Panel – Guiding Young Readers Through The Literary Jungle

20 Responses to “Panel – Guiding Young Readers Through The Literary Jungle”

1. Don Tate on December 9th, 2008 11:29 pm
   

   Well, I’ll get the ball rolling. My name is Don Tate. I’m an illustrator of children’s books. I’ve been in the business now for about 25 years and in that time I’ve illustrated more than 25 trade and educational books for children. I’m the first time author for a picture book biography that will publish with Lee and Low Books in 2010. My most recent book, Ron’s Big Mission, will publish with Dutton in January 2009.

   Question: When should a parent introduce a child to the library? Pros of library visits.

   Answers: My area of expertise is in writing and illustrating books for children and not necessarily in getting them to read. So I’m in the same boat as everyone else. But having raised two adult daughters, and now a seven-year-old son, I have some experience to draw on.

   When to introduce your child to the library? The sooner, the better. But it’s most important to begin introducing children to literature in the home. Your child needs to have books — lots of books — the house, early on. Don’t wait and spring it on them when they begin kindergarten. When they are little babies, read to them. And they need to see their parents reading, too.

   My son was about two-years-old when I started taking him along to presentations I gave at schools and libraries. He loved the storytelling and drawing sessions I gave. Not every child is going to develop a love of reading, but it’s more likely when books and reading are a natural part of their every day lives from day one.

   Question: What other ways can a parent encourage reading in toddlers and elementary school aged children?

   Answer: Encouragement is good. But requirement is better. Set aside reading time every evening and make it a requirement that your child reads. Set the bar high. Try to be consistent — everyday, after dinner, before TV, read. That way reading time will be expected — even looked forward to. Read along with your child. When my son was a baby, he loved to sit on my lap while I read a book to him. When your child is older and can read on their own, continue to read with him, taking turns reading each page aloud. It’s all about doing it together. You can’t give a young child a book to read and then walk away to watch TV or talk on the phone.

   Recommendations: For children ages two to four, look at board books (books they can’t eat). Consider books by Jabari Asim, Whose Toes Are Those, which feature illustrations of the cutest brown baby feet and toes. Also Whose Knees are These.

   Also check out board books by Ken Wilson-Max (The Max series).

   For ages 4 to 6, check out books by author Greg Foley, Thank You Bear, Don’t Worry Bear.

   For ages 5 to 6, looking at my own book shelf, Honey, I Love by Eloise Greenfield, Beautiful Blackbird by Ashley Bryan, Ellington Was Not A Street by Ntozake Shange, Before John Was a Jazz Giant: A Song of John Coltrane by Carole Boston Weatherford.

   For ages over 7, The Chicken Chasing Queen of Lamar County by Janice N. Harrington, The Story of Muhammad Ali by Charles R. Smith Jr., Howard Thurman’s Great Hope by Kai Jackson.

   As far as classics go — OUR classics! — see Virginia Hamilton’s The People Could Fly, illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon, Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe, Ashanti to Zulu by Margaret Musgrove, illustrated by Leo and Diane Dilllon, and the many collaborations with Julius Lester and Jerry Pinkney. Also check out collaborations between Julius Lester and Jerry Pinkney: Black Cowboy, Wild Horses, Sam and the Tigers (A retelling of Little Black Sambo). And I can’t forget Jambo Means Hello by Muriel Feelings and Tom Feelings.

   *****************************************
   Guiding the elementary school reader; chapter books and middle grade

   Question: Talk a little bit about the importance of balance for middle grade readers (specifically ages 9-11). Balance as in mainstream vs. African American focused books, series vs. stand alones, introduction to genres.

   Answer: I think back to the eighties when more black movies started showing up on the scene. They were mostly BOYS IN THE HOOD type movies. Gangstas and Pimps who hung out on corners drinking beer and getting high. That was cool at first because there wasn’t much else Black showing at the movies. But eventually I stopped watching the Black movies because they were embarrassing and didn’t represent my lifestyle.

   That’s why kids need balance. They need books with everyday contemporary Black characters who aren’t necessarily dealing with so-called “Black issues.” Books like Monalisa DeGross’ Donavan’s Double Trouble and Donavan’s Word Jar. Stories that aren’t about slaves or sharecroppers or the Civil Rights era or the ‘hood — all of which are stories that are needed, but again, balance is needed.
2. Varian Johnson on December 10th, 2008 12:23 am
   

   I’ll chime in as well. My name is Varian Johnson, and my latest YA novel is My Life as a Rhombus, published by Flux/Llewellyn. My next novel, Saving Maddie, is forthcoming from Delacorte/Random House in 2010. I’m also a third semester student at the Vermont College of Fine Arts.

   1) How involved do I have to be in my teenager’s reading life?

   Certainly it’s beneficial for a parent to be involved with all aspects of a teenager’s life, especially the teen’s reading choices, as books sometime offer good opportunities for discussion. However, I believe that teens do a pretty good job of not only picking material appropriate for them, but also filtering material that they may not be ready for. Unlike movies, video games and television, books are largely based on the imagination. It’s much easier for a teen to read as much—or as little—as possible into the words on the page.

   2) When a teenager shows no interest in reading…suggest at least two ways to overcome this challenge as a parent or gatekeeper.

   Most libraries offer services other than books. Librarians will routinely schedule game nights, movie nights, etc for teens. Many teens, once exposed to the library, will be more willing to try out a book.

   In addition, many teens enter the world of fiction through comic books and graphic novels. These mediums give teens a way to enjoy reading, without feeling like it’s a chore.

   3) Recommend three works of YA, at least one that may appeal to a reluctant reader, that should be on a teens TBR list (Please feel free to use at least one or two of our ‘08 spotlight authors to give them additional boost)

   Each year, the American Library Association lists “quick picks” that are geared toward the reluctant reader. Three novels listed on the 2008 ALA Quick Picks List are Indigo Summer by Monica McKayan, Sitomer, Alan L. Homeboyz by Alan L. Sitomer and What They Found: Love on 145th Street by Walter Dean Myers.

   4) Is YA for African Americans growing?

   According to the statistics provided by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center (http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/books/pcstats.htm), the number of books published by African-American authors seems to be steady, fluctuating between 75 and 99 published authors over the last five years. Of course, this value is extremely low, but what’s important to remember is that publishing is a business, and like any other business, it operates to make a profit. In other words, if we want more books published by African American authors, we need to support their books.

   5) Name at least one African American YA classic or new classic as some contemporary books are labeled if they’re predicted to stand the test of time.

   Many literary critics, including myself, feel that Christopher Paul Curtis’s Bud, Not Buddy is a novel that will be in print for years. The novel was awarded both the Coretta Scott King Award and the Newbery Medal.

   6) Pros and cons of YA street lit (list one pro, one con from your perspective)

   Like any other form of literature, street lit is a way to pull young people—especially reluctant readers—into the world of fiction. However, many people feel that Street Lit glamorizes negative—and even dangerous—behavior, such as gang violence, drug use, and irresponsible sexual activity.

   7) Why is it important that my teen reader explores literary balance…isn’t them just reading good enough?

   Well, first of all, just getting a reluctant reader to actually read is a great thing. And there’s nothing wrong with a teen just reading “for fun.” However, there is something to be said for being well-read—reading an abundance of diverse materials (mysteries, the newspaper, a Popular Mechanics magazine) will expose a teen to many different, new, and even conflicting pieces of information. Learning to analyze different types of literature will help a teen in both the classroom and in the real world.

   How can I ensure balance without forcing my reading tastes on my teen?

   Librarians are a wealth of information when trying to determine reading materials for teens. Many librarians will use Street Lit, Graphic Novels, etc, to get a young person reading. Once a teen is actively reading, then librarians are able to offer book suggestions to help the young reader experience a more diverse field of literature.
3. Tee C. Royal on December 10th, 2008 12:34 am
   

   Woo hoo…

   Look at the men getting thing started! No offense ladies, but I love it when the men are showcased at events. I will be back through to read this in the morning, but I wanted to welcome you guys. And, a special thanks to The Brown Bookshelf for all you do to promote YA and children books for our kids. I referred the Media Specialist at my daughter’s school (where I volunteer every Wednesday morning) to the site when she was purchasing books a few months back.

   -Tee
   (The Royal One)
4. Carla Sarratt on December 10th, 2008 6:52 am
   

   Good morning! My name is Carla Sarratt and I am happy to be a part of The RAW Affair this year and do my part in promoting children’s literature. I am the author of Freshman Focus and Just Be which are the first two books in the Carter G. Woodson High School series. Currently, I am the self-published author of the group, but that will change in the future.

   1. Using our Brown Bookshelf middle grade author spotlights and any new work, please recommend three books that support a balanced reading diet for the middle grade reader.

   Last year I encountered the Willimena Rules series by Valeria Wilson Wesley. I grew up reading the Ramona series by Beverly Cleary and this is definitely a series I would have loved to read as a kid. The titles in the series are Willimena Rules! Rule Book #1: How to Lose Your Class Pet (2003), Willimena Rules! Rule Book #2: How to Fish for Trouble (2004), Willimena Rules! Rule Book #3: How to Lose Your Cookie Money (2004), Willimena Rules! Rule Book #4: How to (Almost) Ruin Your School Play (2005), Willimena Rules! Rule Book #5: 23 Ways to Mess Up Valentine’s Day (2005), and Willimena Rules! Rule Book #6: How to Face Up to the Class Bully (2007).

   I have also read and enjoyed Nikki and Deja by Karen English.

   I also recommend Brendan Buckley’s Universe and Everything in It by Sundee T. Frazier which is a book that would appeal to male readers and readers who are interested in rocks and geology.

   2. How involved do I have to be in my teenager’s reading life?

   I’m not a parent, but I recommend involvement by taking your teenager(s) to the library or bookstore with you and encouraging them to check out a book or two. A lot of teens are into Sharon Draper, Harry Potter, and the Twilight series, encourage that interest by discussing the books with them and maybe even picking up a copy to read after them or along with them. Help them find books, hopefully age appropriate, that align with their interests. As an example, if your child is into chess, introduce them to G. Neri’s Chess Rumble. Many libraries have recommended reading lists for teenagers, tap into that resource. If your local library doesn’t have a list, visit The Brown Bookshelf for our lists.

   3. Recommend three works of YA, at least one that may appeal to a reluctant reader, that should be on a teen’s To Be Read list.

   Sweet Thang by Allison Whittenberg is a great read that I recommend to YA readers. Set in Philly in the 1970s, the identity issues that Charmaine experience are relevant to teens today.

   I also recommend Jacquelin Thomas’ Divine series — Simply Divine, Divine Confidential, Divine Secrets, and Divine Match-Up. Jacquelin Thomas is known for her Christian fiction for adults and has expanded to include young adults within Christian fiction as well.

   This summer I read Sunrise Over Fallujah by Walter Dean Myers and it was a great read covering an 18 year old going to Iraq and fighting in the war.

   4. Yes or No, YA for African Americans is growing? If yes, please cite why using anecdotes, examples or stats. If no or “sort of” explain.

   I believe that it is growing, but don’t believe it is growing fast enough in comparison to mainstream YA nor is it receiving the accolades like mainstream YA does. There definitely is a void of YA for African American male readers. We need tremendous growth in that area. I also believe that the growth needs to reflect the diversity within the African American community as well as have an increase in African American fantasy stories along the lines of Stephanie Myer’s Twilight series and JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series.

   5. Name at least one African American YA classic or new classic as some contemporary books are labeled if they’re predicted to stand the test of time.

   One of the titles that I consider to be a new classic is Sharon Draper’s Tears of a Tiger. This book has such widespread appeal for young adult readers. Teachers introduce this book to their students and the students actually want to read it.

   6. Why is it important that my teen reader explores literary balance? Isn’t them just reading good enough?

   Reading is great, but I definitely think all readers should have a balanced literary diet – fiction, non-fiction, poetry, etc. because it exposes them to a wider array of the world we live in. It’s just like our regular diet with real food. If we only eat one thing and eat that all of the time, we don’t have an appreciation for other foods that are out there. Broadening your reading horizons introduces you to people you might not ever meet or places you might not ever travel to for yourself.
5. Kelly Starling Lyons on December 10th, 2008 7:36 am
   

   Good Morning, Everyone, My name is Kelly Starling Lyons. I’m a children’s book author and freelance writer whose mission is to transform moments, memories and history into stories of discovery. My books include picture book, One Million Men and Me, and chapter book, NEATE: Eddie’s Ordeal. I have two forthcoming picture books with Penguin/G.P. Putnam’s Sons and facilitate a book club for African-American girls.

   Question: When should a parent introduce a child to the library?

   Answer: I think a parent should take a child to the library as early as they can, even as young as babies. Libraries have storytimes and programs that cater to children of all ages. By making the library part of a child’s community, parents are encouraging learning, reading, growing and exploring. The library becomes a special place.

   I agree with Don though that a lifelong love or appreciation for books begins in the home. Before your baby can sit up, you can cuddle that child in your lap and read to him or her. It may feel like you’re reading to yourself. But that little one is taking it in. Reading to babies will help them build the foundation needed for language.

   Question: What other ways can a parent encourage reading in toddlers and elementary school aged children?

   Parents can keep encouraging reading by making it part of daily life. Bedtime stories are great, but don’t stop there. Cut off the TV and have regular reading dates. Take turns choosing books. Pull out one you’d like to read and then let your child choose a book that looks interesting too. Make it fun. Really get into the story and convey the tone in your voice. Let your child participate by reading words he or she knows or reading the pictures. Ask questions: Which illustration was your favorite and why? What did you like or dislike about the story? What surprised you? How was this book similar or different to other books you’ve read? Share your observations too.

   Reading is a special kind of sharing. We recently visited my mother-in-law’s house and my daughter was delighted to see her daddy’s and uncle’s names written in their old children’s books. My mother-in-law inscribed the date they were purchased too. When I told my daughter that her daddy was 4 years old — the same age she is — when he read a certain book, she thought that was the most amazing thing.

   You can build a new kind of kinship with your child through reading. Children will share parts of themselves as they talk about books they read and relate it to their lives. You can also use books as teaching tools. Last Thanksgiving, I wanted my daughter to understand that we are so blessed to have a house and food. So we read A Shelter in Our Car by Monica Gunning, about a homeless mother and child. Books give you a way to discuss tough topics and open communication.

   Other ways to encourage reading include taking children to storytimes, book festivals and children’s book events at bookstores and community centers. Parents can also start book clubs with other parents and children. My daughter and I have been part of a girls book club for the last couple of years. It’s been to great to watch friendships and love of reading blossom. It’s a chance to celebrate African-American children’s book authors and illustrators too. Sadly, many of our kids still see too few children’s books in school that feature African-American characters.

   Recommendations:

   Ages 2-4

   Whose Toes Are Those and Whose Knees are These by Jabari Asim
   Snug in Mama’s Arms by Angela Shelf Medearis
   So Much by Trish Cooke
   Jazz Baby by Carole Boston Weatherford
   Baby Says by John Steptoe
   Joshua by the Sea by Angela Johnson

   Age 5-6 (to help kids read by themselves aloud)

   Bright Eyes, Brown Skin by Bernette Ford and Cheryl Willis Hudson
   The Story of Martin Luther King by Johnny Ray Moore

   Over age 7

   Coming On Home Soon by Jacqueline Woodson
   Wind Flyers by Angela Johnson
   All-I’ll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll by Patricia C. McKissack,
   Bat Boy and His Violin by Gavin Curtis
   Chicken-Chasing Queen of Lamar County by Janice N. Harrington

   Our classic picture books:

   The People Could Fly by Virginia Hamilton
   Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe
   Bigmama’s by Donald Crews
   I Love My Hair by Natasha Tarpley
   Mirandy and Brother Wind by Patricia McKissack
   Aunt Flossie’s Hats & Crabcakes Later by Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard
   Everett Anderson’s Goodbye by Lucille Clifton
   Irene and the Big, Fine Nickel by Irene Smalls
   new classic – Moses by Carole Boston Weatherford

   Question: Talk a little bit about the importance of balance for middle grade readers (specifically ages 9-11). Balance as in mainstream vs. African American focused books, series vs. stand alones, introduction to genres.

   It’s important to have a good mix. Middle-grade is often considered the golden age of reading. This is the time when kids can really turn on to books. It’s good to expose them to a lot of choices. Encourage them to read books by Jerry Spinelli, Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary. But make sure they know about chapter books and middle-grade novels by African-American authors too. It’s important for tweens to see themselves reflected in stories they read. Encourage them to stretch. If they like funny stories, give them a fantasy novel. If they love serious stories, give them something light. This should be the time for them to experiment and grow. Good experiences with books at this age can develop a life-long love of reading.

   Here are some recommendations:

   The Broken-Bike Boy and the Queen of 33rd Street by Sharon G. Flake
   Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson
   Secret of Gumbo Grove by Eleanora E. Tate
   12 Brown Boys by Omar Tyree
   chapter book series recommendations — Willamena Rules! series by Valerie Wilson Wesley, Ruby and the Booker Boys series by Derrick Barnes, Kid Caramel series by Dwayne Ferguson and Just Us Books’ NEATE series

   Finally, I just want to say a big thank you to RAWSISTAZ for supporting our work. We appreciate you.
6. Carla Sarratt on December 10th, 2008 7:39 am
   

   Kelly, I love the story of your daughter seeing her dad’s books from when he was a child and being amazed that he was 4 years old like her once upon a time. That is such a priceless memory to share.
7. Paula Chase Hyman on December 10th, 2008 7:47 am
   

   Tee, I’m with you – I’m not at the men doing their thing getting the ball rolling.

   Good morning, everyone. Guess I’m last to the table. I’m Paula Chase Hyman, the author of the Del Rio Bay series. You may have seen my candy colored books around with the pop culture titles: So Not The Drama, Don’t Get It Twisted, That’s What’s Up and Who You Wit’? Book five in the series will be released in April ‘09. Like most, I write while holding a full time job and holding down a full-time family, literature is my escape from the real world and should be for teens.

   So here goes my .02:

   How involved do I have to be in my teenager’s reading life?

   I’ve heard people say there are readers and non–readers. But I’m convinced that anyone can be converted to a reader if given the right book. I think there are avid and reluctant readers – but everyone’s a reader to some degree.

   Evidence supports that readers are nurtured, thus our advice to start as early as possible exposing kids to books. But by the time a child reaches middle school homework loads increases as well as opportunities for social networking. So books can easily take a back seat.

   It’s important for parents to use books as a way to remain connected to their tween and teen’s life. Find out what they’re reading in class, engage them about what they like and dislike about the book which will make it easier to recommend pleasure reading material.

   However, be mindful that there’s a difference between being “involved” in your t(w)een’s reading and censoring it. Every book should be an opportunity to spring board discussion and get a peek into your t(w)een’s perspective and views about the world around him or her.

   Know what your teen is reading, while giving them enough space to choose what they like. When you disagree with a book selection, discuss why vs. eliminating the book from their inventory.

   When a teenager shows no interest in reading…suggest at least two ways to overcome this challenge as a parent or gatekeeper

   Don’t force it – Reading is already too often presented as something one HAS to do. Very little turns a teen off more than being told something is mandatory. In order for something to be fun, it needs to be appealing. The more you know about a teen’s interests the easier it will be to recommend or at least lead them to good reading choices. Right now there’s something out there for everyone – the fashion buff, the vampire romance fanatic, the trashy dramas. Lead them to water over and over, they’ll drink if something appeals.

   Size matters – Sometimes teens are reluctant to read because of a book’s length. Encourage magazine reading, so the reader is exposed to material beyond required reading. Then help them locate shorter books to ease them into the habit of reading for pleasure. Angela Johnson’s books are often very short. Poignant but short.

   My three must read YA books featuring African American characters or by an African American author:

   Kendra by Coe Booth – Per one reviewer “Kendra is not about sex, it’s about sexuality. It’s not about absent mothers, it’s about the importance of family and adult mentors in the life of a teen. It’s not about hooking up, it’s about navigating the many unwritten rules about sex and relationships. Coe Booth has remarkable talent, and this layered, thoughtful novel showcases it perfectly.”

   It Chicks by Tia Williams – Teens at a performing arts school. Somebody holler modern day Fame! I’d like to see more books like It Chicks – a contemporary peek into the lives of today’s Black teens.

   Touching Snow by M. Sindy Felin – Set in New York, Karina is the daughter of a Haitian immigrant mother being bullied and teased at school by classmates. We live in a global society and it’s important for African American teens to remember that the Black experience varies across cultures.

   Is YA for African Americans is growing?

   There have always been books out there for our teens, the issue is lack of diversity in those books. It’s tough for me to say that this niche is growing until we can cite multiple examples of African-American YA comparable to Sarah Dessen, Meg Cabot, Stephanie Meyer and The Gossip Girl series. Current YA books representing the African American experience are solid, we’re simply not seeing ourselves within broader scenarios outside of the traditional. The possibilities are limitless, but the opportunities…not so much.

   Name at least one African American YA classic or new classic as some contemporary books are labelled if they’re predicted to stand the test of time

   To me Jason and Kyra by Dana Davidson is a new classic. Dana Davidson was the first African American author who was given that opportunity to write a story featuring Black characters without the story having to be about their race.

   The book is arguably the first in a new era of books. Why the market wasn’t saturated with more like it immediately or why it didn’t usher in the age of African American stories crossing into more sub-genres, I’m not sure.

   Pros and cons of YA street lit

   PRO

   You’ve got to crawl before you walk. And if teen street lit means that publishers are finally considering more commerical material for African American teens, that’s a good thing. If this is a start destined to prove that commercial YA with Black characters can sell, then it’ll be good to see what other types of commercial books featuring African American characters result. Stepping stone, good. Piegeon hole, not good!

   CON
   The fact that commercial products revolved around African American characters always have to start in the streets a la Boyz In the Hood. A few weeks before the Presidential election I read an article about how people in Montana, the most homogenous state in our country, were experiencing a first. They were having to vote a Black man in office even though many of them had never or rarely met a Black person face-to-face. Many of those interviewed admitted what they knew of Black people was from television. Now that’s scary as hell to me. Because we all know many of the images on television are stereotypes.

   I feel the same way about street lit for teens. There are enough Black “experiences” that the hood should not always be our primary default.

   Why is it important that my teen reader explores literary balance…isn’t them just reading good enough?

   No, I don’t think simply reading anything is good. A literary balance is as important as a balanced diet or having a variety of friends. Reading should expose a person to new experiences, new places, situations they may not normally face, worlds they may never see with their own eyes.

   Reading should bring pleasure – so we want young readers to find joy in books. But there are too many choices out there for a teen to box themselves in with only one type of book.

   How can I ensure balance without forcing my reading tastes on my teen?

   I go back to knowing your young readers. Taking the time to know their interests, likes, dislikes etc…will go a long way to helping a reader expand their horizons.

   If a reader is a sports fan, a good way to introduce them to non-fiction is to find an interesting perspective on that sport and its history. Same with fashion or television etc… Also, find fiction books revolved around those topics. When you know they like one author, find other authors who write in the same genre or have a similiar style.

   Encourage your teen to create a book playlist, just like a playlist on a music player but revolved around books. The book playlist should include books that appeal to all their different sides and moods.

   Every now and then read what your teen is reading. We all like talking about the books we loved. They may appreciate your perspective.
8. Patricia Neely-Dorsey on December 10th, 2008 8:00 am
   

   Yes, I think that it is very important to start early nurturing a love for books/reading in your child. It’s never TOO early.. I remeber on of my high school eEnglish teachers telling me that she would read Shakespear to her unborn child . I also read to mine in the womb. There has always been a tradition in my family to give a child a book at every gift giving occassion. No matter whart other gifts we got from parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, we also got a book..birthdays, Christmas, Easter ect.
   I think it is very important ot have book readily assessable for children like having a bookshelf of age appropriate book in your child’s room down on his/her level where they can pick them up at anytime. I make sure I listen to what my child is interested in and try to pick up books on the subject. They are more likely to read about something they are interested in . We have ton of books in our house about dinosaurs, poks and mineral. pirates and Star Wars because that is what my son loves and he picks them up often. If he has a question about one of his favoirite topic, I always hand him a book and he delves in. I am happy to say that our family is a family of avid readers.
   One of the happiest moments in my life was when my son came to me at about age 6 or 7 and said..I just love to read!! I hugged him and said you have just made your mother VERY happy!!
   I was thrilled to be able to read selections from my book of poetry Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia to my friends 3rd grade class..and they absoluty loved it..and asked lots of questions about the poems AND book publishing.

   ww.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com
9. Patricia Neely-Dorsey on December 10th, 2008 8:09 am
   

   My father and mother encouraged my love for reading..and poetry from a very early age.I remember my mother buying me books from the Sesame Street Series every week or so when I was in kindegarten. I remember my mother ALWAYS reading. My father would resite poetry to me all of the time…mostly ones of African American origin and later as a teen he would always quiz me about the classics.

   I wrote a poem in my book about how my father helped me to love poetry…called “Poetry”

   REFLECTIONS OF A MISSISSIPI MAGNOLIA-A LIFE IN POEMS
   http://www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com
10. Paula Chase Hyman on December 10th, 2008 10:23 am
    

    We rarely get an audience, such as this, with adult gatekeepers. Although we’ve provided our input on how to guide a young reader, I’d love to get a discussion going and hear from those parents, aunties, uncles, teachers and librarians who are helping young readers form a taste for literature.

    What are you seeing in the hands of young readers? What do you believe publishing is missing when it comes to providing for our young readers? Whatever you’d like to discuss.

    This is the perfect forum to be frank about how we’re being portrayed. I’m an advocate for a balanced reading diet, but I feel like in a way, publishing is not totally on board with providing Black t(w)eens enough images beyond the urban story. The urban story sells, so that’s what they put out there.

    But there are so many t(w)eens out there whose lifestyle is removed from the streets. We’re losing some of our most avid readers to mainstream YA b/c too often our books are so heavily lesson-oriented. At the very least, we’re losing an opportunity to share those readers. B/c I believe there’s enough to go around, just slim pickings on our side.
11. PatriciaW on December 10th, 2008 3:39 pm
    

    Read to your children in the crib. Better yet, read aloud to them in the womb. They’ll get used to hearing “Once upon a time…” and “The End”.

    Let them pick books that work for them, even if they seem to be above their reading level. If so, let them look at the pictures. Curiousity will have them ask what’s going on and give you an opportunity for interaction with them.

    Read nightly even if it’s only a fairy tale.

    Let teens read according to their interests. Find and purchase books about whatever they like so that the books are readily available when school is out and the inevitable “I’m bored” comes up. Super heroes, retail therapy, relationships, knitting, video games…they can read about whatever they’re into.

    If they resist reading but show an interest in something like starting a business, help them get started by way of books on the subjects they need to learn more about.

    Don’t discount reading online. Point them to websites and blogs that are teen-friendly (and parent-approved).

    Some authors my teen enjoys are Paul Volponi, Walter Dean Myers, G. P. Taylor, Mike Lupica, J. K. Rowling, and Anthony Horowitz. Some Christian fiction YA authors that I’ve read and enjoyed (but decidedly more girl focused) include Victoria Christopher Murray, ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Jacqueline Thomas, Shelley Adina, and Stephanie Perry Moore. (Ms. Moore has a new series that is now targeted toward teen boys.)
12. SheliaGoss on December 10th, 2008 8:35 pm
    

    Don – I have a 10 yr old nephew who has a natural talent when it comes to drawing. He’s young and has said he wants to be an artist when he grows up. What are some things he needs to do if he wants to become an illustrator? Are there things that I can do to prepare him for that career?

    Varian – thanks for the suggestion on graphic novels. My nephews are all interested in things like DragonBall Z, etc.

    Carla – I wasn’t aware of Valerie Wesley’s young adult series but I’ve read her adult books. Thanks for the info.

    Kelly – One Million Men and Me–sounds like a book I need to get for my youngest nephew.

    Paula – I agree with you. Parents should take an active role in reading what their teens are reading. I’m glad that there are more and more YA for Black teens. The YA books I’ve read are interesting not only to the teens but to adults.

    Thank you all for sharing your ideas on how to get young people more into reading. I know that’s been one of my challenges with my nephews. They love video games. During the summer, I register them for the summer reading program — hoping to plant the seed of reading in their heads.
13. Dwight Fryer on December 10th, 2008 9:01 pm
    

    I am really enjoying this discussion. It reminds me of when my wife and were rearing our two daughthers. Often, it is in presentation and modeling–children need to see parents reading and the importance of reading.

    Show children that Othello in Shakespeare’s play by that name was brother with a fine white wife and that all his contemporaries were jealous because he was large and in charge. Talk about the tenderfoot in Jack London’s short story To Build A Fire and the circumstances that are critical to the character’s success in getting that job done. Introduce them to Jany Austen’s books early; the classics are great for kids.

    Another of my favoriites was the Walter Farley books on the Black Stallion. When I was a poort boy in rurual America, I traveled the world with a lonely boy and his giant wild Arabian stallion. Tie those in to a horse racing event. Find a book set in your locale and take your child to that place to let them see it. Also, take your children to book signings and to workshops that showcase literature.

    Finally, when the peer pressure is tough, pull out your high school year books. Show your kids the folks that gave you a hard time for loving books and literature and share a few unfortunate stories on how life often did not work out for them. Reading is one of the most important life and job skills we can acquire. Thanks sharing.
14. Carla Sarratt on December 10th, 2008 9:45 pm
    

    Hi Shelia,

    Thanks for your response. I just wanted to clarify on your statement regarding Valerie Wilson Wesley: “Carla – I wasn’t aware of Valerie Wesley’s young adult series but I’ve read her adult books. Thanks for the info.”

    The Willimena Rules series is a middle grade series/chapter book for younger readers. Willimena is a third grader. Just wanted to give you the heads up in case you planned to purchase her titles for any teens in your life.
15. SheliaGoss on December 10th, 2008 10:33 pm
    

    Thanks Carla. I have a niece who fits in that age bracket and she loves to read. I’ll add those books to my list for her. Now if I can get the boys interested in books, I’ll be doing alright
16. Don Tate on December 10th, 2008 10:42 pm
    

    Shelia, when I visit schools, I seek out the artists in the group to give them advice. I tell the artists to draw, draw, draw, every day. When I was a teen, I wasn’t into sports so after school was not spent playing football, but looking through the JCPenny’s catalogs or phone books and drawing the images.

    Just like a kid who spends hours shooting baskets to get better on the court, and artist has to spend hours developing his skills. Encourage him to keep a visual journal. He can keep if for life and look back at how he developed.

    There’s a fine line between fine art and commercial illustration. I don’t know much about the fine art side, but having a solid background in fine art can only make for a better illustrator — although there are many self-taught artists like myself. So I recommend that if he wants to be an illustrator, he study fine art — painting, drawing, sculpture, and then take some illustration courses.

    And be sure he is very familiar with the computer — Photoshop, Illustrator, animation, web design — it is essential to commercial illustration these days.
17. Paula Chase Hyman on December 10th, 2008 11:52 pm
    

    @ Sheila – the word is always that boys are tougher to snag as readers, especially when they reach middle school age. But you’re doing the right thing by adding literature to their routine, even if it’s primarily their summer routine.

    I think it’s something that has to be introduced and re-introduced often before it becomes a priority.

    @Dwight – I agree. It’s all about finding ways to relate books to a young person’s present or past. We all want to see ourselves reflected or we want to escape our environment and anytime you can fulfill one of those two objectives, you’re one step closer to helping nurture a young reader’s tastes.
18. Kelly Starling Lyons on December 11th, 2008 9:23 am
    

    Thanks, Sheila ,

    Let me know if you want a signed poster. It’s wonderful that you enroll your nephews in summer reading programs. You’re building an important foundation.
19. Patricia Neely-Dorsey on December 12th, 2008 7:22 am
    

    Dwight, LOVED your comments!!!
20. Patricia Neely-Dorsey on December 12th, 2008 7:49 am
    

    Dwight, I see from your website/bio that you a grew up in a rural area in Tennessee and now live in a rural area. I’ll bet you would love my book..all about “country “living and Southern life.
    I would love some tips on promoting/marketing in our area.
    I lived in Memphis for almost 20 yrs nad recently moved back to my hometown of Tupelo,MS.

    REFLECTIONS OF A MISSISSIPPI MAGNOLIA- A LIFE IN POEMS
    http://www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com