Here we go--First Blog Post!

Since this is my first blog post, I thought I would explain why this site exists. In the world of children's books, there is underrepresenation of African American characters featured as protagonists. This is why I'm here; I want to do my part in chipping away at this void. It's important for children to read stories with people who are similar and different than them. Introducing Coby to the world will allow children of color to see themselves and their culture reflected as they read. Additionally, other children will see that someone who doesn't look like them may still share many of their thoughts, talents, and dreams. Author Walter Dean Myers recently penned an excellent article titled "Where Are the People of Color in Children's Books?" in the New York Times. His article validated for me that Coby is needed.

The other reason I'm here is because children shouldn't put all of their eggs in one basket. What happens if that basketball or football career doesn't work out? Too many students I speak with haven't considered this question seriously. I'm not discouraging children from dreaming of becoming the next superstar athlete. I'm simply encouraging students to have other dreams. At the end of each story, Coby realizes that he wants to be an athlete and something else, not something else instead of an athlete. Children shouldn't limit themselves by only having one dream; instead, they should have many dreams.

Speaking of dreams, it's time for bed...