Walter Dean Myers – Philip Nel

“The Boundaries of Imagination”; or, the All-White World of Children’s Books, 2014

March 17, 2014Philip NelChildren's Literature, Christopher Myers, Diverse Books, Publishing, Race, Racism, Walter Dean Myers, WhitewashingChildren's Literature, Christopher Myers, Diverse Books, Publishing, Race, Racism, Walter Dean Myers, Whitewashing16 Comments

Books transmit values. They explore our common humanity. What is the message when some children are not represented in those books? – Walter Dean Myers, “Where Are the People of Color in Children’s Books?” too often today’s books remain blind to the everyday reality of thousands of children. Children of color remain outside the boundaries

Book-Banners Hurt Young People

September 30, 2010Philip NelAlex Sanchez, Censorship, Children's Literature, David Levithan, Francesca Lia Block, J. D. Salinger, Laurie Halse Anderson, Maya Angelou, Rudolfo Anaya, Sara Ryan, Tim O'Brien, Walter Dean Myers, Young Adult LiteratureAlex Sanchez, Bullying, Censorship, Children's Literature, David Levithan, Francesca Lia Block, J. D. Salinger, Laurie Halse Anderson, Maya Angelou, Rudolfo Anaya, Sara Ryan, Suicide, Tim O'Brien, Walter Dean Myers, Young Adult Literature3 Comments

As I look at the American Library Association’s lists of Banned and Challenged Books, one recurring theme emerges: most (though not all) depict difficulties faced by children and teens. Though the motive for banning books is protection, restricting access to these books hurts the children and teens who are most in need of them. Â Laurie