What I wanted to do was use literature and different kinds of stories and poems as a springboard, tapping into the creativity of our teens - I wanted teenagers to come up with their own creative responses to literature - using books themselves as a starting point.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes using literature as a tool to inspire creativity in teenagers, encouraging them to respond to stories in their own unique ways.
Malorie Blackman expresses her desire to leverage literature, including stories and poems, as a catalyst for creativity among teenagers. She envisions a process where teens engage with literature, not just as passive readers, but as active creators who are inspired to develop their own artistic expressions. This approach encourages critical thinking and personal interpretation, fostering a deeper connection between young individuals and the literature they encounter.
In practice
In a classroom discussion on fostering creativity, this quote can inspire teachers to rethink their methods.
I remember going into a bookshop, and the only book I saw with a black child on the cover was 'A Thief in the Village' by James Berry, and I thought, 'Is this still the state of publishing?' Then I thought, 'Either I can whine about it or try to do something about it.'
I hope to instill, in every child I meet, my love and enthusiasm for reading and stories.
Children will go with any story as long as it's good, but white adults sometimes think that if a black child's on the cover, it is perhaps not for them.
History should belong to all of us, and it needs to include people from different cultural backgrounds. Otherwise, it risks becoming irrelevant to children, who could then become disenchanted with education.
I read a lot of highly unsuitable books for an 11-year-old. I was desperate to read as widely as possible. I thought, 'There are so many places I am never going to get the chance to visit, but I can if I read them.' And I did. I could go anywhere in the world - and off it - by reading.
Don't you know that boys don't cry?' Adam grinned. 'Shall I tell you something I've only recently discovered,' I replied, not attempting to hide the tears rolling down my face and not the least bit ashamed of them. 'Boys don't cry, but real men do.
I did poorly in math for a couple of years in middle school; I was just not interested in thinking about it.
Today's Little Leaguers, and there are millions of them each year, pick up how to hit and throw and field just by watching games on TV. By the time they're out of high school, the good ones are almost ready to play professional ball.
Child psychology and child psychiatry cannot be reformed. They must be abolished.
We buy books because we believe we're buying the time to read them.
Never sit staring at a blank page or screen. If you find yourself stuck, write. Write about the scene you're trying to write. Writing about is easier than writing, and chances are, it will give you your way in.
I never heard one word in Pixar about, 'Will kids get this?' I don't think it's important that they get everything. I think that it's important that they get engaged, interested.
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