Mathews is also concerned that a vocal minority could have caused the district to scuttle the visits. So, to tell this author, ‘You’re not welcome here,’ it really sends a message that I don’t think Hoover City Schools should be sending or that they want to send.” “They just involve Black kids doing regular everyday things. “If you’ve looked at his books, they’re not controversial,” Mathews said. Misty Mathews’ son attends one of the schools Barnes was supposed to visit. “If you have an issue with Black authors or somebody that you may consider possibly indoctrinating your children, just say that. “It’s just so cowardly to me,” Barnes said. Upon further inquiry, a spokesperson for the school system also admitted that no school officials had even seen the post.īarnes says the school system should have been honest from the beginning. WBHM asked for copies of the post, but no one at the school system was able to produce it. Later, school officials admitted it was also because a parent complained about a social media post Barnes allegedly made. īut last week, school officials abruptly canceled the visits by the award-winning author, initially saying the reason for the cancellation was a contract issue. Barnes and his agent had been in talks with Hoover City Schools since April. The visits were originally to be at three Hoover elementary schools. The author and his supporters also say the incident is part of a trend to limit access to books that feature Black protagonists.

But now, none will happen.īarnes believes the reasons for the cancellations are political. (Agate Publishing, Derrick Barnes)Ĭhildren’s book author Derrick Barnes had been scheduled to offer several talks in the Birmingham area next week. Derrick Barnes’ award-winning book “Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut” is one of several children’s books Barnes has authored.

Crown by derrick barnes