Episode 15 Ian Eagleton - Storytelling, Resilience & Representation
Introduction:In this episode, Orla chats with children’s author Ian Eagleton about his journey from primary school teacher to bestselling author, the stories that shaped him, and why representation matters. We talk about The Woodcutter and the Snow Prince, Glitter Boy, Nana and the Lonely Fisherman, and more , how Ian’s books centre LGBTQ+ inclusion , how writing became a way to process grief, and the unforgettable (and hilarious) Mariah Carey campaign that helpe dput Glitter Boy on the map. Along the way, Ian shares honest reflections on childhood bullying, adoption and fatherhood , the long road to publication, and the urgent need to protect diverse voices in children’s publishing.What You Will Learn:🌪️ Ian’s path into writing: teaching children, eight years of rejections, and the breakthrough with Violet’s Tempest.
🏰 How inclusive storytelling - two-dad families, queer characters, non-traditional fairy tales - help children see themselves and can be life-changing.
💌 Writing as therapy: how grief and family memories find their way into stories like The Boy Who Cried Ghost.
🎭 Practical examples of representation in action — from World Book Day photos of kids dressing as Glitter Boy to parents saying books “saved” their child.
🚫 The realities facing inclusive authors today: worries about book bans, publishers’ commercial pressures, and why small presses give us hope.
🌟 Ian’s advice for young people struggling with identity: stubbornness, finding community , and never giving up.
Who This Video Is For:Parents, educators, librarians, youth workers, children’s book lovers, aspiring authors, and anyone interested in representation in children’s literature. It’s especially relevant for people who want to understand how stories support identity, challenge bullying, and build belonging for diverse families.
Why This Topic Matters:Children’s books are mirrors and windows - they comfort, validate, and expand a child’s sense of possibility. Ian’s work shows how representation in picture books and middle-grade fiction can literally change lives: giving LGBTQ+ kids, adopted children, and those who feel different a language to belong. With growing pressure on publishers and troubling cultural attacks on inclusive books, conversations like this make the stakes clear — and remind us why we must champion brave stories and the small presses that publish them.
About Still I Rise Voices:Still I Rise Voices is the podcast from Still I Rise Diversity Storytelling. We amplify diverse voices, explore identity and belonging through story, and support parents, teachers, and communities to create inclusive spaces where every child feels seen and valued. Through honest conversations, storytelling, and practical resources, we aim to foster empathy and lasting change.
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