The Silencing of Critics: A Culture of Defensiveness in Children's Literature The recent controversy surrounding the Bath Children's Literature Festival (BCLF) has highlighted deep seated issues plaguing the industry.
BCLF founder John McLay sent emails to authors, asking them to delete comments criticizing the lack of diversity in the 2026 programme.
This move is an attempt to silence critics and a symptom of a broader culture of defensiveness pervading children's literature.