What happens when children's books fail to confront the complexity of slavery? | Michael W Twitty

We need literature that wrestles with the evils of slavery while confronting its complexity – especially when it’s written for childrenA book called George Washington’s Birthday Cake has caused controversy for depicting a smiling black cook, in this case chef Hercules and his daughter, preparing cake in the kitchen for the president, who held in bondage hundreds of enslaved workers. It is unclear what kind of moment we are witnessing on the cover. Is it familial love, servile obedience, or, perhaps, a smile to hide the pain of being enslaved? Improving our understanding of the lives of slaves is key to answering those uncomfortable questions. The rationale which the illustrator, Vanessa Brantley-Newton, gave for the “happy slaves” imagery was that these enslaved folk, identified as “servants”, were proud and felt privileged to serve a man of such a great “stature”. In her plea for a middle ground, the author, Ramin Ganeshram, argued that not every enslaved person was in the middle of hell every single second, and therefore, smiling isn’t an unreasonable thing to suggest. I know Ganeshram, as do many in the black culinary scene. I have not dialogued with her about the book, nor have I had the opportunity to read it. Both the author and illustrator, are of color. On the surface, they are right on both counts. But why are we still uncomfortable, opposed and furious – even after the book has been pulled? Related: Scholastic pulls George Washington book over slave cake... Continue reading at 'The Guardian'

[ The Guardian | 2016-01-20 00:00:00 UTC ]
News tagged with: #racist abuse

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What happens when children's books fail to confront the complexity of slavery? | Michael W Twitty

We need literature that wrestles with the evils of slavery while confronting its complexity – especially when it’s written for childrenA book called George Washington’s Birthday Cake has caused controversy for depicting a smiling black cook, in this case chef Hercules and his daughter, preparing... Continue reading at The Guardian

[ The Guardian | 2016-01-20 00:00:00 UTC ]
More news stories like this | News stories tagged with: #racist abuse


Concern for children's book market as The Book People fails to find buyer

Trade figures have said the failure of The Book People to find a buyer, leading to 155 redundancies, could have ramifications for the children's book market.  Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2020-01-14 05:00:29 UTC ]
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New subscription box service confronts lack of representation in children's books

A new subscription service offering monthly deliveries of black children's literature has been launched in response to the lack of children’s books in the UK featuring BAME characters. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2019-11-17 16:01:04 UTC ]
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W H Smith's Pete Selby says lack of diversity means book industry is ‘failing’ children

Pete Selby, head of books for W H Smith, has called on the book industry to make the high street more diverse and inclusive for young readers, saying that diversity is going to become a "significant" part of WHS' strategy. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2019-09-22 19:12:13 UTC ]
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HarperCollins Childrens signs multi-book deal with Michael Morpurgo

HarperCollins Children's executive publisher Ann-Janine Murtagh has acquired world rights to four books - two novels, a novella and an illustrated gift title - by Michael Morpurgo. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2019-01-31 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Michael Morpurgo wins Children's Book Award for fourth time

An Eagle in the Snow follows in the footsteps of Shadow, Kensuke's Kingdom and Private Peaceful. Continue reading at BBC News

[ BBC News | 2017-06-11 00:00:00 UTC ]
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When Children’s Book Authors Don’t Like Children’s Books

Authors like Louisa May Alcott and A.A. Milne learned their success in children's literature didn't translate to respect for their art. Continue reading at Book Riot

[ Book Riot | 2023-04-27 10:33:00 UTC ]
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Children’s Books in China 2019: Beijing Dandelion Children’s Book House

With the 12th anniversary of Beijing Dandelion Children’s Book House just around the corner, founder and editor-in-chief Sally Yan has embarked on a personal project to reread and reexamine her company’s bestsellers. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2019-03-15 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Children’s Books in China 2019: The Chinese Children’s Book Market Is Still on a Roll

The oft-quoted numbers remain as compelling as ever: 370 million people under the age of 18, an additional 17.5 million babies born annually, and at least 600 active publishers in the children’s book industry. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2019-03-15 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Children’s Books in China 2019: Thinkingdom Children’s Books

For Thinkingdom Children’s Books, the main goal in creating its first series of original children’s picture books goes beyond “helping every kid to become a book lover,” which has been the company’s motto since 2003. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2019-03-15 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Children's Books in China 2018: The Continuing Story of the Children’s Book Market in China

Eleven years ago, in 2007, China Children’s Press & Publication Group (CCPPG) participated in the Bologna Book Fair for the first time. Their booth in Hall 29 was small, shabby, and minimally decorated and very few visitors dropped by. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2018-03-09 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Children’s Books in China 2018: Beijing Dandelion Children's Book House

The contradictions embodied in the folk symbol of the witch captured the attention of Sally Yan, founder and editor-in-chief of 11-year-old publishing company Beijing Dandelion. “The witch is a popular figure in Western classics: sometimes as the protagonist; other times, in the periphery. The... Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2018-03-09 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Children's Books in China 2018: Top 10 Children's Books in China - A Quick Market Analysis

The two biggest online book retailers in China are Dangdang and JD, which combined take up nearly two-thirds of the market. However, despite serving the same readership, their top 10 bestseller lists tend to differ greatly. Interestingly enough, for 2017, their charts share not even one title. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2018-03-09 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Children's Books in China 2018: Thinkingdom Children’s Books

“Helping every kid to become a book lover” is the motto at Thinkingdom Children’s Books, which was established in 2002 to translate classic and award-winning children’s books. Less than one year later, it published two well-known authors: Tetsuko Kuroyanagi (Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the... Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2018-03-09 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Children's Books in China 2017: An Overview of the Children’s Book Market in China

Though describing the massive Chinese children’s book market is as easy as A, B, C (amazing, booming, crowded), explaining the forces behind its growth may take more than 1, 2, 3—but that is still a very good way to start. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2017-03-17 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Children's Books in China 2017: Beijing Dandelion Children’s Book House

Beijing Dandelion Children’s Book House grew from three full-time staff (counting founder and editor-in-chief Sally Yan) in 2007 to eight within a year. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2017-03-17 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Children's Book Authors Feted at Shanghai Children's Book Fair

On the last day of the inaugural China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair (CCBF), held from November 7-9, the winners of the Golden Pinwheel Awards were announced. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2013-11-11 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Children’s Book Rights: Jon Fosse’s Kids’ Books Go to Bologna

Nobel laureate Jon Fosse's sense for 'what it’s like for a child to familiarize themselves with world,' says Giona Winje, infuses the books coming to Bologna. The post Children’s Book Rights: Jon Fosse’s Kids’ Books Go to Bologna appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2024-03-22 20:31:00 UTC ]
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Trade Fair on Tour: Bologna Children’s Book Fair and Book Plus in India

Bologna Children's Book Fair and Bologna Book Plus will have a stand this year at the upcoming New Delhi World Book Fair. The post Trade Fair on Tour: Bologna Children’s Book Fair and Book Plus in India appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2024-02-06 21:31:48 UTC ]
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Book Riot’s Children’s Book Deals for November 2, 2022

Today’s edition of kids' book deals is sponsored by sponsored by Triumph Books`Triumph Books`https://www.triumphbooks.com/big-book-of-who-football-products-9781637272527.php?page_id=21`https://bookriot.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SI-Kids-Big-Book-of-WHO-Football-262x300.jpg.optimal.jpg` Continue reading at Book Riot

[ Book Riot | 2022-11-02 15:07:08 UTC ]
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