APATT 2018 Report - Appendix 1
Notes from Question 1 of the Roundtable discussions
We’d all agree that children need access to inclusive books (featuring a range of abilities, ages, ethnicities, genders, races, religions, sexual orientations, and socio-economic classes). Please say in one sentence why you personally feel that this is important?
Because they should be
Because that’s right
Because everyone matters
Because we should
I write diverse stories because that’s the society I live in. I write for all children (Sita Brahmachari)
Because- children need representation role models in fiction and non-fiction as well as life outside books
Public libraries are for the public; children should see themselves represented on the shelves
Diverse stories give children knowledge, empathy and confidence to stand up against discrimination
Because I love reading and think it is important and enriching; I think it is an experience that include, reflect and and be enjoyed by everyone regardless of their background
Educational, human rights and moral imperative
I am the main character
It’s important for children’s sense of identity and development to see themselves in books they read otherwise they will look for it in alienated places
To feel less alone
You can’t dream in the same way
Allowing children to see themselves on the page
Children more likely to read if they can see themselves
Aspiration of diverse writers if they see other diverse stories on the market
Having a language to know who you are
Children cannot be what they cannot see
Looking for hope, while seeing people like themselves but also empathise with others not like themselves; because reading nurtures empathy
Children need access to inclusive and diverse books so they can empathise with others
Celebrate difference-other life experience and cultures through books
To walk in other people’s shoes in a safe environment
Storytelling as the foundation of everything
Bookshops should feel like safe places for everyone when they come in
To make sure all children from all walks feel they can achieve anything
Normalisation- reflection of what society is like;“just happen to use”
Because books need to represent life – and all children should be able to relate totally with someone in a book and see themselves
We are failing a potential market
Get more kids reading
If you don’t see yourself, why would you care? Why would you engage?
Children who see themselves go on to be more successful and children accept what they see and so become more empathetic adults
So that there’s a chance that every child can see themselves and be exposed to other experiences through literature
To find ourselves and explore others perspectives through books
I write for reluctant readers. Need to make sure I write for all children
“We are all diversity” makes sure we learn about our similarities rather than our differences
Because no one should be left behind
I think inclusive books are vital for
Entering fiction
Becoming a writer
Entering the workplace
Children need to see themselves in their very first book
Every child has a right to see themselves in the stories that help them make sense of the world.
Books should be diverse because books are mirrors-it’s important to see yourself in them
And they are windows into other lives
Inclusive books show children as children just not as disabled; complex; that they have aspirations
All children should be able to see themselves in books
No child should be branded by gender
We set up Lantana Publishing because we believe that all children deserve to see themselves in the books they read
What’s their experience of children’s literature?
I’m a lesbian and growing up I rarely saw queer characters in the books I read.
When I got into publishing there was real resistance to inclusion “the books won’t sell” but now diverse characters are seen as commercial opportunities
Kids books lead to happier healthier lives.