BCALA NEWS Volume 41, Issue 3
Summer 2014
55
especially when research indicates the huge reading and literacy gap between African American boys and their counterparts. The educational future of our young Black males looks somewhat bleak and if African American male librarians, educators, and fathers are not the driving force for change, who will be? On the flipside, I am pleased to see more Black males writing and illustrating amazing children’s books. Yes, the numbers are still low in comparison to the number of children’s books published annually, but works these men are creating are simply remarkable.
P.C.: Do you think that Black male librarians can hold a special place as role models for preschool aged children?
A.B.: Definitely. Positive Black males are unfortunately not present in the lives of children of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. The impact we have on young children is powerful – this is one of the many reasons I encourage Black males to consider librarianship and Black male librarians to be as visible as possible in our communities. We must take time out of our schedules, no matter how busy we may be, to volunteer and make our presence known. Just a few hours a month within a public school or sharing a story at the public library enriches the lives of countless children.
P.C.: Did the faculty at East Carolina support your decision to pursue writing this book on titles for preschoolers?
A.B.: The support on my campus and within my community has been, and continues to be, overwhelming. Colleagues throughout the nation are aware of my love for children’s literature, reading, and literacy, and they have been nothing but supportive. From the beginning to this present moment, this book has been a joy. Researching and writing about your passion can be nothing but a delightful experience – even when you are holding down a fulltime job and pushing to meet editorial deadlines.
P.C.: I already want to know, what’s next on the horizon for you in the publications game?
A.B.: Presently, I am busy presenting my research and holding book signings at libraries, bookstores, and other venues. This is a new experience for me, and I find it quite exhilarating! As for the future, I am already preparing for the 2nd edition of Building a Core Print Collection for Preschoolers which I hope will be released in approximately four years. Over the last ten years, I have been writing children’s books and hope to have one published in the near future.
P.C.: Who should consider adding your new work to their collection?
A.B.: Everyone reading this interview! Although the primary audiences are librarians working in public libraries, elementary school libraries, and college and university libraries with early childhood education programs, the scope is far much broader. It is an essential resource for early childhood professionals, preservice teachers and librarians, parents, grandparents, professors, and other childcare providers of preschool children.
P.C.: Is there anything else I haven’t covered that you would like to add?
A.B.: I would like to thank you for this interview and allowing me to share my enthusiasm for books, reading, literacy, and lifelong learning with my colleagues. It has been a pleasure.
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