"Ground Breakers"
Leslea Newman and David Diaz can both be considered groundbreaking in their respective fields. Leslea Newman had the first published and widely acclaimed children's book that featured to lesbian mothers in 1990. David Diaz won a Caldecott Medal on his first picture book which is unheard-of for many illustrators in 1994. They both have a very distinct style of writing, focusing on what they feel is important rather than what they think all people will like. They are not scared to be different, rather they embrace their differences and make them known (whether in topic of writing, or style of illustrations). With Newman's strong emphasis on GLBT themes and Diaz's unique mixed media style of illustration it would be very interesting to see them collaborate on a book together.
"Controversial"
Because they are not afraid to let their work stand out and be noticed, both Newman and Diaz have been the face of much scrutiny. "Heather Has Two Mommies" was written in 1988 at a time when talking about gays and lesbians to children's seemed unheard of. But after hearing two lesbian mothers tell her how they didn't have a book to read to their daughter that encompassed their type of family, Newman knew that she had to write the book.
In 1992 after "Heather Has Two Mommies" was picked up by a publishing company three conflicts arose. The first was in Portland, Oregon where Lon Mabon was attempting to "allow discrimination against lesbians and gay men". But in a vote by the citizen of the town the suggestion was turned down. The second conflict arose around the nation when people began stealing the book from libraries and never returning them. Leslea and the publisher fought back, restocking many of the missing books and with the support from libraries, the book remained on the shelves. The third issue became apparent in NY where Mary Cummins, president of School District 24 stated that she did not believe these kinds of books should be in the classroom. The book "Heather Has Two Mommies" as well as "Daddy's Roommate" were removed from The Rainbow Curriculum's (a 443 page bibliography that was designed to teach respect for all kinds of families) pages.
David Diaz's can be considered controversial for two main reasons. One of them being that he chooses stories to illustrate that usually deal with sensitive issues such as violence in schools, poverty, or urban settings. He can also be considered controversial because he won the Caldecott Medal for his first picture book illustrations. There were protestors against his win stating things such as "There is a terrible sameness from spread to spread... I never imagined a riot could appear quite so benign as this" -Michael Patrick Hearn, and "Taken individually, the rugged, flat designs in heavy outline and simple contour and raw color are indeed striking, but after a while their stylized, detached imagery is a bit numbing."-Michael Patrick Hearn. But David Diaz's work has certainly made a positive impact ont he children's book and art worlds.
Both Newman and Diaz faced adversity and overcame it in stride, knowing that their goals and achievements were for the greater good of children and society as a whole.
In 1992 after "Heather Has Two Mommies" was picked up by a publishing company three conflicts arose. The first was in Portland, Oregon where Lon Mabon was attempting to "allow discrimination against lesbians and gay men". But in a vote by the citizen of the town the suggestion was turned down. The second conflict arose around the nation when people began stealing the book from libraries and never returning them. Leslea and the publisher fought back, restocking many of the missing books and with the support from libraries, the book remained on the shelves. The third issue became apparent in NY where Mary Cummins, president of School District 24 stated that she did not believe these kinds of books should be in the classroom. The book "Heather Has Two Mommies" as well as "Daddy's Roommate" were removed from The Rainbow Curriculum's (a 443 page bibliography that was designed to teach respect for all kinds of families) pages.
David Diaz's can be considered controversial for two main reasons. One of them being that he chooses stories to illustrate that usually deal with sensitive issues such as violence in schools, poverty, or urban settings. He can also be considered controversial because he won the Caldecott Medal for his first picture book illustrations. There were protestors against his win stating things such as "There is a terrible sameness from spread to spread... I never imagined a riot could appear quite so benign as this" -Michael Patrick Hearn, and "Taken individually, the rugged, flat designs in heavy outline and simple contour and raw color are indeed striking, but after a while their stylized, detached imagery is a bit numbing."-Michael Patrick Hearn. But David Diaz's work has certainly made a positive impact ont he children's book and art worlds.
Both Newman and Diaz faced adversity and overcame it in stride, knowing that their goals and achievements were for the greater good of children and society as a whole.
"Focus on Social Issues/ Minorites"
Both Newman and Diaz have drawn from their personal lives and experiences to be able to fully immerse themselves in the work they are doing. But they are also both drawn to direct their work to focus on people who may not be as equally represented in other children's books. Leslea Newman has focused on topics dealing with same sex marriage, lesbian break ups and how that affects children, AIDs, Jewish holidays, and Jewish Traditions. Newman is also able to weave other difficult topics into her books such as death and dying in an appropriate way for young children.
David Diaz is a Latino American and has said that he drew on his heritage when illustrating the book "Coming Home" by Eve Bunting. But David is also interested in topics that he has not experienced himself. He illustrated the book "Smoky Night" which tells the story of a boy watching the L.A. Riots outside of his bedroom window and how it affects his life. The setting is urban and the illustrations are gripping. Using mixed media, graphic design and acrylic painting. Another book that dealt with social issues that Diaz illustrated was "Just One Flick of a Finger" by Marybeth Lorbiecki. THe main character in this book brings a gun to school because he doesn't want to have to be afraid of bullies anymore.
David Diaz is a Latino American and has said that he drew on his heritage when illustrating the book "Coming Home" by Eve Bunting. But David is also interested in topics that he has not experienced himself. He illustrated the book "Smoky Night" which tells the story of a boy watching the L.A. Riots outside of his bedroom window and how it affects his life. The setting is urban and the illustrations are gripping. Using mixed media, graphic design and acrylic painting. Another book that dealt with social issues that Diaz illustrated was "Just One Flick of a Finger" by Marybeth Lorbiecki. THe main character in this book brings a gun to school because he doesn't want to have to be afraid of bullies anymore.