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Cover of PIGEONHOLED
4.12

Based on 25 Goodreads ratings

PIGEONHOLED

by one columnist as “the Guardian’s black journalist who writes ‘black stories.’” Ironically, his first column for the paper, about Bosnia, was spiked because the editor wanted him to add an “ethnic sensibility.” Born in Hertfordshire to Barbadian parents, Younge knew very few Black people. “When I entered a pub in most Scottish cities or any rural area in Britain, there was always this fragment of silence as I single\u002Dhandedly integrated the space.” Starting out in journalism, he says, felt like going into one of those pubs. Two decades later, Black journalists made up only 0.2% of staffers at British outlets. Younge is highly critical of mainstream media that have few Black decision\u002Dmakers but put Black journalists in front of cameras, mistaking photo opportunities for equal opportunities. Invoking wisdom from James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, and Shonda Rhimes, he acknowledges that while he aims to speak to the Black community in a relevant voice, “I hope I am never deluded enough to think I can speak for it.” He insists that though he may not represent Black people, “it’s important that I don’t misrepresent them. For it would also be reckless to contribute to an atmosphere in which relatively vulnerable people were made more vulnerable by my work.” After all, being Black in Britain means one is more likely to be stopped, searched, arrested, incarcerated, unemployed, underpaid, or homeless. By honestly reflecting on the complex challenges of his career, Younge hopes “to broaden the space for what we all might write.”"

Book Details

Publisher:Of
Published:2024-01-01
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9780571396

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This clever picture book tackles the frustration of being stereotyped through the story of a pigeon who dreams of being more than just a city bird. When the pigeon is repeatedly told it can only deli...

Our Review

This clever picture book tackles the frustration of being stereotyped through the story of a pigeon who dreams of being more than just a city bird. When the pigeon is repeatedly told it can only deliver messages or peck at crumbs, it decides to break free from these limiting expectations and pursue its true passions. The narrative uses simple, powerful language to explore themes of identity and self-determination that will resonate with young readers feeling boxed in by labels. Vivid, expressive illustrations capture the pigeon's journey from dejection to joyful self-discovery.

What makes this story stand out is its ability to make abstract concepts like prejudice and self-acceptance accessible to children without being heavy-handed. The pigeon's emotional arc—from confusion to defiance to triumph—provides a perfect vehicle for discussing how stereotypes can make us feel invisible. Parents and educators will appreciate how naturally this book opens conversations about respecting individual differences and challenging assumptions. A thoughtful addition to any child's library that champions the courage to define oneself.

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