This concept of “necessary diversity” reflects an idea that shaped children’s literature for many years (and still persists today): white main characters are default/normal/expected. IPOC main characters only belong in folktales, history, or stories of “struggle”.
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This way of thinking is why I never saw princesses that looked like me when I was a child. The message? People like you are not expected. People like you don’t belong in every space.
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I remember very vividly playing make believe as a child. Sometimes my friends would tell me “You can’t be [insert make-believe character] because you don’t look like her.” This affected me deeply. The effects still linger for me today.
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Luckily this is changing thanks to the efforts of writers and editors who have worked hard to make books that reflect all children. I know they got pushback about “necessary diversity”. I’m forever grateful they fought those battles. My book owes its life to them.
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And please know that I love and appreciate folktales and stories about history and culture. They are some of my very favorites. The important thing is to make them one of many kinds of stories where IPOC characters exist.
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DIARY OF AN ICE PRINCESS is a fun magical story with snow, castles, best friends, and an adorable dog! The MC is mixed race Asian American. Not for any other reason than because she can be.
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If you do read closely, you’ll see details about her family and her culture that support the story in an authentic way. I want to emphasize that she was not a white character “painted” to become Asian American. She has always been who she is and I love her SO much.
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I can’t wait for kids to meet her! I hope they love her and the rest of the cast as much as I do. And a thousand thanks to my editor and all the team at Scholastic who has been 1000% behind this book from the very beginning. And thank you all for listening!
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Kiitos. Käytämme tätä aikajanasi parantamiseen. KumoaKumoa
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RAGE on behalf of your books. ELATION that you are writing books for kids. Keep going, my friend, and never ever stop.
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Thank you Lindsay. I know you totally understand. Love to you!
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