Reading, Writing, and Banning Children's Books

Basic BlackAbout half of all American children are non-White. Until the last few years, children of color rarely saw themselves in the pages of children’s books. But an increase in the number of authors, including authors of color, writing about the cultural lives of kids of color has resulted in a children’s media slightly more diverse than adult content. Now that progress is threatened by a national book banning campaign targeting books by authors of color. What is the damage done by preventing these stories to be read?Our panelists:Jabari Asim, Professor, Emerson College and author of several children and adult books including his recent novel, “Yonder”Mia Wenjen, co-founder of Multicultural Children’s Book Day and author of books for kids, including her picture book, “Sumo Joe”Denise Adusei, a preschool founder and teacher, and the co-founder of Latinx Pitch and Black Creators Headquarters.Dr. Rajani LaRocca, author of many novels and picture books, including her award-winning book, “Red, White, and Whole”Callie Crossley hosts.