The percentage of books for under 11s that feature racially minoritised characters dropped in 2023. Centre for Literacy in Primary Education began measuring the number (and quality) of representations of racially minoritised characters in UK books published for under 11 year olds, in 2017. In 2017 a mere 4% of books featured ANY racially minoritisedContinue reading “Reflecting Realities? not this year…”
Category Archives: Opinion
How to solve a problem like Jamie?
Jamie Oliver’s publisher has rightly removed his children’s book from sale. But how did it get to the shelves in the first place? Why is this still happening, in 2024? Who, or more likely what, is to blame?
What we learned about: how publishing can do better
We talked to emerging UK children’s writers of colour about how publishing can do better: here’s what they think!
5 things I wish I’d known about a creative career by Maritsa Baksh (The Creative Pandemic)
5 things I wish I’d known about a creative career by Maritsa Baksh (The Creative Pandemic)
CLPE and Book Trust reports 2020: thoughts from Megaphone
Yesterday both CLPE and Book Trust released their most recent research into representation of authors and characters from ethnic minorities in British children’s literature. This is important work, creating a base of data that can be used to support writers and create better literature for children. Read them here: https://clpe.org.uk/aboutus/news/announcing-clpes-reflecting-realities-third-survey-ethnic-representation-uk-children%E2%80%99s and herehttps://www.booktrust.org.uk/news-and-features/news/news-2020/representation-in-childrens-books-still-not-reflective-of-society-says-booktrust-and-clpe/ The general conclusionContinue reading “CLPE and Book Trust reports 2020: thoughts from Megaphone”
Megaphone participants’ recent success:
It’s great to start the week with some good news about Megaphone participants – obviously we know they are talented writers who’ll go far, but it’s good to see that being recognised elsewhere too! Joyce Efia Harmer has been shortlisted to take part in the Penguin Random House taster day #WriteNow- her entry stood out from overContinue reading “Megaphone participants’ recent success:”
The mainstream is diverse; the literature industry isn’t.
There is so much to think about and talk over, following the recent A Place at The Table conference on diversity in children’s literature.Author Catherine Johnson’s article about the conference is here, with a mention for Megaphone: http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2016/jun/17/childrens-books-diversity-change-inclusive-minds?CMP=share_btn_fb#_=_ She certainly speaks for me when she writes: I think a lot of people – me includedContinue reading “The mainstream is diverse; the literature industry isn’t.”