Comments on: We Need Diverse Books: The Book Con-troversy

By: Lauren

Lauren — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 18:52:00 +0000

Great article, I have yet to read a YA book that represented me and where I grew up. I was always saddened by the lack of diversity in YA fiction. I’m glad that some strides are being made to make it more representative of the world then what has been published lately. I still waiting on the fantasy YA book set in the South Bronx to be written and published.

By: Meghan Drummond

Meghan Drummond — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 13:32:00 +0000

In reply to Danielle. Thank you, Danielle! I agree that the movement was really needed, and I respect their positivity so much. They're really trying to make a change by adding something instead of taking away, and I admire that.

By: Danielle

Danielle — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 19:02:00 +0000

Meghan, thanks for taking the time to write about this. When I read the names for the original YA panel I sucked in my breath. Yikes! Feels like there was zero attempt at diversity there, “whitewashed, heteronormative, and male” is a good description! But the events that followed are affecting positive change. Movements like this–and I also think of the VIDA organization’s yearly count–are good ones. We need them. Kids especially need windows and mirrors. Nicely put.

I really enjoyed this article, I’d love to read more news-style articles like this one on DIY MFA.