“My Shadow Is Pink” is an exceptional read for children and parents. This uplifting story is intended not only for the youngest readers; it also moves adults. Word has it that even the toughest men are moved when they read the story of a father’s unconditional love for his son. During the live conversation, we will ask Michał Rusinek why such a short story for young children makes such a strong impression on its readers.
Michał Rusinek:
The book is about how others perceive us and how that affects us.
We judge ourselves from the perspective of others. The father fears the reaction and its consequences.
It is good to break down the stereotypes within us.
Scott Stuart comes from a conservative family.
When a girl dresses in boys’ clothes, people say she is a tomboy and will grow out of it. When a similar situation concerns boys, people think they need to drive it out of their heads and that their child may be homosexual. This fear mainly concerns fathers.
According to psychologists, boys wanting to dress as girls does not necessarily indicate homosexual inclinations.
Scott Stuart believes that a man should be brave—have the courage to show his feelings and admit his mistakes.
I have encountered the assessment that the book is corrupting and promotes LGBT ideology—that is nonsense. There is no such thing as LGBT ideology; LGBT people are people.
The book shows what parental support and empathy can look like. It shows how to respond in difficult situations.
The book is not only for children; it is also a book for adults.
The charity book “All the Colors of the World” was created in response to the situation in our country. It addresses acceptance and the fight against exclusion. The book is beautiful in every respect. By buying it, you will support a wonderful initiative.
“All the Colors of the World” is a book that supports all children who have ever experienced exclusion and harassment for any reason. It is a book that gives strength and opens hearts and minds. A group of well-known and beloved children’s authors created the collection of 20 diverse works and accompanying illustrations entirely as charity. Michał Rusinek is among them. It is also a charity book: the proceeds from its sales will support the operation of the 116111 Helpline for Children and Young People run by the Empowering Children Foundation.
Our viewers are welcome guests during the online interviews. During the interview, viewers will be able to ask Michał Rusinek their own questions.
Both books, “My Shadow Is Pink” and “All the Colors of the World”, are available at the Municipal Public Library – Knowledge Center, the partner of our interview.
Michał Maciej Rusinek is a literary scholar, translator, writer, academic teacher at Jagiellonian University, and former secretary to Wisława Szymborska. In Bolesławiec, we had the pleasure of hosting Michał Rusinek at the library in 2016; at the time, he spoke about serving as secretary to Nobel laureate Wisława Szymborska. Bolesławiec also connects him with his role as a juror in a limerick competition organized by Józefina Witas from Agora Bookshop.