ANTON CLIFFORD-MOTOPI enjoys writing stories that make us laugh. His stories explore themes of self-identity, family relationships and friendship, drawing from his experiences of being mixed race, growing up in a large adoptive family and raising four children.
His book, To and Fro, is about Sam, who is trying to understand what it means to be black.
Good Reading for Kids chats with Anton about Sam and who he wrote the book for.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Sam tries to understand what it means to be black in this funny Australian story about identity, family and friendship.
What was the inspiration behind To and Fro?
The book draws on my own and my children’s experiences of growing up light skinned with a black identity in Australia. The idea for the book first came to me many years ago when I was visiting my father and family in South Africa and Lesotho. During the visit, my youngest daughter remarked, ‘I wish my outside matched my insides.’
What can you tell us about Sam’s journey throughout the book.
Sam has two important journeys in the book: getting to know his black dad and developing a black identity. These journeys are interrelated. Before Sam meets his black dad, he doesn’t identify as black. He sees himself as the weird looking white kid with the afro. When Sam meets his dad, a doorway opens to his black identity. Sam’s black identity develops as he gets to know his dad. Sam decides that he’s black, but he struggles to feel black with his light skin. Gradually, Sam begins to understand that having a black identity is about more than skin colour.
Who did you write this book for?
I wrote the book for kids growing up mixed race in Australia who are confused about their identity and searching for understanding and belonging. But I hope Sam’s story resonates with all readers and prompts open, thoughtful, and interesting discussions around race and identity.
What was your favourite part of writing this book?
One of my favourite parts of writing the book was finding the funny side in everyday situations and using humour to shine a light on serious topics related to race and identity.
What advice would you give to any readers struggling with understanding who they are?
I would tell readers that understanding who you are is a journey that takes time. Be patient, and kind to yourself on this journey. Don’t let other people pressure you into being someone you’re not. When you are struggling with your identity, it can be tempting to become how other people see you. But you won’t get to know yourself trying to be someone else. So do your best at being yourself. You’re one of a kind (even if you’re an identical twin). That makes you unique and special.
Describe this book in three words.
Funny, heartfelt, exuberant
Teachers Resource – To and From by Anton Clifford-Motopi
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anton enjoys writing stories that make children laugh. His stories explore themes of self-identity, family relationships and friendship, drawing from his experiences of being mixed race, growing up in a large adoptive family and raising four children.
Anton first became interested in writing for children while teaching Health and Physical Education and English at a high school in Mount Isa, but it would be many years before he put pencil to paper. That day arrived when he was shopping for a book to buy his daughter for her birthday. Browsing through children’s books he decided it was time he followed his heart.
Over the next decade Anton wrote three children’s books while completing post graduate studies in public health, working as a university lecturer, and raising four children – phew!
Alas, none of these books were published but they developed Anton’s love for storytelling and were important steps to him becoming a published children’s author. At the moment, Anton’s other job is a health researcher at a university. The job involves a lot of thinking, reading, and writing, but his passion is writing funny and thought-provoking stories for children.
Anton lives in Brisbane, Australia.
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