From the Independent:
We have also been sent messages by concerned authors asking whether their pink-covered children’s books will now be disqualified from a review slot. I’d just like to lay that fear to rest. I always judge the books I’m sent on a case by case basis and, besides, great stories are great stories, whatever cover they are presented in. So if you send me a well-written book with a strong protagonist, a cracking plot and universally-appealing themes, then of course I will consider it for review – even if your publisher has chosen to stick it in a ‘feminine’ or ‘masculine’-looking jacket.
Yes! It is totally fine for pink or blue books to exist, and totally fine for boys or girls to love either or both. The problem arises when the books overtly declare themselves to be "for girls" or "for boys" and exclude, even implicitly disparage, kids who might be interested in a book that is not "for" them. I'm so glad to see a movement away from this unnecessary labeling.
Posted by: Shoshana | 24 March 2014 at 07:18 PM