School Library Journal is facing criticism over its February cover, which some people online have called racist and deeply inappropriate for Black History Month. The cover illustration highlights a white child, holding a book depicting a Black child’s face over her own. The cover story is called “Why White Children Need Diverse Books.” Librarians, teachers, and professors on Twitter noted that both the story and illustration centered white children, a disconcerting choice for February in particular, and that the illustration seemed to simulate blackface. Additionally, multiple presenters have withdrawn from upcoming events. SLJ editor-in-chief Kathy Ishizuka wrote in a lengthy […]
