Do you know that 2018 was an AWESOME year for Native kidlit and yalit? Yet we are seeing hardly any of the books on the "mock" Caldecott, Newbery, Printz, Sibert Award blogs and year-end "Best of..." lists. We are overjoyed to see more POC #ownvoices recognized, though with little queer or disabled intersections, and these forums still seem dominated by White mediocrity and conformity.
Which leads us to ask--are mainstream lists and awards important? Yes, we think they are. They give books and authors more recognition and a wider audience.
We *deeply* love the American Indian Youth Literature Awards. They are presented every two years. The 2018 selections include some of our all-time favorite books!
We are also thrilled to see our mentor Native librarians and scholars getting the word out in *amazing* articles and interviews. By Alia Jones: "Native YA: Four Native American Authors on Their Messages for Teens." By Debbie Reese: 12 Picture Books That Showcase Native Voices
From now till mid-January, we are going to review and promote 2018 books we feel are as strong contenders as any others. Seeing how it shapes up, we may poll communities of Native youth and present our own awards. As Native youth, we are seeking to make our voices heard and raise up the books that have meant the most to us--their primary audience.
Here are some of the books we will review soon. These (and others) are precious to us. Sho-na-bish!
Which leads us to ask--are mainstream lists and awards important? Yes, we think they are. They give books and authors more recognition and a wider audience.
We *deeply* love the American Indian Youth Literature Awards. They are presented every two years. The 2018 selections include some of our all-time favorite books!
We are also thrilled to see our mentor Native librarians and scholars getting the word out in *amazing* articles and interviews. By Alia Jones: "Native YA: Four Native American Authors on Their Messages for Teens." By Debbie Reese: 12 Picture Books That Showcase Native Voices
From now till mid-January, we are going to review and promote 2018 books we feel are as strong contenders as any others. Seeing how it shapes up, we may poll communities of Native youth and present our own awards. As Native youth, we are seeking to make our voices heard and raise up the books that have meant the most to us--their primary audience.
Here are some of the books we will review soon. These (and others) are precious to us. Sho-na-bish!
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