Book Quote by Marley Dias
“In my class - in all fifth-grade classes - we were required to read 'classics,' books like 'Shiloh,' which is about a white boy and the dog he rescues. And 'Old Yeller,' which is about a white boy and the dog that rescues him. And 'Where the Red Fern Grows,' which is about a white boy and the two dogs he trains.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Teen Vogue summit, 2021
Children’s literature often defaults to white protagonists, limiting diverse representation.
In simple terms: Books often feature white boys and dogs.
Key Takeaway
Seek diverse stories for all kids.
Themes
representation
literature
diversity
Mood
critical
motivational
Type
educational
advocacy
When to use this quote
- classroom reading lists
- library curation
- author outreach
Key Concepts
cultural bias
inclusion
Questions to Reflect On
- How can schools broaden their reading lists?
- What stories reflect your culture?
A Different Perspective
Changing curricula can be slow.
