Over and over the lesson I've learned is that if we (as a group) are not seen, we will be forgotten. As a parent I do my best to expose my boys to all kinds of cultures. Of course, I teach them about being Mexican-American. When they are grown, they will make thier own choices but for now it's my job to expose them to what I can. Yet, how can we encourage Latino culture when we are left off the list?
Which list, you ask?
The NY Times released their Notable Children’s Books of 2013 in November. No. Latino. Authors. Listed. Ay, ay, ay!
Over 52 million Latinos live in the United States. Isn’t it odd that not even one title that might reflect a portion of this growing demographic is included? This exclusion certainly isn’t for a lack of books. This year, dozens of children’s books reflecting the diversity of the Latino culture have been published. -Monica Olivera, nbclatino.com
This Is How We Encourage Latino Culture
Thankfully, Latina leaders Monica Olivera and Viviana Hurtado, Ph.D. of Latinas for Latinos Literature (LL4L) created Remarkable Latino Children's Literature of 2013.
Thank you, Monica and Viviana! Even though NYT won't recognize Latino Children's book authors, we can still find these authors and their books. There are other Latino authors who published children’s books in 2013. Please share in the comments any books by Latino authors you read to your kids. (or your kids are reading)
Conversation and Google Hangout
What do you think, readers? Why are Latino authors left off the list? This is not the first time, obviously. It's happened over and over. If you want to join in converstation about this, join LL4L for a Google Hangout with authors Duncan Tonatiuh & Graciela Tiscareno-Sato on the exclusion of Hispanic authors and illustrators from The New York Times Book Reviews' Notable Children's Books of 2013. If you haven't tried Google Hangouts yet, this is the perfect time for something new! Here's a Tip Sheet for Google Hangouts.
