Lauren Simone Blogs
Librarians react to Scholastic's Option to opt in or out of diverse book selections
According to a blog written by Kara Yorio of the School Library Journal on October 17, 2023, librarians seek book fair alternatives to Scholastic Book Fairs. Amanda Jones, a highly regarded middle school librarian in Louisiana, had been hosting Scholastic Book Fairs at her school for nine years but decided not to continue for the tenth year. Her decision came after a disappointing interaction with her Scholastic representative. During a meeting with her representative, she was presented with the option to include a "Share Every Story" case of books featuring diverse authors and characters in her book fair. Amanda eagerly...
Victoria's Secret and Pink have gone ADAPTIVE. What does this mean for me, a girl with Autism?
As an individual with Autism, I understand the often overlooked sensory challenges within our community. Brands like Pink have been integral in my life, offering comfort and support, particularly for those of us with sensory sensitivities. The adaptive designs provided a solution to issues I'd faced with traditional undergarments. These adaptive garments, equipped with magnetic fastenings, soft materials, and thoughtful adjustments, have the potential to be a game-changer for the Autism community, ensuring comfort and ease of use. The collaborative efforts of Gamut, Victoria's Secret, and Pink represent a significant step toward inclusive and functional fashion for women with disabilities.
Scholastics Opt in or Opt out option to school book fairs
Scholastic, the company known for its popular Book Fairs in elementary schools, is making a significant change this year. They have created a new collection called "Share Every Story, Celebrate Every Voice," which includes 64 books focusing on topics related to race and LGBTQ+ themes. These books are being separated from the main Book Fair offerings, allowing elementary schools to decide whether to include them or exclude them from their book fairs. This decision comes in response to the targeting of such titles by conservative legislators in various states. Scholastic's intent in creating this collection is to provide "diverse titles"...
Authors respond to Scholastic's isolation of diverse titles
According to Emma Bowman from NPR, author Maggie Tokuda-Hall was initially excited when Scholastic expressed interest in licensing her 2022 children's book, "Love in the Library." The prospect of reaching a broader audience for her love story set in a World War II incarceration camp for Japanese Americans, inspired by her grandparents and centered around finding joy in a dehumanizing environment, was promising. According to the author, the agreement with Scholastic hinged not only on removing that portion but also on entirely eliminating the word "racism" from the author's note. However, her excitement waned as soon as she read the...
Support Black-Owned Businesses: 450+ Places to Start Online
Written by Sophia Conti While the economic challenges of the last few years have tested organizations of all stripes, Black-owned businesses closed their doors at twice the rate of other businesses during the pandemic. Studies show that less access to the financial system and lack of family wealth to draw from – both key avenues of financial security during economic slowdowns – are partly to blame. Consumer spending habits are another major challenge for Black-owned businesses, which can struggle to scale up because of a misperception that their target market is a narrow demographic. Minority-owned businesses, however, are often marketing to...