News – Equal Opportunity Reader

[Last While In Books] I’m Still Here And So Are You

The writer, a Black woman in a tall yellow headwrap, a yellow spaghetti strap dress and a t-shirt with the dictionary definition of "eclectic" printed on it, gazes playfully down at the camera.

Fellow readers! I’m still here, but a lot is changing in Mel The Bookworm land. As a result time, contrary to the way I usually fill my personal schedule, is at a fleeting premium. Reviews and posts have been thin on the ground but one of the changes that’s happened lately means I have aContinue reading “[Last While In Books] I’m Still Here And So Are You”

Last Week In Books: Yes, That’s My Real Voice

The face of writer Melissa A Watkins, surrounded by the crumpled pages of writing drafts and musical scores. The image is titled "Artist Portrait No. 25: Melissa Watkins"

Fellow readers! Didya miss me? Whether or not you did, here I am again with one of my intermittent news updates covering the world of diverse books and diverse readers. Let’s jump right in! See you next time I have a spare moment to do a round-up, beautiful people. If you want to buy someContinue reading “Last Week In Books: Yes, That’s My Real Voice”

[LAST WEEK IN BOOKS] Taika Waititi? I Guess So…

I haven’t done a Last Week In Books post in almost a year. I stopped because my time has been at a bit of a premium–since landing back in America I’ve been working full time as well as trying to improve my own writing to the point where it’s publishable and in actual books thatContinue reading “[LAST WEEK IN BOOKS] Taika Waititi? I Guess So…”

Last Week In Books: Yo Mama’s So Nice Nobody Can Write A Dramatic Best-Selling Novel About Her

Black mother reading a book to biracial daughter in beautiful house

Happy Mother’s Day to all my fellow readers who’ve added extra pages to their family books! I’ve been trying to think of my favorite literary mothers all day…and failing. Healthy parental relationships are not often the stuff of literature, are they? Still, here’s hoping you and yours had a fabulous day. Also, for those ofContinue reading “Last Week In Books: Yo Mama’s So Nice Nobody Can Write A Dramatic Best-Selling Novel About Her”

Last Week In Books: All My Ruff Ryders, Meet Me Outside

It’s rare that I use this space to highlight anyone outside of the world of literature, but I think I have to make an exception this week for Earl Simmons, aka DMX. While he did pen an autobiography, he wasn’t known for his book. Still, he lived a dichotomous, tortured, nakedly expressive life on parContinue reading “Last Week In Books: All My Ruff Ryders, Meet Me Outside”

Last Week In Books: Ramona Forever!

It’s been a busy week, fellow readers, and I hope you’re well. There’s a lot of interesting things happening in the world of diverse books, as usual–read on for updates… The biggest piece of book news this week is pretty sad, fellow readers. Children’s author Beverly Cleary, who gave the world the gift of pluckyContinue reading “Last Week In Books: Ramona Forever!”

Last Week In Books: The Plague and the Struggle Continue

In the wake of the Seuss Fuss (thanks for that, Sofia!), publishers are taking a closer look at racial diversity in children’s books. About time. [via ABC News] Practically, this means that diverse children’s book lists are taking over the internet now. I personally liked this list of baby board books about science in EnglishContinue reading “Last Week In Books: The Plague and the Struggle Continue”

Last Week in Books: Five Fingers of Diverse Book News

This one’s gonna be a quickie, fellow readers. I have hair to wash, wine to drink, and a ridiculously early alarm set for tomorrow(Sunday) morning due to this silly impulse I have to socialize with, y’know, people. (Ew.) I’ma hit you with 5 really quick bookish links and then I’m going to run back offContinue reading “Last Week in Books: Five Fingers of Diverse Book News”

Last Week In Books: Say “Dr. Seuss” ONE MORE TIME. I Dare You!

Guess what I’m tired of talking about, but seems to have taken over the internet anyway? This week I could easily have written a book called “Oh, The Annoyance You’ll Feel!” but there are still some important things being done in these conversations so I can’t be outright mad at it. Anyway… *sigh* If anyContinue reading “Last Week In Books: Say “Dr. Seuss” ONE MORE TIME. I Dare You!”

Reading Kids, TV Railroads, and the Cancellation of Dr. Seuss: Last Week in Books, February 21st -27th

Two children reading underneath a blanket tent. One child is dark-skinned and curly-haired. The other is Asian, with long black hair and a middle part. They are giggling.

The titles of these get more and more fun to write every week. First, some good news: a 10 year old boy named Joziah Jason in Ypsilanti, Michigan has started a podcast bookclub for his fellow elementary school students. I listened to one episode and it’s equal parts inspiring and adorable. Check it out forContinue reading “Reading Kids, TV Railroads, and the Cancellation of Dr. Seuss: Last Week in Books, February 21st -27th”