On a lighter note...

I wanted to start off the week with happier story, possibly something that wasn't an example of exclusion, but an example of inclusion.  Yesterday, I received an email from the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Round Table of the American Library Association (GLBTRT), describing reactions to the new Stonewall Children's and Young Adult Literature Awards, which was announced on November 1st.  According to a blog article in the New York Times,

The new award, called the Stonewall Children’s and Young Adult Literature Award, is for an English-language book “of exceptional merit relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered experience,” the association said on Monday. Stonewall Awards for adult books have been handed out since 1971.

Roberta Stevens, the president of the American Library Association, said in a statement that children’s books that include the experiences of gays and lesbians “are critical tools in teaching tolerance, acceptance and the importance of diversity.” 

The books chosen for ALA awards are often sought out and used by a great many teachers and schools because the association is known for its high standards and careful scrutiny of works of literature.  It's a good day way a new and growing genre gets this kind of attention and praise.  And that's it for today.  Have a good week!