What's Happening?
A symposium titled 'Future-Proofing Equality in Children’s Publishing' was held at Manchester Metropolitan University, focusing on the impact of U.S. book bans on global children's publishing. The event, organized by the university's Centre for Fiction
and the AHEAD program, aimed to address the challenges posed by the increasing removal and banning of books in the U.S., particularly those promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion. The symposium highlighted how these U.S. trends are influencing international markets, as many global children's publishers rely on U.S. sales and rights models. Keynote speaker David Roberts shared personal experiences of his books being challenged in the U.S. for depicting same-sex couples, emphasizing the need for diverse representation in children's literature. The event also featured discussions on the importance of authentic representation and the structural challenges faced by creators of color and other marginalized groups in the publishing industry.
Why It's Important?
The symposium underscores the significant influence of U.S. political and cultural climates on international children's publishing. As book bans in the U.S. target diverse and inclusive narratives, there is a ripple effect on global markets that depend on U.S. sales. This situation highlights the vulnerability of children's literature to ideological campaigns, which can lead to the suppression of diverse voices and stories. The discussions at the symposium reveal the broader cultural conflicts at play and the need for collective action to protect the rights of children to access diverse and inclusive literature. The event also stresses the importance of authentic representation in children's books, which can impact the aspirations and careers of creators from marginalized communities.
What's Next?
The symposium is part of a series of international conversations that will continue at major book fairs in Bologna and Frankfurt in 2026. These discussions aim to develop a shared manifesto to safeguard children's rights to read diverse and inclusive literature. The event called for increased local engagement by publishing professionals in school and library decisions to counteract book challenges. Proposals for change included statutory school libraries, Creative Inclusion Leads in publishing houses, and curriculum reforms to support diversity. The symposium concluded with a call for a collective commitment to integrate principles of diversity and inclusion into daily practices within the publishing industry.
