Walter Dean Myers died July 1. This is sad news to readers, educators and literacy advocates. His New York Times article, Where Are the People of Color in Children’s Books? continued his rich legacy. A prolific author and moving speaker, he tirelessly promoted the importance of diverse books for our diverse children and young people.
His physical presence and voice will be missed, but his literary voice, an inspiration, live on.
The 4th 2014 will be a memorable one. My husband and I will celebrate our granddaughter’s first 4th with her and her parents. I’m also thinking of all the new citizens who are proudly celebrating their first 4th. My daughter Libby and I wrote I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE, a family story, to honor the proud new citizens of the United States.
Individually and collectively, we Americans are planning an annual celebration of our country, our freedoms, and our shared values. As we listen to and read the news, we are daily reminded of the challenges we face to be a beacon of hope that justice and compassion can prevail. May our fun on the 4th deepen our commitment to work collaboratively to create a rich legacy for our diverse children.
Left to right: Illustrator Patrice Barton and co-authors Pat Mora and Libby Martinez.
During April, children and families all over the country have enjoyed Día at libraries, parks, schools and homes, and have continued the tradition of celebrating Children’s Day, Book Day in different languages and with activities for the whole family that remind us of what fun literacy, stories and reading together can be. I was with the Richland Library this April and felt so lucky to have my photo taken with Maurice Sendak’s amazing art.
I’m grateful to all the librarians, staff and volunteers who created opportunities for diverse families to enjoy being together to honor children and to savor bookjoy. Let’s share what we’re learning as we continue to grow Día and to prepare for our 20th anniversary in 2016.
