CBC Diversity Presents: "It's Complicated!"

May 21, 2012

CBC Diversity is dedicated to increasing the diversity of voices and experiences contributing to children's literature -- encouraging diversity of race, gender, geographical origin, sexual orientation, and class among both the creators of and the topics addressed by children's literature.  

As part of this ongoing effort, CBC Diversity is pleased to present: 

"It's Complicated!", a blog dialogue addressing a topic that has frequently arisen at the Diversity table -- the concept of responsibility and authenticity when writing about diverse characters and how authors, editors, and agents can choose/write stories that reflect the diverse nature of our society.   

Nancy Mercado, CBC Diversity Chair and Executive Editor, Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan Children's, will kick-off the conversation with a post on the CBC Diversity blog today, Monday, May 21. Her thoughts will be followed up by a post each day this week from the unique perspectives and experiences of a varied group of voices in the industry:

Tuesday   

Author Cynthia Leitich Smith

Wednesday

Agent Stefanie Von Borstel, Full Circle Literary, LLC

Thursday

Senior Editor Cheryl Klein, Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic   

Friday

Advocate/Reviewer Debbie Reese  

Get involved in the conversation!

We want to encourage everyone to become a part of the conversation by posting in the comments section of the blog throughout the week. This is an opportunity to become a partner in the effort to represent the diverse nature of our society in both the creators of and topics addressed by children's literature.  

Please join us online and post your thoughts all week long!