Children will go with any story as long as it's good, but white adults sometimes think that if a black child's on the cover, it is perhaps not for them.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the bias in children's literature regarding race, suggesting that a good story should be accessible to all children regardless of the protagonist's race.
Malorie Blackman points out a troubling trend in the perception of children's literature, where stories featuring black protagonists may be dismissed by white adults as not being meant for white children. This reflects broader societal biases and underscores the importance of representation in literature, emphasizing that quality storytelling should transcend racial boundaries and be enjoyed by all children. The quote challenges both parents and educators to recognize the value of diverse narratives and to ensure that all children have access to a variety of stories, promoting understanding and inclusion.
In practice
Use this quote to start a discussion on diversity in children's literature at a local book club.
What I wanted to do was use literature and different kinds of stories and poems as a springboard, tapping into the creativity of our teens - I wanted teenagers to come up with their own creative responses to literature - using books themselves as a starting point.
I remember going into a bookshop, and the only book I saw with a black child on the cover was 'A Thief in the Village' by James Berry, and I thought, 'Is this still the state of publishing?' Then I thought, 'Either I can whine about it or try to do something about it.'
I hope to instill, in every child I meet, my love and enthusiasm for reading and stories.
History should belong to all of us, and it needs to include people from different cultural backgrounds. Otherwise, it risks becoming irrelevant to children, who could then become disenchanted with education.
I read a lot of highly unsuitable books for an 11-year-old. I was desperate to read as widely as possible. I thought, 'There are so many places I am never going to get the chance to visit, but I can if I read them.' And I did. I could go anywhere in the world - and off it - by reading.
Don't you know that boys don't cry?' Adam grinned. 'Shall I tell you something I've only recently discovered,' I replied, not attempting to hide the tears rolling down my face and not the least bit ashamed of them. 'Boys don't cry, but real men do.
I was looking at making a shift in my career. I've been so blessed I'd like to be able to give that back. If I could find young artists, young performers I can nurture to have a career I would really like that.
Once children learn how to learn, nothing is going to narrow their mind. The essence of teaching is to make learning contagious, to have one idea spark another.
There are many things that go to make up an education, but there are just two things without which no man can ever hope to have an education and these two things are character and good manners.
I myself owe everything to French books. They developed in my soul the sentiments of humanity which had been stifled by eight years of fanatical and servile education.
All wish to possess knowledge, but few, comparatively speaking, are willing to pay the price.
A book is like a single tree in a forest, in that it exists in conjunction with and because of a great many others around it.
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