Books Are Not Created Equal

If you didn't get an opportunity to read this article, Where Are the People of Color in Children's Books by Walter Dean Myers, I encourage you to read it now: http://nyti.ms/1d03H2A. My first reaction to reading this compelling article was one of confirmation and validation. What Myers is saying is true! Books are not created equal for the writers or for the students who need to read them. When I initially pitched my multicultural books with musical CDs over seven years ago in New York, publishers directed me to a toy manufacturer stating that the industry did not publish books with CDs in them. There was an uneasiness to produce these types of books.Today, there are plenty of books with this concept. Another major point that some may not be aware of is that publishers truly feel that they have provided an extensive product line for diverse readers, and that is just not the case. Thus I am bothered by the industry's standards and approach because more needs to be done in terms of inclusion, yet I'm also encouraged by Myers' words because he had the guts as a veteran writer and author to ask the question which gives me/others hope. Now that this question has been raised, please create demand for diverse books to benefit diverse readers! Every story needs to be told, and every child needs to be inspired to read! Diversity and inclusion matters. This is my book perspective.http://nyti.ms/1d03H2A