And it's 9! Time for this week's #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:01 PM
@rachelnseigel Are you my better half tonight? : ) #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:02 PM
Just some quick background on tonight's topic before we get rolling... #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:02 PM
Oh, my! Three great chats right now... #nnnchat, #mglitchat #habitudes ...!
Joy Kirr @JoyKirr
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:02 PM
Betsy Bird (@FuseEight) raised a question in May about new MG with African American boy MCs and 1/2 #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:02 PM
Grr, searching on #mglitchat in Tweetdeck gives me an error, so I can't see the chat. I can search on anything else fine. But not that.
Eric Berlin @ericberlinct
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:03 PM
Anyone having trouble with TweetChat, I recommend Twubs. Working for me tonight #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:03 PM
RT @KDuBayGillis: Betsy Bird (@FuseEight) raised a question in May about new MG with African American boy MCs and 1/2 #mglitchat
Rachel Seigel @rachelnseigel
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:03 PM
@ericberlinct Try Twubs. Working fine for me. #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:04 PM
@ericberlinct I agree with @KDuBayGillis -- Twubs is working for me tonight. #mglitchat
Alicia Thompson @aliciabooks
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:04 PM
and as a result of her question, she wrote a blog about how black boys were missing from MG now. #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:05 PM
The link to @FuseEight's blog post is here http://t.co/O6gE5xFxzq #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:05 PM
RT @KDuBayGillis: and as a result of her question, she wrote a blog about how black boys were missing from MG now. #mglitchat
Rachel Seigel @rachelnseigel
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:05 PM
Author Varian Johnson provided some interesting thoughts on his blog in response http://t.co/maoGMb3AU0 #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:06 PM
RT @KDuBayGillis: Author Varian Johnson provided some interesting thoughts on his blog in response http://t.co/maoGMb3AU0 #mglitchat
Rachel Seigel @rachelnseigel
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:06 PM
So, tonight, maybe we first focus on African American boy MCs in MG, then expand our chat on diversity in MG #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:08 PM
Are there recent MG titles that folks have read with African American boy MCs? #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:08 PM
Are librarians/teachers out there looking for these books and having a hard time finding them for readers? #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:09 PM
(Is everyone having Tweet Chat problems tonight?) Oh no! #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:10 PM
@KDuBayGillis Offhand, I think of FORGE and CHAINS by @halseanderson #mglitchat (sorry if this is a duplicate tweet)
Alicia Thompson @aliciabooks
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:11 PM
@KDuBayGillis These are a couple of years old, but I liked the Brendan Buckley series. #mglitchat
Rachel Seigel @rachelnseigel
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:11 PM
@aliciabooks @KDuBayGillis @halseanderson #mglitchat Isn't the MC a girl in that series?
Rachel Seigel @rachelnseigel
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:11 PM
@aliciabooks So, historical fiction with African American MCs #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:12 PM
#mglitchat How about Walter Dean Myers "Cruisers" series?
Rachel Seigel @rachelnseigel
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:13 PM
@rachelnseigel @KDuBayGillis I was thinking of the character of Curzon especially... #mglitchat
Alicia Thompson @aliciabooks
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:13 PM
@KDuBayGillis #mglitchat Not trouble. It does look incredibly different. Is it just me? (And listening..shhh.) #MGlitchat
Pamela Ross @WriterRoss
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:13 PM
Still trying to get chat working over here, ignore this... #mglitchat
Eric Berlin @ericberlinct
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:13 PM
Ah, success! Okay, then. #mglitchat
Eric Berlin @ericberlinct
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:13 PM
@rachelnseigel @KDuBayGillis But it is hard to think of ones in the last 5 years off the top of my head, which is the problem! #mglitchat
Alicia Thompson @aliciabooks
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:14 PM
I know that Betsy's blog was lamenting lack of 2013 titles with African American boy MCs. #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:14 PM
Is the problem a lack of black main characters, or a lack of black authors? #mglitchat
Eric Berlin @ericberlinct
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:14 PM
@aliciabooks @KDuBayGillis #mglitchat It is tricky. Shows how big a gap there is.
Rachel Seigel @rachelnseigel
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:15 PM
RT @ericberlinct: Is the problem a lack of black main characters, or a lack of black authors? #mglitchat
Rachel Seigel @rachelnseigel
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:15 PM
@ericberlinct Well there's a question. But does that mean black boy MCs must only be written by black authors? #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:16 PM
#MGLitchat Twubs worked before, not won't show posts. Trying... Jump Into the Sky is a WWII story- at least not about slavery.
Sandy Brehl @PBWorkshop
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:16 PM
I know for me, I'd have a challenging time feeling comfortable writing any other ethnicity unless I really immersed myself #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:16 PM
@KDuBayGillis @ericberlinct Also interesting that it's specifically a lack of black MALE main characters, as well. #mglitchat
Alicia Thompson @aliciabooks
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:16 PM
@KDuBayGillis #mglitchat That's exactly what I was about to say. It's dificult to write the opposite sex too!
Rachel Seigel @rachelnseigel
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:17 PM
@KDuBayGillis Certainly not, but they'd be the most qualified, one would think. #mglitchat
Eric Berlin @ericberlinct
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:17 PM
Chatters, if TweetChat is being a pain, try Twubs! We need you!! Find us! #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:17 PM
I certainly don't think I would be able to do a black MC justice. Or Asian, or etc. #mglitchat
Eric Berlin @ericberlinct
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:17 PM
@rachelnseigel Absolutely! But I don't want to write white girls the rest of my life, either. #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:18 PM
#mglitchat What we need is a series like Wimpy Kid featuring diverse characters.
Rachel Seigel @rachelnseigel
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:18 PM
@ericberlinct I feel that way too. It's all about getting it right. #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:18 PM
@KDuBayGillis I know how you feel. Imagine how limiting it would be to only write about white girls. #mglitchat
Rachel Seigel @rachelnseigel
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:19 PM
However, if I lived a more diverse life, I might feel differently. Might feel more qualified/brave to try. #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:19 PM
Fabulous bk for this chat: EIGHTH-GRADE SUPERZERO by Olugbemisola Rhuday Perkovich. Smart, well-written, funny, great characters #MGlitchat
Pamela Ross @WriterRoss
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:19 PM
Hey all - coming late and totally exhausted but VERY interested in this subject! #mglitchat
Dana Alison Levy @Danaalisonlevy
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:20 PM
@rachelnseigel @KDuBayGillis I've gone back to boy MCs after 2 novels w/ girls & I'm loving getting into the boy voice. #mglitchat
Rosanne Parry @RosanneParry
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:24 PM
RT @KDuBayGillis: Meaning, I think there's definitely a market and need for these books! #mglitchat
Sandy Brehl @PBWorkshop
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:24 PM
Shocking stats: recent survey of thousands of kids books, only 3.3% w/African American characters (From @firstbook blog today) #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:24 PM
@Danaalisonlevy Often if race is not driving the plot the characters race is assumed to be white in spite of the text. #mglitchat
Rosanne Parry @RosanneParry
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:24 PM
Stats WORSE for Asian-Pacific, Latino, and American Indian. So sad. We need to fix this! #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:25 PM
@KDuBayGillis Any stats on how many acquiring editors are African American? #mglitchat
Jeanie Wogaman @jeanie_w
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:26 PM
@RosanneParry And isn't that sad that is our default setting about character race in our books? #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:26 PM
@KDuBayGillis When I was a kid, I read a lot of books where the MC was just like me - EMILY OF NEW MOON comes to mind. #mglitchat
Alicia Thompson @aliciabooks
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:26 PM
RT @KDuBayGillis: Stats WORSE for Asian-Pacific, Latino, and American Indian. So sad. We need to fix this! #mglitchat
Sasha Reinhardt @MiddleGrdReads
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:26 PM
@jeanie_w Great question. Don't know. But I do recall Cheryl Klein making statement that editors want to see these books. #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:26 PM
Not sure if I am here but I am. How existential does this sound? (And listening to chat.) #mglitchat http://t.co/pjkynQL9lb
Pamela Ross @WriterRoss
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:26 PM
2/2 perhaps that's why the historical fiction approach is more "comfortable" for authors. Wondering? #mglitchat http://t.co/88uFSiWMzE
Sandy Brehl @PBWorkshop
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:27 PM
@KDuBayGillis But I happily read ANYTHING, and open to different MCs. If I were a minority, I'd want more MCs to be just like me! #mglitchat
Alicia Thompson @aliciabooks
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:27 PM
@WriterRoss You are here! : ) #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:27 PM
@KDuBayGillis Ah. Sweet. And Twubbing. Thank you for the suggestion. #mglitchat http://t.co/pjkynQL9lb
Pamela Ross @WriterRoss
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:27 PM
@rosanneparry True, but maybe more of these books became popular the default setting would change? (maybe!) #mglitchat
Dana Alison Levy @Danaalisonlevy
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:27 PM
@KDuBayGillis I've heard that the 80-85% of books are bought by a white buyer. If it's true it's a big part of the problem. #mglitchat
Rosanne Parry @RosanneParry
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:28 PM
I think I recall @KurtisScaletta saying his new MG doesn't specify. Reader could impose whatever ethnicity they want. #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:28 PM
#mglitchat I taught in a school that was 97% African American. they mentioned more than once that the kids in books didn't look like them.
Laura Leigh Johnson @LalaleighJ
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:28 PM
@RosanneParry But would the %buyer change if the choices improved? #mglitchat http://t.co/88uFSiWMzE
Sandy Brehl @PBWorkshop
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:28 PM
@KDuBayGillis @firstbook I saw that too. And it's worse for Asian and Hispanic characters. Only 0.6% Native American characters. #mglitchat
Rosanne Parry @RosanneParry
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:29 PM
I know for me writing a family w diverse adopted kids I had to think about whether to call out the race or let it be implicit #mglitchat
Dana Alison Levy @Danaalisonlevy
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:29 PM
I'm totally guilty of this "default setting." Remember in When You Reach me one character described as black and I was floored. #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:29 PM
@KDuBayGillis #mglitchat @AdamGidwitz has some interesting things to say about the perceived ethnicity of Hansel & Gretel
Alexander London @ca_london
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:29 PM
@WriterRoss YES! Loved that book! Looking forward to PS BE ELEVEN as well #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:30 PM
@RosanneParry I could SAY a character is black as I put him through a believable story, but would he feel authentic? I don't know #mglitchat
Eric Berlin @ericberlinct
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:30 PM
RT @LalaleighJ: #mglitchat I taught in a school that was 97% African American. they mentioned more than once that the kids in books didn't …
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:30 PM
@LalaleighJ That was true for me many years ago, but it doesn't seem to have improved in two decades. #mglitchat http://t.co/88uFSiWMzE
Sandy Brehl @PBWorkshop
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:30 PM
@LalaleighJ And did that affect their willingness/desire to read? I assume it must. #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:31 PM
I thought Varian Johnson's post on what to do was great. http://t.co/maoGMb3AU0 #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:31 PM
#mglitchat I think we can agree that writing a minority MC should be more than merely describing the character's skin color as dark.
Eric Berlin @ericberlinct
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:31 PM
@Danaalisonlevy Or if major reviewers noted the ethnicity of the main characters. Sometimes its hard to tell by the cover. #mglitchat
Rosanne Parry @RosanneParry
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:31 PM
Varian wants to mentor authors of color and authors writing characters of color. Excellent. #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:32 PM
#mglitchat I feel awkward describing characters that are black. Even after being immersed in the community. I have two secondary characters.
Laura Leigh Johnson @LalaleighJ
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:32 PM
@ericberlinct Absolutely. About life experiences. And the diversity of those experiences. #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:32 PM
@ericberlinct Most definitely, and more than describing the color as chocolate or coffee, too. ;) #mglitchat
Alicia Thompson @aliciabooks
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:33 PM
@KDuBayGillis Yes! What kids find missing are books with non-urban kids of color. #mglitchat
Megan F. Blakemore @meganbfrazer
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:33 PM
So, I'm hearing writers are worried about authenticity. But that's something we strive for with ALL of our characters. Right? #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:33 PM
Manny of the current and past Jane Addams Award winners feature diverse cultures: http://t.co/EErPoIRGtx #mglitchat http://t.co/88uFSiWMzE
Sandy Brehl @PBWorkshop
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:33 PM
@Danaalisonlevy Sharon Draper's Clubhouse Mystery series is a bit young but they r contemporary stories. #mglitchat
Rachel Seigel @rachelnseigel
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:33 PM
With all respect to my friend Kurtis, I think non-specifying the race is a bit of a cop out. #mglitchat
Eric Berlin @ericberlinct
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:33 PM
@KDuBayGillis #MGLitChat they were k-1 kids, but probably later on it did. We sought out books. I still have quite a few in my PB collection
Laura Leigh Johnson @LalaleighJ
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:34 PM
@PBWorkshop That's the hope! But increasing minority book ownership will help a bunch. Support @FirstBook @RIF & others! #mglitchat
Rosanne Parry @RosanneParry
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:34 PM
Maybe the key is to find beta-readers to give us the needed ground truthing. #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:35 PM
@ericberlinct And I certainly don't want to mis-quote him. I think it spoke to the idea of the "default setting" of race. #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:36 PM
@ericberlinct It's a tricky question. I try to ask my self at the start, must this character be white? & be open to options. #mglitchat
Rosanne Parry @RosanneParry
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:37 PM
@ericberlinct #MGLitChat I don't spend a lot of time describing characters appearance, but want to be diverse. I worry about doing it wrong
Laura Leigh Johnson @LalaleighJ
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:37 PM
@meganbfrazer I can see that. The need for the suburban African American family. Avoid the stereotypes. Every kid in any setting. #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:37 PM
2/2 why wouldn't we apply these principles of crafting fiction to characters of different races/sexual orientation/gender? #mglitchat
Dana Alison Levy @Danaalisonlevy
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:38 PM
@KDuBayGillis @meganbfrazer #mglitchat Basically what we want is the Cosby show in a MG novel.
Rachel Seigel @rachelnseigel
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:38 PM
@rosanneparry LOVE that - a great way to start dreaming up who your characters are. #mglitchat
Dana Alison Levy @Danaalisonlevy
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:39 PM
#mglitchat I've got two MG aged A-A kids next store. I should ask them. Why didn't I think of that?
Laura Leigh Johnson @LalaleighJ
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:39 PM
@RosanneParry @ericberlinct #mglitchat Me, too. I try to challenge my own default settings/assumptions.
Megan F. Blakemore @meganbfrazer
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:39 PM
@Danaalisonlevy I agree with this. We need to get into any of our characters' heads. But I think there is a difference... #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:39 PM
@kdubaygillis Exactly! I was trying to say that in a much longer and wordier way! #mglitchat #Ineedaneditor
Dana Alison Levy @Danaalisonlevy
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:40 PM
@KDuBayGillis More minority voices is definitely key. As writers, we can imagine anything, but we do tend to write what we know. #mglitchat
Alicia Thompson @aliciabooks
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:40 PM
@rachelnseigel Or books that show the diversity of the African American experience in America. Same with other ethnicities. #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:41 PM
@KDuBayGillis It's another stereotype that so many ethnic characters are portrayed in lower class, urban settings. #mglitchat
Rachel Seigel @rachelnseigel
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:41 PM
Writing a book w/ white characters (if you're white) is the easiest difficulty setting. #mglitchat http://t.co/2I7o84ptOv
Eric Berlin @ericberlinct
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:41 PM
A young MG is No Dogs Allowed Rule by Kashmira Sheth: http://t.co/2hUkMAaWht Asian/Indian male MC in USA. #mglitchat http://t.co/88uFSiWMzE
Sandy Brehl @PBWorkshop
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:42 PM
The problem is, the easiest difficulty setting for writing a book is still really, really hard. #mglitchat http://t.co/2I7o84ptOv
Eric Berlin @ericberlinct
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:42 PM
@meganbfrazer @ericberlinct Yes & then if I'm unsure about a cultural detail, I go find somebody who can help. That part is easy. #mglitchat
Rosanne Parry @RosanneParry
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:42 PM
@KDuBayGillis @rachelnseigel I had a student who really wanted a book about biracial skateboarders, AKA: him. #mglitchat
Megan F. Blakemore @meganbfrazer
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:42 PM
@ericberlinct Bingo. But for me, I think it speaks volumes about my need to lead a more diverse life. #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:42 PM
@writesinLA #MGLitChat yes. In my story, they attend a international school.But the black characters are not American they are from all over
Laura Leigh Johnson @LalaleighJ
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:43 PM
@RosanneParry I think cultural details are easier than voice- that MUST ring true, but beta readers help. #mglitchat http://t.co/88uFSiWMzE
Sandy Brehl @PBWorkshop
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:43 PM
@ericberlinct So true! :-) #mglitchat
Rosanne Parry @RosanneParry
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:43 PM
Is this reminding anyone else of the recent Cheerios ad dustup? #mglitchat http://t.co/88uFSiWMzE
Sandy Brehl @PBWorkshop
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:44 PM
@RosanneParry @ericberlinct It does help to work with kids. I realize points of commonality are greater than differences. #mglitchat
Megan F. Blakemore @meganbfrazer
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:44 PM
@PBWorkshop Yes! Also, some of the unnecessary controversy over the new ABC Family show THE FOSTERS. #mglitchat
Alicia Thompson @aliciabooks
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:44 PM
@kdubaygillis @meganbfrazer My book has gay dads & 4 boys of various ethnicities, suburban and more Penderwicks than gangsta. #mglitchat
Dana Alison Levy @Danaalisonlevy
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:44 PM
@meganbfrazer @ericberlinct For example the Center for American Islamic Relations has experts on Islam that I could talk to. #mglitchat
Rosanne Parry @RosanneParry
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:45 PM
I just became a member of the #mglitchat Twub. For live tweets, photos, videos and more, check out http://t.co/pjkynQL9lb
Pamela Ross @WriterRoss
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:45 PM
@RosanneParry @ericberlinct Which is not to erase differences, or whitewash them, so to speak. #mglitchat
Megan F. Blakemore @meganbfrazer
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:45 PM
My hope is that all kinds of kids find themselves, but as a straight white woman, it was a big step outside the comfort zone. #mglitchat
Dana Alison Levy @Danaalisonlevy
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:45 PM
There really was no Cheerios ad dustup, by the way. http://t.co/ee5nKoYMwK #mglitchat
Eric Berlin @ericberlinct
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:45 PM
@Danaalisonlevy Title? Status? I want to read! #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:45 PM
@meganbfrazer Have him try Bull Rider. It's about a cowboy skateboarder. :-) #mglitchat
Rosanne Parry @RosanneParry
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:47 PM
@meganbfrazer Well that's the million dollar question for me. What is universal, and what's my myopic presumption? #mglitchat
Dana Alison Levy @Danaalisonlevy
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:47 PM
Kids are more alike than different. Ethnicity doesn't matter that much. All should be authentically represented. #MGLitChat
Laura Leigh Johnson @LalaleighJ
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:47 PM
@Danaalisonlevy So, what did you do to achieve authenticity? #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:48 PM
@lalaleighj YES. And really, all kids find cat barf jokes funny. I now feel pretty confident about this. #mglitchat
Dana Alison Levy @Danaalisonlevy
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:48 PM
@LalaleighJ THat's much easier to say when you easily find yourself in the characters/setting of books. #mglitchat http://t.co/88uFSiWMzE
Sandy Brehl @PBWorkshop
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:48 PM
@meganbfrazer @ericberlinct I've found people very generous, esp. for a kids book. They want their community to have a voice. #mglitchat
Rosanne Parry @RosanneParry
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:49 PM
@Danaalisonlevy @kdubaygillis @meganbfrazer Title? #mglitchat
Rosanne Parry @RosanneParry
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:49 PM
RT @LalaleighJ: Kids are more alike than different. Ethnicity doesn't matter that much. All should be authentically represented. #MGLitChat
Becky AS @Bec_AS
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:49 PM
What about reading memoirs? Helpful to better understand/help achieve authenticity? #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:49 PM
@Danaalisonlevy I taught writing to kids in S. Bronx in college. I expected to read gangs, etc; they wrote friends, family, love. #mglitchat
Megan F. Blakemore @meganbfrazer
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:50 PM
#MGLitChat I don't know if I could do a MC that is another ethnicity. I wonder if I could get the voice right. Maybe when I've written more
Laura Leigh Johnson @LalaleighJ
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:50 PM
I don't find it awkward mentioning ethnicity of a character who's new to the POV character. #mglitchat http://t.co/qIWFwaYwV2
em cameron @ohmynoti
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:50 PM
@kdubaygillis Cat barf jokes.kidding. I tried to be authentic to childhood, and thoughtful about unique challenges each boy faces.#mglitchat
Dana Alison Levy @Danaalisonlevy
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:51 PM
@KDuBayGillis I'd be interested in knowing everyone's favorite book as a child--that featured a protag of a race not their own. #mglitchat
Susan J. Steward @susanjsteward
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:51 PM
@meganbfrazer LOVE hearing that. #mglitchat
Dana Alison Levy @Danaalisonlevy
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:51 PM
@LalaleighJ I agree- not that I wouldn't want to, but I don't know if I could be authentic enough without a lot of practice. #mglitchat
Becky AS @Bec_AS
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:52 PM
Would love to expand the diversity of this particular group!!!! #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:52 PM
Gets awkward making sure your audience's default settings don't have time to kick in w/ POV char or BFF... #mglitchat http://t.co/qIWFwaYwV2
em cameron @ohmynoti
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:52 PM
I guess I don't understand how publishers aren't sensing a wide-open market. Can't they COMMISSION books from black writers? #mglitchat
Eric Berlin @ericberlinct
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:52 PM
RT @KDuBayGillis: Would love to expand the diversity of this particular group!!!! #mglitchat
Sandy Brehl @PBWorkshop
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:52 PM
@ohmynoti #MGLitChat Yes, because they would notice the new person's appearance. But what if they are a known person to the MC?
Laura Leigh Johnson @LalaleighJ
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:52 PM
@susanjsteward @KDuBayGillis Wizard of Earthsea by Ursuala LeGuin has a black boy MC. Read that book a zillion times! #mglitchat
Rosanne Parry @RosanneParry
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:52 PM
...of colour when there isn't a plot-specific reason for them to mention their race. #mglitchat http://t.co/qIWFwaYwV2
em cameron @ohmynoti
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:53 PM
Tyler Perry struck gold because he connected to an audience nobody else was catering to. Where is the literary equivalent? #mglitchat
Eric Berlin @ericberlinct
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:53 PM
@rosanneparry @KDuBayGillis @meganbfrazer Fall 2014. THE FAMILY FURNIVAL. And we shall see how it does out in the world. *panics* #mglitchat
Dana Alison Levy @Danaalisonlevy
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:53 PM
@susanjsteward I'm sad to say this is a tough question for me answer. #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:53 PM
@susanjsteward @KDuBayGillis Off the top of my head, I loved THE EGYPT GAME, with diverse characters (the MC was white, though). #mglitchat
Alicia Thompson @aliciabooks
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:53 PM
@ohmynoti Excellent point. I struggle with this one too. #mglitchat
Rosanne Parry @RosanneParry
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:54 PM
@RosanneParry I loved Philip Hall Likes Me, I Reckon Maybe for the content, charming voice. #mglitchat
Susan J. Steward @susanjsteward
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:54 PM
Preach RT @kdubaygillis: Would love to expand the diversity of this particular group!!!! #mglitchat
Dana Alison Levy @Danaalisonlevy
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:54 PM
@susanjsteward Nobody's Family Is Going To Change, by Louise Fitzhugh. #mglitchat http://t.co/qIWFwaYwV2
em cameron @ohmynoti
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:54 PM
I think SOUNDER was my first book with an African American MC. #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:54 PM
@ericberlinct Jacqueline Woodson is genius for all readers, but really hits home with ethnic readers. #mglitchat http://t.co/88uFSiWMzE
Sandy Brehl @PBWorkshop
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:54 PM
@Danaalisonlevy Hey! We're RandomHousemates! :-) They'll take good care of you! #mglitchat
Rosanne Parry @RosanneParry
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:55 PM
@Danaalisonlevy I think we need to do that through our host team. Time to recruit! #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:55 PM
@KDuBayGillis @Danaalisonlevy #mglitchat Excellent idea!
Rachel Seigel @rachelnseigel
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:55 PM
@writesinLA @KDuBayGillis @susanjsteward Of course, I remember ROLL OF THUNDER, HEAR MY CRY, too. #mglitchat
Alicia Thompson @aliciabooks
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:56 PM
@rosanneparry Helllooooo! RHKids 4-eva! #mglitchat
Dana Alison Levy @Danaalisonlevy
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:56 PM
@KDuBayGillis Love Sounder! But didn't read it as a child. Taught it to diverse group of middle schoolers though. #mglitchat
Danielle Davis @writesinLA
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:56 PM
@KDuBayGillis #mglitchat I seriously can't remember reading anything when I was a kid that featured African American characters.
Rachel Seigel @rachelnseigel
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:56 PM
We filter our catalog by character's background & have tag #IncidentalEthnicity. Too many #diverselit books abt historical events #mglitchat
Zoobean Mom @zoobeanforkids
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:56 PM
@Danaalisonlevy OH! YES! I've read about your book. Can't wait! #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:56 PM
@KDuBayGillis #MGLitChat closest to diversity was Summer of my German Soldier. MC was Jewish & being from GA in 70s I hadn't met any jewish
Laura Leigh Johnson @LalaleighJ
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:56 PM
Mildred Taylor's Friendship and The Gold Cadillac #mglitchat http://t.co/88uFSiWMzE
Sandy Brehl @PBWorkshop
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:57 PM
@LalaleighJ @KDuBayGillis #MGLitChat Being Jewish, I read quite a few with Jewish Characters. All of a Kind Family, About the B'Nai Bagels.
Rachel Seigel @rachelnseigel
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:57 PM
It's worth remembering too that sometimes the minority experience befell white people. Jews, Irish, Mormons for example. #mglitchat
Rosanne Parry @RosanneParry
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:58 PM
@KDuBayGillis Of course, since I'm actually half-Latina, I guess I didn't read *any* books where the MC shared my ethnicity. ? #mglitchat
Susan J. Steward @susanjsteward
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:59 PM
@rachelnseigel @KDuBayGillis My mom bought lots of picture books w/ black characters for me in the late 60s. Titles?? #mglitchat
Rosanne Parry @RosanneParry
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:59 PM
@rachelnseigel #MGLitChat I was embarrassed when I moved to S FL and hadn't met anyone Jewish. Cracked my new Jewish BF's whole family up.
Laura Leigh Johnson @LalaleighJ
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:59 PM
@susanjsteward @KDuBayGillis Wasn't Babysitters Club a somewhat diverse little crew? I really can't remember setting/content much.#mglitchat
Danielle Davis @writesinLA
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:59 PM
I think we all agree lack of African American boy MCs, and diversity in general, is a problem we can work on together. #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 9:59 PM
Just recalled title: MARY JANE by Dorothy Sterling. Read it as little kid. Eye-opener re integration. #mglitchat http://t.co/pjkynQL9lb
Pamela Ross @WriterRoss
Jun 13, 2013 - 10:00 PM
@LalaleighJ #MGLitChat LOL. I went to private Hebrew School until 5th grade. My 1st experience with children of any other ethnicity wasn't
Rachel Seigel @rachelnseigel
Jun 13, 2013 - 10:00 PM
Huge need to diversify in groups like this to bring in other voices. Very necessary. #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 10:00 PM
@susanjsteward @KDuBayGillis I love how Joanne Rocklin shows diversity on one street in L.A. in One Amazing Morning on Orange St. #mglitchat
Danielle Davis @writesinLA
Jun 13, 2013 - 10:00 PM
@LalaleighJ until then. It was pretty startling that first year in a school with a lot of diversity. #MGLitChat
Rachel Seigel @rachelnseigel
Jun 13, 2013 - 10:01 PM
@RosanneParry Of course there's Snowy Day and others by Ezra Jack Keats. Loved those! I don't think I even noted race. #mglitchat
Megan F. Blakemore @meganbfrazer
Jun 13, 2013 - 10:01 PM
We're at an hour, folks. Next week's topic is transliteracy...using multiple platforms. See you then! #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 10:01 PM
@rachelnseigel #MGLitChat I was invited to every holiday celebration. They like educating me.
Laura Leigh Johnson @LalaleighJ
Jun 13, 2013 - 10:01 PM
Do all the folks here know this blog? http://t.co/VxZKsIpwOM Great place to see this conversation continue #mglitchat
Dana Alison Levy @Danaalisonlevy
Jun 13, 2013 - 10:01 PM
@kdubaygillis *swoons* #mglitchat
Dana Alison Levy @Danaalisonlevy
Jun 13, 2013 - 10:01 PM
@RosanneParry @KDuBayGillis #mglitchat I remember loving "The Snowy Day" but not paying much attention to character's color.
Rachel Seigel @rachelnseigel
Jun 13, 2013 - 10:01 PM
RT @KDuBayGillis: So, tonight, maybe we first focus on African American boy MCs in MG, then expand our chat on diversity in MG #mglitchat
Kathy Ishizuka @kishizuka
Jun 13, 2013 - 10:02 PM
House on Mango Street is so fantastic too. #mglitchat
Danielle Davis @writesinLA
Jun 13, 2013 - 10:02 PM
Thanks to everyone for participating! Hopefully Twubs will let us make a transcript. #mglitchat
Kellie DuBay Gillis @KDuBayGillis
Jun 13, 2013 - 10:02 PM
@KDuBayGillis TY for hosting and for a fantastic chat topic. Adieu, all. #mglitchat http://t.co/88uFSiWMzE
Sandy Brehl @PBWorkshop
Jun 13, 2013 - 10:02 PM
@kdubaygillis http://t.co/VxZKsIpwOM might be a good place to recruit. #mglitchat
Dana Alison Levy @Danaalisonlevy
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