DuEwaWorld News! by DuEwa Frazier

There are few writers who have contributed countless stories and books for the benefit of children's literacy.  Walter Dean Myers , one of my favorite children's writers passed on July 1, 2014.  I was overcome with sadness upon hearing of his passing.  I immediately felt the sense of loss for his family, and also for the many children, librarians, teachers and literacy advocates who have read, taught and participated in book clubs and conferences surrounding Walter Dean Myers notable and award winning books.  Walter Dean Myers wrote with "us" in mind.  There is currently a great discussion and debate, asking why aren't there more diverse children's books? Writers have argued that the great publishing companies in America do not widely publish children's writers of color or books that are about diverse children and ethnic groups.  Others believe there aren't enough writers who write to present diverse characters and themes for stude...

Through the years I  have had great discussions about books with middle grade and high school students.  I've read novels such as Catcher in the Rye and Their Eyes Were Watching God with my students.  I've read memoirs such as Black, White and Jewis h and Down These Mean Streets with my students.  I've read essays by Zora Neale Hurston and James Baldwin with my students.  I've also read short stories from 145th Street Stories by Walter Dean Myers and "Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid with them.  This was literature that was within our curriculum.  When it came to books that students were to self select, or read at home for more practice and endurance I received many comments that spoke to student frustration and apprehension. Students told me, "You [the school] don't have enough books for kids like us..." or "I don't read a lot because I can't find books that really interest me, about subjects I like..." or ...