Multicultural Children's Book Day

#ReadYourWorld

New Feature! MCBD’s Instagram Lives!

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One of the many missions of MCBD is to always be shining the spotlight on authors of diverse kidlit. Thanks to the talents of MCBD Team Member and long-time CoHost, Leanna Gullien-Mora, we are excited to announce the addition of a reoccurring Instagram Live feature! Every Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. ET., followers can tune in and learn more about these amazing authors and their books.

Here’s a look at the authors that Leanna has already interviewed and the ones yet to come.

Sivan Hong

Sivan Hong

Sivan has written and illustrated three books in The Super Fun Day Books series, including Benny J. and the Horrible Halloween, George J. and the Miserable Monday, and her most recent book that was released on August 11, 2021, Emily D. and the Fearful First Day. Emily D. and the Fearful First Day follows a neuro-atypical girl on her first day of school. The story will help kids identify and share their worries, and its bright illustrations are deliberately simple. Each of Sivan’s books is created with very specific needs in mind as well. Read the article in its entirety here.

When not writing, Sivan enjoys being a wife to her wonderful husband and a mother to their two exceptional children. They have a dog and cat and live a quiet and contented life in their home in Westport, Connecticut. Her professional career spans over two decades in several industries and professions, including holding esteemed positions as a professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business and former partner at The Bridgespan Group. She also loves to offer her time and expertise to others, and she currently serves as a Trustee on the Boards of the Westport Public Library, the Rita Allen Foundation, and the ASPCA.

All of Sivan’s books are available via her website and on Amazon. Parents, Teachers, and Educators can connect with her via Facebook and Instagram as well.

Deedee Cummings

As a therapist, attorney, CEO of Make A Way Media, and author of fifteen children’s books, Deedee Cummings has a passion for ensuring equality, inclusion, and social justice for the next generation. Since her first book was published in 2014, Cummings has been on a mission to help young dreamers and doers see themselves in the pages of the books they read. Cummings has spent more than two decades working within the family therapy and support field, and much of her writing shares her experiences of working with kids in therapeutic foster care.

By the end of 2021, this #OWNVOICES author will have fifteen diverse children’s books to her credit, including the Rapid Release of her Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess five-book series. All fifteen of Cummings’ diverse picture, poetry, and workbooks for kids reflect her professional knowledge and love of life. Cummings was recently appointed to the Early Childhood Council by the Governor of Kentucky and is also the founder and creator of the Louisville Book Festival, a literacy-based celebration in Louisville, KY on October 22nd and 23rd, 2021.

To learn more about Deedee Cummings and her work, connect with her via her website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Watch Deedee’s interview on YouTube by clicking this link or watch it below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=od4QWnyMrr4

Ajanta Chakraborty

Ajanta Chakraborty
Ajanta is the CEO of Culture Groove Kids and author of the picture books series, Maya & Neel’s India Adventure Series which includes:

– Let’s Celebrate Krishna’s Birthday!
– Let’s Celebrate 5 Days of Diwali!
– Let’s Celebrate Holi!
– Let’s Celebrate Navratri!
– Let’s Celebrate Ganesha’s Birthday!
– Let’s Celebrate Ramadan & Eid!
– Let’s Visit Delhi & Taj Mahal!
– Let’s Visit Mumbai!
– Let’s Celebrate An Indian Wedding!


Learn more about Anjata at Culture Groove:

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COMING SOON!

9/15 – Amanda Hsiung Blodgett

Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett inspires children to fall in love with learning the Chinese language and culture.  She is the author of the “Let’s Learn Mandarin Chinese with Miss Panda!” audio album and the host for the Playful Chinese podcast.  Amanda is also a trained Chinese language instructor and the mother of two bilingual children. She has extensive Mandarin Chinese and ESL teaching experience with kids and business professionals in Taiwan, Morocco, Canada, Ecuador, and the United States.  Her students call her “Miss Panda!”You can find Miss Panda’s engaging, playful, and interactive Chinese language learning resources at MissPandaChinese.com.  She currently lives in Washington D.C. with her family, including two lovely trilingual cats, Qwerty and Bella, as well as a bilingual bird, Lemon.

More Free Options for Diverse Book Promotion

1. We encourage authors and publishers to join the private MCBD Facebook Group. This group is a nice mix of parents, book reviewers, teachers, and authors, so you will be able to connect with like-minded people!

2. We are always looking for quality, diverse book-related guest posts on the MCBD blog. We would love to know more about your author’s journey, why you wrote your new book, and more about the book itself. Reach out to admin@multiculturalchildrensbookday.com to request a copy of our guest blogger guidelines.

3. We are tentatively planning some Facebook Lives during December and January in honor of MCBD2022 so that could be an opportunity for you as well.

We believe that ALL authors have something unique and wonderful with their work. We believe that ALL authors deserve to be able to shout the news of their book from the rooftops!

So let us know if we can work together in some fashion and, as always, do not hesitate to ask if there are any details that we can clarify for you.

#ReadYourWorld!

Casual Diversity in a New Graphic Novel

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{Guest post from Debbie Dadey}

When I was a librarian, I was determined to find the perfect book for even the most reluctant reader who stepped into my library. I believe J.K. Rowling was right when she said, “If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book.” So that was my mission, but for some kids, I found the books weren’t there.

One young black girl wanted a picture book that had a black kid on the cover. A new one every week. That was easy . . . for a few weeks. There was a need for more. In fact, in 2012 only 7% of books published were about people of color.            

This was on my mind when I started writing a chapter book series called the Adventures of the Bailey School Kids with a fellow teacher, Marcia Thornton Jones. When Vampires Don’t Wear Polka Dots, the first book in the series, came out with the fabulous dark-skinned Melody on the front I hoped my young student would be pleased.

Someone could look at me and say, “Well, you are white.  What do you know about diversity?” I know that every kid should see themselves in a book. And truthfully my stories aren’t about race. My books are stories about kid characters who face some sort of problem. And many kids face the same type of problems: friends that are mean, bullies that are mean, parents who are mean, teachers who are mean, principals who are mean, monsters that are mean . . . well you get the picture.

Matt del la Pena, whose Last Stop on Market Street won the Caldecott Honor, the Newbery Medal, and the Coretta Scott King Award, said, “I used to talk overtly about race and diversity in my novels.  Over the years, I‘ve decided that the new diversity I want to explore is writing about characters that are diverse, in stories that aren’t overtly about race.” New York librarian, Betsy Bird, calls this casual diversity-where diversity is just part of the everyday lives of the characters-not the sole focus of the story. This was what I’d always strived for as a writer.

But when Scholastic Graphix wanted to release Vampires Don’t Wear Polka Dots as a graphic novel with even more diverse characters I was a bit taken back. How could we change characters that I’d known for thirty years? It was a shock to see the formerly all-white characters of Principal Davis, Carey, Howie, and Liza change to different ethnicity. But I truly believe we are all the same inside, no matter what we look like on the outside, so I embraced the change. And I hope in some library somewhere a kid will be happy to see themselves on the cover of the Vampires Don’t Wear Polka Dots graphic novel.

Perhaps they will have even found the right book to make them lifelong readers.

debbie dadey

 

Debbie Dadey is the author and co-author of 176 traditionally published books, including The Mermaid Tales and the best-selling Adventures of the Bailey School Kids. A former teacher and school librarian, Debbie enjoys sharing activities and teaching units on her website, debbiedadey.com. Connect with Debbie via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube

 

 

#OWNVOICES Books that Showcase the Diversity of our World

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(Guest post from Barefoot Books)

From the very beginning, Barefoot Books have represented a vast array of cultures and perspectives, while also providing children of all backgrounds a mirror of their own experiences.

Our newest releases are no exception! We are delighted to invite you to explore our Spring 2021 collection — this season, we’re as motivated as ever to create a space where there’s room for everyone—even a whole blue whale—as we celebrate diversity in all its forms. You will meet a non-conformist cat, travel the Inka Trail, celebrate Carnival, join a family reunion, and more.

This season’s collection is also a tribute to our precious planet. We’re delighted to present a wide selection of products that encourage kids to explore, learn about, and honor the great outdoors. Please enjoy browsing on our website, and contact us today if you would like to learn more or review Barefoot Books. We can’t wait to hear what you think!

Watch our Video!

Connect with Barefoot Books via their website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.

AUTHOR QUESTIONS

Q: What inspired you to write this book?

A: “Dad” Richardson, co-author of Family Reunion

One of the main reasons was for a Black-American boy to see themselves in a book…to show they matter. Even though diverse characters in picture books are growing, protagonists of color still are underrepresented. We then thought about how the family has been the backbone of who we are for centuries. It was a natural setting to show the importance of the family in the Black-American community.

 

Q: What inspired you to write this book?

A: Mariana Llanos, author of Run, Little Chaski!

Mariana Llanos

I saw the possibility of writing about a universal value (kindness) in a historical setting (Inka Empire) to help lift up the amazing pre-Columbian cultures of our continent. My story was inspired by the love I have for my country, Perú, and my passion for history.

 

Q: What inspired you to write this book?

A: Baptiste Paul, author of To Carnival!

My inspiration for writing To Carnival!: A Celebration in St. Lucia would definitely be my childhood experiences. When I reflect back to my childhood, there were lots of playful, joyful moments in the midst of the poverty my family experienced. Growing up, I never took part in a Carnival parade but I enjoyed listening to the soca, calypso, and steel pan music. Those fun memories of growing up would help me create a character named Melba and empower her to experience something I couldn’t.

Contributor Social Handles

Run, Little Chaski!

Author: Mariana Llanos 

Instagram @marianawritestheworld

Twitter @marianallanos

Illustrator: Mariana Ruiz Johnson 

Twitter @mruizjohnson

Instagram: @marianaruizjohnson

 

Family Reunion

Author: Chad and Dad Richardson 

twitter @chadanddadrich

Instagram @chadanddadrichardson

 

Instagram @ashleigh_corrin

Twitter @ash_corrin

 

To Carnival!

Author: Baptiste Paul

Twitter @baptistepaul

Instagram @baptistepaul77

 

Illustrator: Jana Glatt

Instagram: @janaglatt

 

Finding The Truth in Friendship

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{Guest post by Lisa Rose}

In 1997, after years of education and training, I finally had my own classroom. On the first day of school, I looked out at my students.  I really couldn’t tell one bald-headed black boy from the next. I had a horrifying thought: I am ignorant!  How could I, a grandchild of a family who was slaughtered in the Holocaust, lack understanding of a minority? The answer is exposure.

This experience happened over 20 years ago, and since that time, I have taught in many schools where most of my students are African American.  As a result, I have been immersed in both African American and Jewish communities and observe not only our differences but our similarities.  Because of this immersion in both communities, I became intrigued by stories of Black and Jewish friendships. So, when I discovered the story about how -, I was not only interested—but excited.

The story goes like this–when Marian Anderson sang at Princeton, she denied a hotel room because she was black.  Einstein, who attended her performance overheard this conversation and offered Marian a room in his house for the night.  This story became the picture book The Singer and the Scientist (Kar-Ben Publishing, 2021, ages 4-8).

Getting this story recognized as accurate, however, was no easy task. Einstein’s account of the event is well-documented. However, Marian Anderson’s autobiography tells the story in a different way. It says that her stay with Einstein was prearranged. Given this discrepancy, I had to evaluate all of the evidence.  My conclusion was that this event was embarrassing for Marian because she wrote her autobiography before the civil rights era. Marian was a reluctant activist. She would have downplayed the conflict. I submitted the story, but also noted Marian Andersen’s version in my author’s note.

This story was almost published by a different publisher, but they didn’t want the risk of an “alternative” version of the story. I was broken-hearted by this rejection. Yet, I persisted.  I continued to inquire and investigate. Finally, I presented my findings to Marian Anderson’s estate. Her estate certified that my version was the true version of the story. Years later, I submitted this story to Kar-Ben, the editor loved it and was satisfied with my research.

I am glad that I persisted. Not only did it get my book published, but it gave me an opportunity to do my part in addressing the very real and very contemporary issues of racism and anti-Semitism. I hope that my book will help many to realize the power of friendship and understanding.

A teacher’s guide is posted on my website. www.LisaRoseWrites.com. This guide will help parents and teachers to start many important conversations with young people: conversations about shared struggles and common dreams.

Unfortunately, although there are many instances of African Americans and Jews working together to make this country a freer and kinder place, antipathies between our groups have been on the rise.  Yet, if there is one thing that slavery, the Holocaust, redlining, blacklisting, and discrimination hopefully have taught us—it’s that hate and division don’t work. In the end, when we are exposed to diversity, we realize all of the possibilities different communities offer—better possibilities, possibilities of hope, and joy.

Author Lisa Rose

Author Lisa Rose

 

Bio:  Lisa Rose lives near Detroit, Mi. Her most recent picture book The Singer and the Scientist was published April 1 (Kar-Ben Publishing).  It is the story of how Albert Einstein and Marian Anderson met and became friends. You can learn more about Lisa and her books at www.LisaRoseWrites.com

Diverse Middle-Grade Books That Celebrate Poetry

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{Guest post By Tonya Duncan Ellis}

 

Roses are red.

Violets are blue.

April is National Poetry Month.

Whoo-hoo!

Clearly, my poetry writing skills are lacking, but I love reading and hearing poetry.

Started by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month was created to celebrate poets and poems. I was excited to include “Dreams,” a poem from Harlem Renaissance poet, Langston Hughes, in my book, Sophie Washington: My BFF.

According to Scholastic, poetry benefits children in many ways. Exposing kids to poems:

  1. Builds early literacy skills.
  2. Encourages them to play with language.
  3. Makes reluctant readers less intimidated by literature, since poems generally use fewer words than prose.
  4. Give kids an outlet to share feelings.

In recent years, there’s been an increase in middle-grade books written in verse or poetic stanzas. The list below includes some diverse middle-grade titles, written in verse, or that celebrate poetry, to check out.

Diverse Middle-Grade Books That Celebrate Poetry

Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander – Written in both prose and verse, this inspiring book chronicles the famed boxers growing up in Louisville, KY, where I was born and raised. Becoming Muhammad Ali showcases the fighter’s motivation, strong work ethic, and drive.

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson – This National Book Award and Newbery Honor-winning story is written in verse and chronicles the author’s growing up in South Carolina and New York during the 1960s and 1970s, describing her journey to become a writer and find her place in the world.

Emmy In the Key of Code by Aimee Lucido -When she takes a computer coding class, twelve-year-old Emmy finds her place in her new city and school and connects with a new friend, Abigail. But bad news about their computer coding teacher and Abigail, threaten her happiness. Written in verse, the book uniquely combines, poetry, music, and computer code.

Full Cicada Moon by Marilyn Hilton –Half-Black and half-Japanese main character, Mimi, aspires to become an astronaut, like the crew in the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, in this historical fiction novel written in verse. She struggles to fit in after moving to an almost all-White Vermont town and teaches readers the value of speaking out.

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai – A coming of age novel is written in verse, this novel is inspired by the author’s refugee experience fleeing Saigon, Vietnam to immigrate to Alabama. It’s a National Book Award and Newbery Honor-winning book.

Land of the Cranes by Aida Salazar –This haunting, fictional story, written in verse, shares the immigration experience of Betita, a nine-year-old girl. After her family flees Mexico to avoid the Mexican drug cartel, her father is arrested by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) and deported. She and her pregnant mother are detained in a detention camp outside Los Angeles, and their heartbreaking experience is described.

Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga – Jude and her mother flee Syria to stay with relatives in Cincinnati in this Newbery Honor-winning book, written in verse. Jude struggles with leaving her father and brother behind, fitting in, and finding her place in her new home.

Red White and Whole by Rajani LaRocca –In this free-verse story, set in the 1980s, thirteen-year-old Reha is torn between two worlds: school, where she’s the only Indian American, and home, where her family expects her to honor Old World traditions. Then she finds out her mother has leukemia and vows to be as virtuous as possible in the hope that she can heal her mom.

Simon B. Rhymin’ by Dwayne Reed – Eleven-year-old Simon Barnes uses his rap talent to make a difference in his community in this book, written in prose. The author is a fourth-grade teacher from Chicago and creator of a viral back-to-school video “Welcome to the 4th Grade.”

Some Places More Than Others by Renee Watson – Twelve-year-old Amara takes a birthday trip from Oregon to visit her Dad’s side of the family in Harlem, where she learns New York City and family history and the benefit of following your dreams. The main character’s father is a discouraged poet, and there are many references to poetry in the book, including an adaptation of the Langston Hughes poem, “Mother to Son.”

Sophie Washington: My BFF by Tonya Duncan Ellis – Sophie writes a paper about a Langston Hughes poem and is forced to make a choice between doing the right thing and risking a friendship, when her bestie asks her to plagiarize, in this illustrated chapter book, written in prose.

Starfish by Lisa Fipps-Ellie is bullied by her classmates and criticized by her mom about her weight in this affirming, free verse, a middle-grade novel. Her safe place is the pool, where she can stretch out like a starfish. With support from her father, her therapist, and a new friend, she learns to be at home with herself in any space.

 

Tonya Duncan Ellis is the author of the bestselling, award-winning Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and the Authors Guild.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
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