Mia,

Thank you for this well-thought-out, response to “Why the Backlash from American Dirt?”

It is my hope that publishers WILL begin to publish works by women of color or any other writer regardless of race, creed, color, or gender. If that happens, the stories will be more authentic, more diverse, and speak to wider audiences. The goal would be not just to publish those voices, but to give equal support in publicizing and promoting their works.

I don’t know Jeannine Cummins and have no idea what her motivation to write this book was. As a white woman writer struggling to find an agent, I can’t imagine believing my book will make millions and millions of dollars, but I understand that may have been hers. I DO know that she purposely misrepresented her own husband’s status as an immigrant to appeal to a wider audience.

Putting forth logical, rational arguments as you have done is one way that people will gain a deeper understanding of the issues…not just with regard to this book, but with regard to racial injustices in our present world.