across the country are working harder than ever to bring stories like Jordon's to the public's view. With the completion of this book, I'm really excited that Kate and I will get to be part of this effort.
I hope all of my family and friends will love this book as much as I do. I've benefited tremendously from the support and interest of peers, colleagues, and strangers, too, who all feel compelled to recreate, reimagine, and contribute to an equitable children's book industry. The beautiful lives of young people everywhere, as they struggle and succeed their way into teenagerhood and later adulthood must be given safe passage in the books they read and are asked to read, in the communities they visit and live in, and most importantly of all, in the schools they attend.
Thank you for your interest, for your support, and for your hope as we embark on this project.
