I read this article, “Why Adults Should Read Children’s Books,” by Katherine Rundell published by @bbc I pulled out these pieces of the article that spoke to me. Like this one:
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I added a statement that is true to me and possibly other folks who may have grown up in spaces, especially in schools, not seeing themselves in books. That says something. The statement I added was:
Children’s books can allow adults to see their child-like selves in the books. When as a child they may not have.
An addition to the article should be that throughout history— authors, specifically authors of color, have been writing books for a long time without having the publishing door being opened to them. That our words and illustrations have been suppressed—therefore unable to enter into the children’s book market. There are generations of children who identify as Black, Indigenous or Persons of Color who didn’t have the representation in books as children—there stories weren’t on the shelves.
Although, yes, we have made some progress in this area and I’m a collector of inclusive books for children, young adults and adults of all ages written in own voices, we still have a ways to go.
Until then, I will keep reading, loving, and sharing books, especially books written by those who are marginalized and their words are being suppressed.
Keep reading those children’s books! Read banned books! 📕
🤟🏽🫱🏾🫲🏽,
Nita, LTB
Love. Teach. Bless. 