The Reading Culture Connecting With Authors: Varian Johnson and Seeing Yourself Beyond the Pages
On Today's Show
- "I think it's really important that readers see the people behind the book: the authors, the illustrators, the librarians, the teachers, the folks in publicity and marketing. Obviously, a young reader won't see all of that, it's just important to know that the people behind the book are people of color or look like you. That's just taking diversity and inclusion and equity to another level." - Varian Johnson
As a kid, Varian Johnson always felt connected to authors. Beverly Cleary and Judy Blume were among his early favorites. He would even write letters to Blume. But those connections were unmatched compared to Walter Dean Myers. In reading Walter Dean Myers, Varian Johnson saw himself reflected in both the characters on the pages and in the author himself.
That relationship between the reader and author is something Varian values a great deal. Now, as an adult and author, Varian takes his role in that relationship seriously. He knows the responsibility it entails in the messages he shares and how he inspires his own readers. He joins to talk about that relationship and what it means for young readers to see themselves beyond the pages.
Contents
Chapter 1 - Varian as a Young Reader (2:36)
Chapter 2 - If You Come Softly (8:57)
Chapter 3 - Connecting with the Reader (11:54)
Chapter 4 - Writing as a Black Author (15:03)
Chapter 5 - The Author's Role in Shaping Kids' Minds (17:26)
Chapter 6 - Varian's Favorite School Visits (19:59)
Chapter 7 - Addressing Toxic Masculinity in "Playing The Cards You're Dealt" (23:01)
Chapter 8 - "Drawing in Color" (27:51)
Chapter 9 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (29:08)
Today's Beanstack featured librarian is Leah Wyan, the youth fiction selector for Tulsa City County Library in Oklahoma. In this week's episode she tells us about a recent heartwarming experience from her library featuring beloved author Jason Reynolds.
Links