Alison Flood’s article on the lack of black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) main characters in children’s books raises an important issue, but it was a shame that the books listed were about BAME children outside the UK (Only 1% of UK children’s books have BAME main characters, study finds, 17 July). We have some excellent UK-based authors who write stories reflecting the lives of BAME children in the UK – it is hard to imagine how the brilliant British former children’s laureate Malorie Blackman could have been omitted. Could the Guardian remedy this with a feature listing some of the great books already in print featuring strong BAME characters? It would be a useful resource for all parents who would like children to see the world from more than one point of view.
Penny Webster
Farnham, Surrey
• I have a mixed-race grandchild and have difficulty finding not only children’s books with BAME protagonists, but also appropriate greetings cards. When my grandson was born, I could find no “Congratulations on your new baby” cards featuring non-white babies or parents; similarly with birthday cards. How does a non-white child find a Father’s Day or Mother’s Day card that reflects his or her black or mixed-race family? Requests in shops are met with blank expressions. Card designers, card producers and store buyers may live in an exclusively white world, but consumers don’t, not even in the shires!
Jenny Joseph
Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire
• I have been following the debate about the lack of BAME characters in children’s books with interest, but it’s even harder to find a wheelchair-using child, or any other visible disability, represented.
Liz Bebington
Croydon, London
