Thank you to all who joined us for our most recent webinar, “Children’s Books About Joy,” with authors Kelly J. Baptist (The Electric Slide and Kai), Samara Cole Doyon (Magic Like That), and David Anthony Durham (The Shadow Prince). If you missed it live (or just want to watch again), you can watch the webinar below, or here on YouTube. Keep reading for links to resources and booklists shared during the webinar.
In this webinar, the panelists discussed the disproportionate number of books about BIPOC protagonists that focus on their marginalization, rather than their joy. Though it is important for children to understand the history and complexity of oppression, racism, and discrimination — it’s equally important that children, especially Indigenous children, Black children, and children of color, see themselves thrive in books and experience the joy of being part of a loving community.
Purchase the books from the webinar here:
The Electric Slide and Kai
Magic Like That
The Shadow Prince
Lee & Low’s Books About Joy Booklist & Book Collection:
Books About Joy Booklist
Books About Joy Book Collection
Additional recommended resources:
Home Library Questionnaire
Books About Joy Blog Post
10 Picture Books That Are Not About Oppression