Reading Inspires by Reading Is Fundamental

In this episode of Reading Inspires, host Dr. Erin Bailey speaks with Dr. Deborah Pope, Executive Director, and Jocelyn McCarthy, Associate Director of the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, about the legacy of beloved children's author Ezra Jack Keats and the foundation's mission to champion diversity in children's literature. The foundation, established in 1964 after the publication of The Snowy Day, was created to fulfill Keats' vision that all children should see themselves reflected in the books they read—a vision born from his own experience as a child who felt invisible. The foundation's programs include the prestigious Ezra Jack Keats Award, which recognizes early-career authors and illustrators (with no more than four books published) who create diverse, high-quality children's literature, and the innovative Bookmaking Program where students in grades 3-12 write and illustrate their own books.

The conversation highlights the foundation's Mock EJK Award program, which brings the award process into classrooms across the country, allowing students to evaluate books using kid-friendly criteria that mirror the actual award rubric. Through this program, students engage in critical thinking discussions about diversity, illustration quality, and storytelling while developing a deeper connection to literature—some even write to authors and illustrators to share their evaluations. Both guests emphasize how reading provides power and perspective, enabling children to see themselves in stories while also opening their hearts to new adventures and wider worlds. The foundation continues to evolve its programs to meet educators' needs while staying true to Keats' core mission of making all children feel visible and valued through literature.

Watch Tell Me Another Story, a documentary on the power of picture books.

About Dr. Deborah Pope, Executive Director:

Deborah Pope has focused the work and mission of the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation on increasing diversity in children’s literature and enriching the quality of public education.Through her efforts, the Ezra Jack Keats Book Award is recognized internationally as an imprimatur of quality diverse children’s books, and the New York City EJK Bookmaking Competition has become  a program easily transferred to school districts across the country. Deborah was co-executive producer of the 2016 Amazon Snowy Day Holiday Special which earned two Daytime Emmys®, two Kidscreen Awards and a BAFTA nomination. She successfully campaigned for the 2017 USPS Snowy Day Stamps series honoring EJK’s classic book.

Jocelyn has spearheaded the expansion of the Foundation’s presence on all social media platforms, representing our mission and programs with an accurate and engaging voice since 2020. In addition Jocelyn manages the technical aspects of recording and presenting our various online events, and participates as a creative force in the constant need to update our website interface. She became aware of the Foundation while visiting New York, and was impressed by its programs and mission. Jocelyn has an entrepreneurial spirit, 20 years experience in marketing and promotions, and is a dedicated advocate for quality early childhood education. Jocelyn lives in Los Angeles.