That’s it. I’m switching from coffee to tea.
The tea (link follows, includes names of authors signing the letter):
Open Letter to the UK KidLit Industry
We write with deep concern regarding the rollback in inclusive representation within the UK children’s publishing industry.
When authors attempted genuine dialogue with Bath Children’s Literature Festival about the lack of inclusive representation in their line-up, the festival founder responded with bullying tactics. But this is an issue that goes beyond one festival; many of us have noted that other major festivals have a worrying lack of representation of authors from the global majority, LGBTQIA+ authors, neurodivergent authors, disabled authors and other marginalised or racialised groups.
This comes at a time when schools are removing books about racism from their curriculum[1], LGBTQIA+ authors are being dropped from school visits[2] and libraries in a Reform council are being told to review “inappropriate” Pride displays[3].
Many of us working within the industry are frequently asked to contribute to panels, workshops and think pieces lamenting the lack of inclusive representation. We have been asked to give our unpaid labour to offer advice and solutions, only to see those same organisations ignore all our suggestions. We cannot keep going round in circles.
There is a reading crisis amongst our young people. If the children’s publishing industry genuinely wishes to build an audience of engaged, robust readers then it simply must adequately represent them in their entirety. That means championing all authors who write inclusive books, and challenging attempts to silence their voices.
Over a third (38.7%) of primary school age children in the UK are not white[4]. Yet the research data compiled annually from the CLPE Reflecting Realities report[5] and the Inclusive Books for Children Excluded Voices[6] show that equitable representation continues to be an issue. In some areas, we are going backwards. The industry needs to better serve the next generation of readers.
We have dedicated our working lives to making reading and its joys accessible for all children. We will continue to call out instances of blatant exclusion. We will continue to advocate for greater representation in an industry that remains largely monocultural. This
isn’t an attempt to cause hurt or shame, but to ensure that those with power use it to create a more equitable world. It’s the very least our children deserve.
Yours in Gatekeepers perhaps finally getting an effing clue?
PB
PB Rippey Writes 
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