An American Treasure: Jacqueline Woodson

National Book Award Winner, Jacqueline Woodson

I recently was involved in discussion thread on one of my librarian listserv lately regarding award winning author, Jacqueline Woodson.

Woodson is the 2014 National Book Award Winner for Young People's Literature for the book, "Brown Girl Dreaming".  During the program, an insensitive joke was made by the master's of ceremonies that centered around a stereotype of watermelon and African-Americans.  Since that time, Woodson has responded by writing an eloquent column in the New York Times which was also picked up by Time Magazine. Both posts are currently being circulated on social media during this holiday season and in my opinion has made online reading quite interesting.

The Pain of the Watermelon Joke
by Jacqueline Woodson

I read some of the comments on the listserv and on the articles comment section....honestly my blood pressure spiked a bit.  I was saddened, then angered and then left bewildered by some of the comments.  Overall, many understood how Woodson felt in that moment:  She had just happily received this prestigious award and while making her way from the stage back to her seat, had the moment belittled to an insensitive joke.  What was also interesting is some of the comments ranged from Woodson reacting in a hyper-sensitive matter about the subject, while others believe that the joke was just delivered in poor taste and she and others should just let it go.

I know you are probably thinking, K.C. why are you so wound up about the comments of others? The reason why is, these comments represent the general thought or opinions of others.  You see in today's technology driven society, it's easy to hide behind a computer or online name these days, so one can be their authentic self and express their views freely. The comments in my opinion were authentic and represent as a society, that there is still a lack of understanding of people from other races/cultures. These comments also are an indicator that we still have a long way to go.

After reading all of the press associated with Woodson's award, I also think about a heated argument I had with a librarian colleague about ten years ago.   The argument centered around her lack of understanding about offensive books about people of color.   I explained to her that when I was working at Kdg. - 8th grade school, I used to cringe when I read the book, "Five Little Monkey's Jumping on a Bed."  This is a classic children's counting book that many of us are familiar with.     What many don't realize in the earlier version, the book was called, "Ten Little Nigger Boys." The popular chant that is now known as "Five Little Monkeys" (also known as "Ten Little Monkeys or Ten Little Indians") used the "n word" plural or "darkies" as a reference for Black people instead of the word "monkey".   Historically, the word "monkey" itself is a word which has also been used in the past and the present as an offensive reference for Indian and African American people.

http://weneeddiversebooks.org 

This is where I can directly relate to Woodson.  When she heard the comments during 'her moment', it took her back to a time of pain and struggle.   In my case, my colleague felt that since the revised version was reissued, I should no longer have strong feelings about the theme of the book.  My argument was it's hard to just 'erase' the imagery and message that was once present in this book, especially when I see copies on the internet and rare book collections.   This is why organizations such as, 'We Need Diverse Books' is needed because they are committed to diversifying all children’s literature.  Children should have the opportunity to be exposed to a diverse body of literature that accurately represents themselves and for their personal leisure and required reading.

Me Sitting Behind the Circulation Desk

I have been a Jacqueline Woodson fan as long as I've served as a school librarian.  She is one of many authors who are committed to filling the void of stories written about children of color. Through her stories, she has demonstrated to the publishing field that these stories are rich, wonderful reads that bring a different voice to contemporary fiction.   I applaud Woodson and so should you.  Her accomplishments should not be overshadowed by the comments of the ill informed that lacks cultural understandings.
She is an American treasure and we should treat and celebrate her as such.


References
Dwyer, C., (November, 2014)
Daniel Handler Apologizes For Jokes At National Book Awards
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/11/21/365707391/book-news-daniel-handler-apologizes-for-jokes-at-national-book-awards

Frizell, S., (November, 2014)
Jacqueline Woodson Responds to Racist Watermelon Joke
http://time.com/3610303/jacqueline-woodson-watermelon-racist-joke-lemony-snicket-daniel-handler-national-book-awards/

Frizell, S., (November, 2014)
Children’s Author Helps Raise Thousands After Racist Remark
http://time.com/3601099/daniel-handler-lemony-snicket-racist-remark/

Gates, H. L. (July, 2014)
The Signifying Monkey: A Theory of African American Literary Criticism
Oxford University

Harvey, R., (February, 1997)
Don't Judge Hearn Merely by Latest Slip of Tongue
Los Angeles Times
http://articles.latimes.com/1997-02-06/sports/sp-26020_1_chick-hearn

We Need Diverse Books
http://weneeddiversebooks.org/

Woodson, J., (November, 2014)
The Pain of the Watermelon Joke
New York Times
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/11/29/opinion/the-pain-of-the-watermelon-joke.html

Yes Indeed!

Check out this article from the Huffington Post entitled, 'Here Are The Most Popular Books Of 2013 From The Nation's Top-Ranked Library'.  Guess what?  A Street Literature book is among the most circulated during the 2013 calendar year throughout libraries within the Chicago Public Library system.

Who said Street Lit. wasn't a genre?  I think it's time for the critics to accept that this genre isn't going anywhere.

Harold Washington Library Center

Treasure Blue's "Fly Betty"

Have you pre-ordered your copy of "Fly Betty" by Treasure Blue?  I have and you should too.  The release date is February 5th so you still have time.  Blue is the author of popular street lit. books, Keyshia and Clyde, Harlem Girl Lost and A Street Girl Named Desire.  From what I've read, "Fly Betty" looks like it's going to be one of Blue's books that you read in one sitting.  I'm looking forward to reading it because this author consistently cranks out good books with memorable characters.  Plus the last couple of books I've read by other authors I just didn't like it.  (This is one of the reason I haven't posted any reviews lately)  Check out the book description below.

From Amazon.com

IN THE MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR A YEAR ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY THERE IS a secret society of women that few are privy to. All of these women are vying for one thing – an opportunity to live a luxurious, lavish lifestyle by snagging a rich and famous singer, rapper or athlete.

Betty Blaise, or Fly Betty to those who truly know her, was not in it to be a wife or even the baby momma of a wealthy public figure – she had her sights set higher, much higher. While most of these women use sex as their weapon of choice, Betty, a senior majoring in psychology, has developed skills she learned from her mother’s diaries that prove much more powerful.

Up until now Betty has lived her life according to her own strict rules and standards, refusing to compromise for anyone, even if it potentially meant shielding herself from true love. But when she encounters a man that she would never have anticipated falling for in a million years, the very tools she used so effectively against men begin to turn against her – and deadly consequences are sure to follow.

Tu-Shonda Whitaker is Coming to Chicago - Part II

Verlean Singletary, Owner of DaBook Joint

On Saturday, I attended a Champagne Soiree at the Temple Art Gallery in Chicago.   Street Lit. author, Tu-Shonda Whitaker was the guest of honor for this gathering of lovers of the genre.   DaBook Joint Owner, Verlean Singletary hosted the event. Singletary, an avid reader herself, is dedicated to bringing African-American literature to the Chicagoland community and abroad for all ages through her online bookstore.   CPS librarians will also be pleased to know that DaBook Joint is an approved vendor for Chicago Public Schools!

I was really happy to finally meet Whitaker.  I've been a fan of her work since her Triple Crown Publications release of "Flip Side of the Game" in 2004.   Her current release, "Money Never Sleeps:  A Millionaire Wives Club Novel," describes how the four divas juggle drama, backstabbing and family.   Her teen line written under the pen name, Ni-Ni Simone is insanely popular with teen girls.   I can personally attest to the hysteria of girls in my library waiting to read the next book in her popular teen series.   Her books published by Kensington Teen are a great choice for pre-teen and teen readers.  

Whitaker and I

I'll be totally honest with you.  My past experience when attending book signings like this one is learning how arrogant or rude the author can be.  This type of behavior is such a disappointment to me because when I like an author's style of writing, I believe in supporting them through the sales of their books.  In the case of Whitaker, arrogance or rude behavior are two words that I would not use to describe her.  I found this author to be very down to earth, friendly and funny.  I also believe she found the tales of Chicago quite humorous.   I especially appreciated her patience in signing all of the books for my teens at my high school.  Thank you again!  

The Champagne Soiree was attended by librarians, teens/parents and adult fans of her work.   Also in attendance was Charles and Radiah Hubbert, Founders of Urban Reviews Online.  When you have a moment, check out their website, http://www.urbanreviewsonline.com and follow them on Twitter at @UrbanReviewsOnline.  Their work is highly respected and their Free Black E-Books list is a great help for a librarian on a tight budget.  This is a website that should not be missed.

Enjoy more pictures/captions below of the event below.

Until next time, K.C. 

P.S.  Whitaker also writes Erotic Fiction under the pen name, Risque.  If you are a fan of adult Erotic, check out her new work!

A longtime fan.

This teen was thrilled to meet Whitaker and take a picture with her.

This mother brought her teen daughter to the soiree.

Happiness is:  Getting my book signed by Ni-Ni Simone!

CPS Librarian LaToya Bennett purchased books for her 8th graders at Kershaw Magnet.

Say Cheese!

Celebrating African-American Authors

The Harlem Book Fair, is a community forum for readers to discover, experience and celebrate its history and culture through books. The fair has become one of the country’s largest community gatherings of African American readers and book lovers.  Authors Mikki Grant, Terry McMillian, Bishop Carlton Pearson, L.A. Banks and Tonya Hegamin will serve on panels and give book readings.  Tributes will be given to Sonia Sanchez and the late E. Lynn Harris.

The panel discussions will be broadcasted live on C-SPAN’s Book TV on Saturday, June 17th beginning at 10am cst.  Check your local cable/satellite provider for the exact channel and view the link to the Program Guide: http://www.qbr.com/Userfiles/Docs/HBF2010_Program_Guide.pdf.  Don't miss the 2010 Harlem Book Fair!