The Journey of ‘A Child Like You’ by Na’ima B Robert
We know that each author has a journey to publication and it is always so fascinating to read their perspectives. Have a read through of Na’ima B Robert’s story about her book, A Child Like You.
The Journey of ‘A Child Like You’ by Na’ima B Robert
My new book, ‘A Child Like You’, was first written a long time ago. As in 3 children, 4 house moves and some major life events ago.
At the time, the story was a simple collection of stanzas highlighting some of the struggles of children around the world. The intention was to open my (relatively privileged) children’s eyes to the various realities being lived by so many of the world’s children.
I remember I wrote it quickly, one of those stories that flows easily onto the page, saying everything that you want it to say in the first draft.
I sent it to my agent and thought little of it, as you do.
It was picked up by Janetta Otter-Barry who chose award-winning illustrator, Nadine Kaadan, to work on the book. It looked like my little story would finally see the light of day.
But all was not well. Nadine, though happy to work on the book, was not keen on the approach I had taken with the original story. Coming from an activist background, she was keenly aware of the way the story could be misread or how it could fail to have the desired effect.
Questions were raised: was this an example of ‘poverty porn’? In light of the fact that this book was likely to be read primarily by children in the West or the North, was this an instance of ‘othering’? In essence, was the current approach appropriate and respectful of the experiences of the children themselves?
Reading it with new eyes, years after it was first written, I could see that the original story encouraged a ‘poor them’ attitude on the part of the reader. It also made it seem like children only suffer in less privileged parts of the world, that there is no inequality or injustice ‘at home’.
We then asked ourselves: what could be a more uplifting message, a more honest message?
So we looked for examples of brave children in the societies in which the book was likely to be read and found many inspiring stories, from all over the world. It was these stories that inspired me to rewrite the story and come up with what I think is a stronger, more resonant story of children becoming aware of what is not right in their community and deciding to be the change they want to see.
My illustrator, Nadine, brought these real-life heroes to life on the page, but they are simply a few examples of children taking action and being committed to positive change. There are thousands more, possibly tens of thousands more, who go unrecognised, unnamed in news outlets and on websites, but who are known to their communities, who are known by their bravery and impact and willingness to take life seriously and insist on being taken seriously.
Every book is a journey for us all: the author, the illustrator, the editorial team and, it is hoped, the readers. The journey of ‘A Child Like You’ has been a journey of growth, exploration and asking difficult questions of myself, first and foremost, then inviting the reader to do the same.
If ‘A Child Like You’ can contribute in any way to some of the important conversations we need to have as communities, it will have done its job.
A Child Like You by Na’ima B Robert and Nadine Kaadan published by Otter Barry Books on 20th April 2023.
Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Federation.