I started a Facebook group, Alien Star Books, so authors and readers have a place to meet and talk about science fiction and fantasy books intended for teens and young adults of Color, as well as sci-fi and fantasy in general. All are welcome, although I will do some gentle moderation if necessary to keep the group on track. Come and check us out at http://www.facebook.com/groups/296472730472874/.
I know, I know, it really shouldn't matter -- except that nearly all protagonists fit the mold of John Carter of Mars. White Anglo-Saxon Protestant males prevail in nearly all fiction. In teen fiction, especially fantasy, there's a whole lotta red-headed girls and handsome young (White) boys. Now, yes, a lot of the fantasy is based on Celtic legend, but you know, there's more to the world than Ireland. No cap on Ireland, I enjoy a good epic or urban fantasy as well as the next fan. But there's a whole world out there, why does darn near every story have to focus on one little island? And then there's the ongoing idiocy in our world. Color doesn't matter? REALLY? Then why is there all this drama about darling little Gabby Douglas, Olympic gold medal winner, and her hair. Her hair? Are you kidding me? This brilliant young gymnast, with a smile that catches you and makes you smile too, the first African American to take the gold in gymnastics, and people are worried about her HAIR? Hello, she's BLACK! Her hair has a different texture, it's been relaxed and it's not going to be the same as some little blonde's fine, wispy do. It's just not. Get real! Look, if people are having drama about an outstanding Olympic athlete's hair, then we still have a problem. And yes, I'm sad to say that some who've been most critical are Black. Science fiction and fantasy can look past all the drama of today, bringing our kids exciting stories with good role models -- heroes and heroines that break today's cast-in-stupidity molds and sweep the reader into a future where diversity (and hair) is accepted as normal and natural. That's just one reason why it's so important to have protagonists of Color. Not the wingman, not the sidekick, not the secondary characters -- I'm talking about the main characters. I want my kid to enjoy rip-roaring sci-fi novels, envisioning himself as that young Black/Mexican/Welsh/Italian/Native American hero that's busting those bad guys' behinds and saving the Universe! I'd love for new authors (and old) as well as readers to send me more books that you think are a good fit for this website. While my focus is on Teens and Young Adults of Color, there's a place for every protagonist here. After all, a good book is a good book! Shoot me an e-mail if you like: alienstarbooks@yahoo.com. And hey, have a great day! By noon today, I had over 800 views of the website. That's JUST for today! I'm delighted by the positive responses I've received and the increasing number of views. Considering that I just went live on April 8th, the website is doing very well. When I went looking for books for my son, I realized how badly we as parents, caregivers, teachers, educators and/or homeschoolers need a central location for Teens and Adults of Color to find good reading materials featuring protagonists of Color. My little niche is Science Fiction and Fantasy, but if you're reading this and saying "Hey!" there's plenty of room over in Mysteries, Westerns, Suspense, Horror and so on. In fact, if you decide to start a similar website in another genre and want to be a "sister site," I'm all good with that, I'll be happy to add your information under Resources, referring those who are looking for other genres to go and check your website out. In any case, the views are going up and that's pretty darn awesome! | About MeI'm the head of a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural family -- and a HUGE Science Fiction and Fantasy fan since my early teens. I'm also a writer with two non-fiction books and one cookbook published and several fiction books "in progress". ArchivesJune 2013 CategoriesAll |
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