From: Paul Gaboriault <gaboriault>
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2001 12:05:52 -0500

Having just joined this discussion, I am amazed at the extent of the
'race matters' discussion. Monica wrote 'By allowing us to wonder about her characters' race and ethnicity she forces us to think about them." I disagree. I did not place a race on each of the characters. I feel their lack of racial identity lets the reader look past racial differences and see the humanity of the characters. These are people dealing with poverty, something that every race endures. Everyone deals with poverty differently because of their individual circumstances. LaVaughn has a strong mother and a purpose/goal in life. Jolly has no one to help her-no 'folks'-until LaVaughn gives her a nudge with Barbara's phone number. Myrtle and Annie turn to religion. There are many ways out of poverty and I believe the authors lack of racial identity for the characters allows all young readers to see the possibility of better times. There has been much discussion about issues that only adult readers would focus on. What ML and TB gives young readers is characters to identify with and learn from.
Received on Fri 27 Jul 2001 12:05:52 PM CDT