Studens are heading back to school again, in a year roiling with the controversy over teaching Black history. Some parents and lawmakers apparently fear that teaching children about the accomplishments of Black people in the past will somehow damage white learners. I defy anyone to feel damaged by learning the story of Clara Belle Drisdale […]
Clara Belle Williams: New Mexico Pioneer in Education Read More »
October 23, 2022 at 2:pm Launch event for Unlawful Orders at the 57th Street Books, 1301 E 57th street in Chicago Illinois. The author of Unlawful Orders, a nonfiction middle grade historical biography of Dr. James Buchanan Williams that covers the 20th century battle for equal rights in society and the medical profession. Barbara Binns,
For some readers, the attractions of a new culture or setting can be huge. We all know our own culture down to the level of our subconscious and consider it “normal,” possibly even boring. I admit I enjoy seeing and reading about other cultures and peoples. Black Panther’s land of Wakanda and it’s tribal structure and
Crafting Fictional Cultures Read More »
When authors write about POC, the very last thing they should be worrying about is what word to use to describe a character’s skin color. (or the slant in the eyes, the shape of the nose, etc.) Once an author has elaborated on the exact skin hue … well, exactly what do readers really know
Chocolate or Coffee? Read More »
I’ve heard numerous white authors use variations of that phrase when they decide to include characters from marginalized groups in their stories. Writers make things up all the time, they insist. They seldom appear capable of seeing any other reason for negative reaction to their work. Readers, critics, and reviewers who complain about their works
I’m a writer, I can just use my imagination Read More »
I can’t count the number of times I have heard that word used by agents and editors at a writers conference I attended in the fall. Prairie Writers and Illustrators day is a yearly one-day affair by the Illinois chapter of SCBWI. The conference is hosted at Harper College in Palatine, Illinois every fall. During
Voice and Ownvoices Read More »
Domestic violence is a quiet epidemic, hitting 25% of all women, and 7.6 percent of men at some point in their lives. October is Domestic Violence month, for the millions of men, women and children who live within violent homes every day. Domestic violence makes up 21% of all violent crimes, and has no respect
Courage Spotlight – Domestic Violence Read More »
There are many kinds of courage. Living with Sickle Cell Disease requires more than one of them. Dontae Morrow is twelve, and does not want to be labeled the sick kid. He may have to live with sickle cell disease, but that does not define him. Being the minister’s son, however, does sometimes prove difficult
Courage Spotlight – Sickle Cell Disease Read More »
Not too long ago, I found myself in a well-known, independent feminist bookstore wondering where all the characters of color were. This was a while into my time working there as a bookseller, but I often thought back to the first day I stepped into this particular shop–how magical it was (especially compared to Barnes
A New Challenge – Jill Kuangfung Read More »
B A Binns & Nancy Goodfellow The Illinois Library Association, ILA, held it’s annual conference in Rosemont, Il on October 19 and 20. On Wednesday, Oct 19, I spoke at a session titled Using Diverse Books in Library Programs. Along with my co-presenter, Nancy Goodfellow, a member of the National Association for Down Syndrome, the
Using Diverse Books in Library Programs – ILA 2016 Read More »