Six years!
Can you believe MCBD is in its SIXTH YEAR?! The Multicultural Children’s Book Day team couldn’t be proud of the success we’ve achieved and the people we’ve touched along the way.
Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2019 Poster
Our mission is to not only raise awareness for the kid’s books that celebrate diversity but to get more of these of books into classrooms and libraries. [Read more…]
(Guest post by Becky Flansburg; Project Manager for MCBD)
Not long ago, I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing publisher, Philip Lee. As one of the former founders of Lee & Low Books, Philip left the company in 2004 to create his own publishing house, Readers to Eaters, in 2009. It was Philip that clued me in on a big milestone for Lee & Low Books that I felt really needed to be shouted from the rooftops. Lee & Low Books has always had a passion and commitment to diversity in children’s literature and publishing exec, Jason Low, spent some time with us to share his thoughts on diversity and a very exciting milestone for one particular Lee & Low book.
Lee & Low Book’s connection to Multicultural Children’s Book Day began way back when MCBD first began. Our non-profit has always been in awe of this diverse children’s book publisher’s passion and commitment to children’s literature.
Lee & Low Books is the largest multicultural children’s book publisher in the country, and one of the few minority-owned publishing companies in the United States. They offer books for all young readers, from leveled books for beginning readers through middle grade and young adult novels. They also publish several bilingual books, as well as books in other languages. Their books reflect the diversity and richness of the United States. LEE & LOW BOOKS is more than just a publisher: it is a leader in the movement for more diversity in literature.
The “milestone” that I discovered was impending was the 25th anniversary of Lee & Low’s very first published book, Baseball Saved Us.
The 25th anniversary of anything is a big deal, but it’s even bigger when it’s a company connected to a shared mission and vision. Thrilled and excited, I reached out to my connection at Lee & Low who in turn put me in touch with exec, Jason Low. Jason generously agreed to share his thoughts on the 25th Anniversary of Baseball Saved Us, some points of pride with his company and also his thoughts on the advancement of diversity in children’s literature. Enjoy!
Becky: Walk me briefly through Lee & Low’s timeline and what year you came on board.
JL: I joined the company in 1997. I was employee #6. By then, Lee & Low Books had established itself as a promising small publisher of quality multicultural books. At the time, one of Lee & Low’s biggest challenges was finding diverse authors and illustrators and developing stories. Many of the limitations we faced back then mainly had to do with size, or lack thereof. Everyone wore many hats. As a result, we struggled to cover the basics like keeping publication dates and sending out review copies on time. The early years were an exciting time too! The lack of resources forced us to prioritize and innovate. Working with a modest budget required us to come up with creative solutions and guerrilla marketing techniques. There is no better way to learn how to run a business than to work for a startup.
Becky: This month is the 25th anniversary of Lee & Low’s release of their very first book, Baseball Saved Us. What does this milestone mean to you personally? To the company?
JL: Baseball Saved Us will always symbolize for us how it all began. The book broke new ground by making the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II personnel. It is an underdog story set in an era of overt racism, seen through the clear-eyed innocence of a child, with America’s favorite pastime acting as a backdrop. Baseball Saved Us set the bar for us editorially, and as the years advanced, our instincts developed further, telling us what other stories still needed to be told. Our focus on ethnicity eventually widened to include other marginalized groups like LGBT and people with disabilities. “About everyone ~ For everyone” became our motto. As the business matures, we remember everything, from the highs to the lean years we had to endure. These memories give us an appreciation for where we are today. The early years taught us how to get by with less, but now that we have the means to do more for our books, it is an exciting time.
Becky: Was there any specific reason this book was chosen to be Lee & Low’s first offering?
JL: New publishers are typically focused on finding great manuscripts and publishing them as soon as possible. The chicken-and-egg model would apply here—no books = no sales. This hand-to-mouth kind of publishing persisted for a number of years. In the beginning, there was no master plan. Baseball Saved Us was one of three books ready for release in our debut year.
Becky: Do you have something special in mind to celebrate/recognize this milestone?
JL: We are working on a 25th Anniversary edition of Baseball Saved Us to commemorate this milestone. It will be released in Fall 2018.
Becky: Lee & Low has such an amazing reputation for producing impactful and quality books for readers. This is a tall order, but can you pinpoint 3-5 books that Lee & Low has published that you feel really made an impact on readers?
JL: Aside from Baseball Saved Us? I’d go with:
Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty
By G. Neri
Illustrated by Randy DuBurke
https://www.leeandlow.com/books/yummy
Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match
By Monica Brown
Illustrated by Sara Palacios
https://www.leeandlow.com/books/marisol-mcdonald-doesn-t-match-marisol-mcdonald-no-combina
Seeds of Change: Planting a Path to Peace
By Jen Johnson
Illustrated by Sonia Sadler
https://www.leeandlow.com/books/seeds-of-change
By Guadalupe Garcia McCall
https://www.leeandlow.com/books/summer-of-the-mariposas
By Tony Medina
Illustrated by Stacey Robinson, John Jennings
https://www.leeandlow.com/books/i-am-alfonso-jones
*Note: I Am Alfonso Jones is a new graphic novel, so it remains to be seen what long-term impact this book will have on readers. However, the book has already been included on lists like the New York Public Library’s Best Books for Teens and the Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens from the American Library Association (ALA), so we believe it is destined to go far.
Becky: Back in 2015, Lee & Low did a study on the Diversity Gap that showed that, despite census data that shows 37% of the US population consists of people of color, only 10% of children’s books published have diversity content. Do you feel these stats have shifted over the last 3 years?
JL: Yes and no. See our reactions and thoughts here: http://blog.leeandlow.com/2017/03/30/the-diversity-gap-in-childrens-book-publishing-2017/
Becky: If you could let readers know ONE THING about Lee & Low, what would that one thing be?
JL: If you are searching for authentic, quality, diverse books with plenty of heart, Lee & Low Books is the publisher for you. Pass it on.
Jason Low is the publisher and a co-owner of LEE & LOW BOOKS, the largest multicultural children’s book publisher in the United States. Jason has spoken at national conferences like American Library Association and Texas Library Association. He has presented at universities such as Princeton, Pratt, and NYU about the importance of inclusion in children’s books. In addition to publishing award-winning books, the company initiated a series of Diversity Gap Studies, which revealed a lack of representation across industries like film, television, and theater. Lee & Low also spearheaded the first Diversity Baseline Survey to measure diversity in publishing staff, the results of which have become an often referred to benchmark by academics and major media alike. In 2016, the Eric Carle Museum selected Lee & Low as the recipient of its Angel Award for the company’s dedication to artists and authors who offer children both mirrors and windows to the world.
{guest post from Myron Campbell-Founder of the Differences Foundation}
Since I became an author, I seem to get the same questions and statements thrown my way…the main one being, “How did you become an author?” Or “What you are doing for the kids that not too many African American males are doing.”
I get these two the most, however, there are more. As I mention every time I speak to a group of people I never saw myself as an author. When I created my children’s book series The Adventures of Melvin Walker it happened by mistake. Honestly, it was the man upstairs plans for this to happen. These were stories I told my children at night before bed. We would pick up every night right where we left off the day before.
One night my wife says, “you should put your recorder on and record yourself.” I was a little hesitate at doing that. I didn’t want to sound crazy. So, I took her advice and recorded myself. Fifteen minutes later what I recorded ended up being the first 3 pages of my first book Melvin Goes To The Ballpark.
Those who know Seema Vora Bakhru best also know that she loves tacos. From recipes to social media, this first-time author has always gravitated (and ate!) tacos in all shapes, sizes and flavors. Inspired by a love of tacos, a creative mind and her own two young boys, Seema started thinking about how her obsession with tacos could be a fun book for kids. [Read more…]
Nothing is better than when you can get input and thoughts from those who are “in the trenches.”
From the people who are “all in” on a topic or issue.
This is the case (we feel) with parents, grandparents, caregivers, librarians and educators. We wanted to know what THEY were concerned with when it came to children’s literacy, diverse books, ebooks-vs-physical books, notable diverse authors, multicultural book recommends and even the world of children’s book publishing.
So we asked 🙂
Our wildly successful #readyourworld Twitter Party on 1/27/17 was the perfect chance to ask some hard questions and get a feel for what was on the minds of those directly connected with our future leaders.
When it comes to multicultural books for kids, we asked questions like:
Here are just a few of the amazing and revealing answers we received to the above questions:
Question: Scholastic’s research on top trends in children’s literature found that LESSONS ON KINDNESS WILL BE KEY. What are parents, grandparents, caregivers, librarians and educators top concerns?
@MsHlousek-Kindness is essential to reduce bullying and increase understanding.
@EducatorsSpin-From a Kindergarten teachers point of view we all need more Kindness. I think @Scholastic is on target with that focus.
@JborenJennifer-The fact that #ReadYourWorld is trending right now gives me a glimmer of hope in the world
@HelpingKidsRise -Lessons on empathy and understanding top my list.
@BairdBev–As a teacher, I wanted to have books available for any nationality/need/concern. So many tho weren’t readily available.
@RealDadsRead–Our top concern today is “COMPASSION” How do we teach our children to always care for each other regardless of adults.
@msclift–having materials to teach and helping students learn compassion.
@KathieGl–While kindness & Acceptance are critical, I’d also like to see more on persistence.
@BooksMyKidsRead- As many have said, kindness, respect, and inclusivity top my list. But I also love seeing different culture’s traditions #ReadYourWorld
@luzdelmes–My top concern is the limited time to discuss the topic in classroom since the lesson plans are the priority.
@romenendez14–I am concerned about creating little citizens that are sensitive and aware to others’ needs & their power to contribute.
@csoundar -empathy but told in stories; if our kids don’t know – their neighbours however diff are really the same, we have no hope.
@ScottSarahE-Empathy is built when children learn about themselves and others. Empathy will change our world.
@KatMuniWrites-Kindness is a big one and also helping kids feel the freedom to be creative and unleash their voices.
Question:One new controversy in children’s book publishing is who should write from a minority point of view? What do book lovers think?
@MulticulturalB:I don’t mind writers writing on behalf of someone else, but it has to authentic & real world.
@AnnettePimentel -I think it is possible to include diverse characters in the story without being a minority author.
@Fathersincorp–Every one has a perspective. The writer has to be true to their voice and not try to speak “for.”
@StephWardRanger–I don’t mind writers writing on behalf of someone else, but it has to authentic & real world.
@csoundar–when anyone writing outside their real perspective -use “privilege” – claiming the multicultural platform for publicity.
@JennyLacika–accurate representation matters. #ownvoices or people with significant ties to the group they are writing get it right.
@TyneaLewis–Not everyone with a story to tell has the confidence or skill to tell it, so allowing someone else to be the voice is OK.
@KJlibrarian–Authors need to have understanding and sensitivity writing diverse lit. The experience must be authentic.
@monica_shah-Encourage local writers and self-publishing, local library can be good start.
@MamiTales-i think authors need to have a strong connection and understanding about the topic they write about.
@spiraledu-Minorities should write from their own point of view. It raises up & empowers minority authors/illustrators.
Question: What diversity topics in children’s books do parents, grandparents, caregivers, librarians and educators wish there were more books on?
@hispanic_mama-I’d want to see books about the indigenous people from the Amazon jungle that will raise awareness of that beautiful area!
@StephWardRanger: Immigration, 2nd generation immigrants (esp. children’s POV), refugees, cultural celebrations, life in their new country.
@MePlus3Today-Showing diverse friendships and how it is possible to get along with others who aren’t exactly like you.
@McMSchools-more faves of girls who push traditional expectations. #GirlPower
@MrJTheLibrarian-Muslim and Arab cultures. Our nation desperately needs greater understanding of our Muslim and Arab brothers and sisters.
@JennyLacika–invisible disabilities, modern native experience, multiethnic characters.
@Toppel_ELD–More books that don’t just touch on “stereotypical” aspects of cultures or differences. More than just food and holidays!
@rtslitech-Just read Ticket to India learned so much about India and Pakistan. Could use more titles from this region of the world.
@Mwallauerteach–Any biracial,multi-racial,
lgbtq families,refugee,immigrant any family in my class. I want in my room. Must have those books.
@NancyTandon–I’d love to see more books where 2 or more distinct cultures blend in one family.
@wordnerd153–Not a topic, but a type – high interest, low level books aimed at upper elem. ELL Ss. They seem to be stuck w/pic books.
@ItsMyCareer-In some capacity we need to address Mental Health.
@HelpingKidsRise-Would be great to see the culture within a culture. People within a culture often have different ways of life.
@abetterlifeblog-our ancestry is Irish/Scot. My son would love to read abt. life of his ancestors both there & when they immigrated.
@abetterlifeblog -More books about kids that are homeschooled! From day-to-day POV to books on historical figures that were homeschooled.
Question: I’m noticing characters in stories that happen to be diverse, but that’s not the point of the story. How do you feel about that?
@HelpingKidsRise–Being diverse doesn’t always need to be the focal point. Books should mirror what we see and hope to see in life.
@msclift–I wish more authentic details were incorporated in stories with diverse characters esp main characters. Show the real.
@EducatorsSpin-Having more stories that share the diverse religions around the world help build awareness & not fear.
@abetterlifeblog–It’s great. That’s life. My son should see his friends reflected in the pages of books- Latin, AA, & Asian-just like IRL.
@booksmykidsread–I’ve noticed more general diversity. Doesn’t always need to be in your face. That’s how we know we’ve made an impact.
twoscoopsspider –the point of any story is to engage the reader to read more, empathize more and connect more.
Question :Self published books versus big publishing companies. What makes you buy a self published book?
@romenendez14–There is something special about projecting a book on screen,using a wireless mouse & SITTING W YOUR KIDS as part of them!
@EducatorsSpin-Having a book to hold is still such a treasure for adults and kids. it’s captures a moment in time of someone’s world.
@LPGenschel–both have pros & cons. I am hoarding real books. I am old school. Love a page turn, what’s on the next page – suspense.
@Fathersincorp–I like self published books cause I like the “underdog” A lot of authors of color; including me, can’t get published.
@SharlinCraig–I look for top notch quality in self-published books.
@mammasmiles-the illustrations have to be really good. I do read a lot of self-published fiction on my #kindle
@Z_RiveraMorales–I buy self-published books for their story and because they fill a need.
@wordnerd153–Honestly, I wouldn’t purchase self-published books for my library b/c of the logistics. Easiest to order from Follett.
@abetterlifeblog–Content is the only measure. Don’t care who publishes it. That’s not what makes it worth reading or not.
@descendantOPR–Self-publishing for me is a good way for author to share his works immediately and honestly I found it better than other work
@StephWardRanger-Self Published feels a little more like a home cooked meal. Big publishers feel like that fancy restaurant. Both make me 🙂
@ItsMyCareer-Unfortunately low income families do not have the available resources for ebooks – laptops/tablets for all.
@SHARONPLUS4-I have mixed feeling. I’ve been disappointed in the quality of a few self-published books I’ve read.
@picturebksummit-You hit on excellent point! Indie pub authors *must* have stellar graphics & professional editor.
@Somemyrrh-Independent bookstores rarely stock small presses, which often have more diverse authors. Change that.
@abetterlifeblog-As an adult I appreciate ebooks because they’re easier but kids need the real thing.
Question: What gets kids reading?
@MulticulturalB- Collaborate w/bilingual schools/organisations and make existing multicultural books standard there.
@kathymanchip-Funny, yes. Also relatability.
@JelitaJane-action, onomatopoeia, catchy illustrations, and funny characters.
@bookishbulldawg-Graphic novels have begun to be a hit for us also. Increasing our collection now.
@MsHlousek- Realistic fiction graphic novels have been especially huge this year with students.
@erin_buhr-That if we want to encourage all children to love books then all children need to be able to find them self in a book.
@MissPandaChines -Monthly book club at the school or in the library with different themes that relate to their life for teens.
@ItsMyCareer -Engaging our youth in the process of creating/writing content. By the kids for the kids.
@SHARONPLUS4 -Funny always works for my kids. My oldest also needs plenty of fantasy and drama to get engaged in books.
@bookreviewmama-Fun one liners,great illustrations &stories they pick up the book after we are finished reading together.
@Toppel_ELD -characters/experiences. Sometimes books are funny and sometimes they are just interesting or familiar!
@Toppel_ELD -Also, books that have great language. That sound good when you read them and that include fun, new words!!
Question:What diversity topics in children’s books are you having trouble finding?
@EricaSwallow-I’d like to see more kid books about recent African immigrants, so my future children can see their father’s story.
@monica_shah-Please bring us some regional and moral stories from rural world , just like how my grandmom told me.
@GoodReadsRonna -wish there were more books featuring special needs children as main characters to empower young readers.
@thelogonauts-Great books featuring characters w/disabilities.
@AnnettePimentel -I want books that show early America as the racially & culturally diverse place it was.
@eva_landeo-indigenous populations, transgender acceptance – we need those for adults too!
@JuliejolarsonJo-I wish there were more books for young people who have parents with a physical disability. My husband was born without arms.
@StephWardRanger-Girls who are adapting to new country, celebrations/festivals w children participating, cultural comparisons (fiction).
@SHARONPLUS4-As a (white) single mom, raising (bi-racial) kids, I would love to find books that mirror our family.
@abetterlifeblog-books about families of the Christian faith that don’t paint it out to be fairy tales.
Question: What are the diversity children’s picture books and chapter books that you and your kids recommend and why?
@Adalinc3-Christopher Paul Curtis is our family’s go-to- road trip audio book author. Engaging characters, compelling plots. #ReadYourWorld
@ericaswallow -A+ diversity kid’s books to read: “The Case for Loving” by @SelinaAlko & “Last Stop on Market Street” by @mattdelapena
@GoodReadsRonna -Lynda Mullaly Hunt’s Fish in a Tree about dyslexia @MCChildsBookDay Hank Zipzer books too.
@KathieGl-Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu.
@Librarian_Reads-LAST STOP ON MARKET ST flies bc of its 3 shiny stickers. Inclusivity of national awards MATTERS. Both to Ss + buyers.
@Adalinc3–Double Happiness by Nancy Tupper Ling. Moving to new country. Very lovely book.
@CNE_Gutierrez–Stepping Stones by Margriet Ruurs-the artwork created by rocks from a Syrian artist that represent refugee stories of leaving the known for the unknown.
@ScottSarahE-3rd-5th graders love the Who Was series. So many choices!
@variouspagings-My nephew has a tree nut allergy and loved the book Nutley, the Nut-free squirrel.
@epagelhogan–El Deafo and Roller Girl.
@RubytheGeek-Geronimo Stilton’s graphic novels are great too. historical fiction in graphic novel form.
@NancyTandon–MY TWO BLANKETS by Irena Kobold. Gorgeous book. Beautiful story of blending into a world you didn’t ask to join.
@RubytheGeek-the dear america series is awesome. Great characters and historical fiction.
@BairdBev -My class loved “The Sandwich Swap”, Amazing Grace, Lion Dancer, The Name Jar.
@wordnerd153-All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook about incarcerated parents. Kinda Like Brothers for foster care.
@monica_shah-We recommend Panchatantra Stories from India, they are short stories n moral ones.
@bookishbulldawg–The Thing About Luck and Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian is always a hit
@wordnerd153-Just read Being Perfect, #mglit about a girl with OCD by @ellyswartz Amazing! Already have kids asking for it.
@WritingThief recently published a book about mentor texts that celebrate Latino culture.
@MsHlousek-I connected a student to Matt de la Pena’s books last year & that was the first book the student actually enjoyed reading.
Question 12: What is the message you want to tell publishers and authors with regard to diversity in children’s books?
@MsHlousek-Now more than ever there is a great need for diversity in children’s books with messages of tolerance and kindness
@Toppel_ELD-Authors need exposure & the know how and large publishing companies must be intentional about choosing diverse stories
AnnettePimentel-I want books that show early America as the racially & culturally diverse place it was.
@Adalinc3-If you publish it, it will be bought & enjoyed & our youth will grow up with more understanding & compassion to pass on.
@klburkinshaw1-By reading multicultural books, readers learn to see the whole picture, building empathy and compassion.
@themixedmama -diversity is beautiful and should be shown as much as possible! Our children need to see it. ♡
@MamiTales-We want to read our world. It is a very large place with tons of people and cultures. Reading brings us together.
@StephWardRanger-Keep publishing…we are only getting more diverse & have children looking to normalize their lives.
@sonlight00-we need them for the kids to live a more peaceful existence and to break down barriers!
@JeanGMike-Just consider you audience and know that you are shaping their little minds.
@MissPandaChines-Diversity is in us and it is in every child if we have more diversity books to feed their minds and open their world.
@StephWardRanger-Make them as realistic as possible. From the clothes, to the scenery to the storyline/challenges. Keep it meaningful.
@bookishbulldawg-I’ll say it forever, children and teens deserve to see themselves in books. Mirrors and windows!
@EMargritH-We live in a diverse world and #kidlit should reflect that. Our kids deserve to see themselves on the page. Period.
@BairdBev-Publishers – tell all stories, all viewpoints – so that every child can see themselves positively in a book!
@abbynaverysmom-{Authors}even if your afraid to write about something, do it, it can mean the world to someone & get the message out.
@MtnFlwr1-To writers: believe in yourself and your message. Publishers are just waking up to these issues so don’t give up!
@KidLitTV_NYC -How about books from @andominguez? They are bilingual and so much fun #ReadYourWorld http://buff.ly/2jGEz5U
Best hour of the week! It was a pleasure interacting with you all!! #ReadYourWorld
— Josh Jenkins (@MrJTheLibrarian) January 28, 2017
With our loudest rebel yell – “more, more, more.”
We want more.#ReadYourWorld https://t.co/0eLnnTz17W
— A Crafty Arab (@acraftyarab) January 28, 2017
@JumpIntoABook1 @pragmaticmom @RebeccFlansburg AWESOME party #ReadYourWorld
— Maritza M. Mejia (@luzdelmes) January 28, 2017
@MCChildsBookDay Thank you for another fabulous year & twitter chat. #ReadYourWorld
— Bonnie Dani (@Adalinc3) January 28, 2017
Excellent TwitterChat! Thanks for putting this together @pragmaticmom @MCChildsBookDay #ReadYourWorld pic.twitter.com/sKGJwaGi8U
— Anthony Tucker (@TuckerAnthony) January 28, 2017
@pragmaticmom thanks for a wonderful day where we stepped closer to understanding our MC world through books &conversations! #readyourworld
— Ro Menendez (@romenendez14) January 28, 2017
#Readyourworld #StoryTimeWithMrsShauna #eNannylink
THANK YOU!!!!!! GRACIAS!!MCBD2017 TWITTER PARTY AWESOME!!! pic.twitter.com/MLJ9kifCjh— MRS. SHAUNA (@enannylink1) January 28, 2017
