The Japan Times - Robert Trujillo discusses literacy and social justice children’s books

Earlier this year, the lily-white Atlantic Journal reported that the United States had become a “post-literate society.” In 2004, based on information from studies conducted, 28% of individuals in the U.S. read for pleasure. Today, that number has plummeted to 16%. Newspapers in 1975 were read by 50% of the population. Today, less than 10% reported reading a newspaper on a regular basis.

If these are national averages, just imagine what the literacy stats are for the Black community, a community whose schools have historically been kept underfunded by the corporate elite and the U.S. government for decades. I talked to author, illustrator and organizer Robert Trujillo about his inspiration and literary works and the upcoming Social Justice Children’s Book Fair, which is Saturday, Dec. 5, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Emerson Elementary in Oakland. Pull up. Check out Robert Trujillo, the local literary trailblazer, in his own words.

JR Valrey: What experiences inspired you to be a writer? Who inspired you to be a writer? How? Robert Trujillo: I was a young dad. Had my first child at 24, so I immediately knew, based on what was being gifted to him and what was available through mainstream bookstores, that there was a lack of diversity. Specifically, kids’ books about Black and Brown fathers, so I started working toward illustrating first because I was a visual artist first. Then I became a writer after reading hundreds of picture books, teaching myself and getting game from locals such as Matthew Perry, who wrote “Turntable Timmy,” and Maya Gonzalez (RIP), who made “My Colors, My World.” I was inspired by many others, such as Innosanto Nagara, who made “A is for Activist,” and Janine Macbeth, who made “Oh, Oh Baby Boy.”

JR Valrey: Can you tell us about the dozen children’s books that you have published? What are the titles and themes? Robert Trujillo: Sure, I began as an illustrator first, then slowly began to write and illustrate. The ones individuals know me for the most are “Furqan’s First Flat Top,” which is a bilingual story about an Afro-Latino boy getting a cut at the local barbershop with his dad, and, most recently, “Fresh Juice,” which was published by Lee & Low Books in NYC in 2023.

Books I illustrated for others are: “A Bean and Cheese Taco Birthday/ Un cumpleaños con tacos de frijoles con queso,” written by Diane Gonzalez Bertrand

“I Am Sausal Creek/ Yo Soy el Arroyo Sausal” by Melissa Reyes, aka Gualikuya “One of a Kind Like Me/ Unico Como Yo” by Laurin Mayeno

“Alejandria Fights Back/ La Lucha de Alejandria” by Leticia Hernandez-Linares & Rise Home Stories Project “We Are Yoga/ Somos Yoga” by Jill Guerra

“Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Black Boy” by Tony Medina The other books I have written or produced are:

“Dolores Huerta – Get to Know the Voice of Migrant Workers” “Art of Rob Vol. 1,” which is an art book

JR Valrey: How do you pick what subject you want to cover in your books? Robert Trujillo: As a writer, I try to write about everyday life for Black and Brown kids and families. So I will often think of something that is ordinary or common that I see in my community, like a certain type of haircut or getting healthy food. As an illustrator, I try to do something representing Black and Brown families, queer families and/or social justice-themed stories.

JR Valrey: How have your books been received by Black and Brown children? Robert Trujillo: Pretty good. There have been a few times where kids have come up to me to say they enjoyed a story or that they’ve read it without an adult telling them to. So I consider that high praise.

JR Valrey: How was your book fair conceived? What role does it play in politically educating local youth? Robert Trujillo: The “Social Justice Children’s Book Fair” came about when Laura Atkins, Maya Gonzalez (RIP), Janine Macbeth, Innosanto Nagara, Matthew Smith and I were all being approached by folks looking for books with more representation of children of color, queer families or books about social justice issues. We got together and invited folks we knew to start a kids’ book fair based on friends, colleagues and individuals we knew locally who were tackling some of these issues. That was 2017, during the first Trump presidency, rhetoric around the wall, the Me Too movement, multiple police executions of Black folks, climate change discussions and more.

The role it plays in educating youth is by providing multiple age-appropriate books that proudly reflect Black, Brown and queer families, and any book that honestly tackles some of the issues I mentioned. Our fair is unique in that it focuses on these folks and these themes specifically for kids, and we welcome creators whether they are traditional or self-published. There are other book fairs that might cover kids’ books but don’t care about social justice. There might be a social justice event that does not have books for kids around the issues. There are kids’ book fairs, too, but they don’t always accept indie creators. JR Valrey: What should individuals expect when they come to the book fair?

Robert Trujillo: A wide array of creators from different backgrounds selling books for parents, teachers, librarians, activists and more. There is expected to be books with challenging themes, panel discussions about stories and industry, read-alouds led by Storyland Collective for our youngest readers, creative activities, book giveaways, a bake sale by our gracious hosts, the Emerson Elementary PTA, and lots of community from Oakland, Berkeley, San Leandro, Richmond and Frisco. It is expected to be held on Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Oakland at Emerson Elementary. JR Valrey: How many Black authors is expected to be there? What are the titles and themes of their books?

Robert Trujillo: As of right now, there are almost 20 Black children’s book authors and illustrators who is expected to be there selling picture books, middle grade, comics and YA books. There are more, but we’re still confirming all the names and titles. – “As You Are: A Hope for Black Sons” by Kimberly Biddle – As You Are: A Hope for Black Sons

– “What Do Brothas Do All Day?” by Ajuan Mance – There is no one “right” way to be Black. Black men can be and do so many different things, from the mundane to the marvelous. – “Juneteenth Is” by Natasha Tripplett – Themes of Black joy, community and food and housing insecurities, foster care.

– “Can’t Let Nobody Ride My Bike” by Robert M. Alexander – Bullying and peer pressure – “Lion’s Water” by Sheila Hackbarth – Anxiety, doubt and displacement countered by courage, resilience and compassion

– “King Coyote” by Rachael Meyers Jones – African American belonging in nature, coming-of-age, family and belonging, dealing with change – “Free the Curls” by Marissa McGee – Black hair, identity and action

– “This Hair Belongs” by JaNay Brown-Wood – Black hair, Black pride, empowerment – “Kickin’ It With Kenzie – Seeing Me Is Believing in Me” by Makenzie Lee-Foster – 1) Self-esteem 2) Confidence building

– Sistah SciFi – Various titles from this bookseller focused on science fiction stories written by Black women – Konscious Kidz by John Casselberry and Madeline Connor – Representation and community-building

– “More Trouble Than Its Worth” by Lisa Ramee – Friendship and social justice – “Rikki and Rai” by Tiffany Golden – Sisterhood and family; identity and growing up

– Activity book by James Shields – Cooperation and self-reflection – “This Is My Body” by Jazmine Williams – Body autonomy and personal empowerment; consent, respect and healthy boundaries

– “Stranded” by Nikki Shannon Smith – Family; being true to yourself – “I Love The Me I See” by Channa Bannis – Self-love and identity: Encouraging children to embrace their unique qualities and develop a strong sense of self.

– “Major Taylor – The World’s Fastest Man” by Fred Noland – About cycling, race, American history JR Valrey: Will there be presentations by authors or publishers?

Robert Trujillo: There is expected to be readings of picture books for preschool through elementary-aged students, and there is expected to be panel discussions with creators of middle grade (12-14) or YA books (14-18). JR Valrey: How could individuals get more info?

Robert Trujillo: Go to https://socialjusticechildrensbooks.org/ or look up “Social Justice Children’s Book Fair” on Instagram and Facebook. Thanks for letting folks know, and please bring the entire family!

K.Okada--JT