The lack of diversity in publishing is not only harmful to the industry itself but also harmful to young readers. I remember writing stories about blond-haired blue-eyed girls as a child, because I’d never read about heroines who looked like me. I’m not the only one with such a story and there is plenty of research about the importance of mirror books.
Diversity in children’s literature is, of course, important to white children as well. We teach children about sharing, expressing their feelings, and being good friends via books. We can likely teach them to stand against injustice and inequality via books too.
If you are a parent, especially of small children, you have a considerable amount of influence over what they read. I’m not Here are some easy ways you can introduce them to diverse literature.
1. Choose picture books featuring children of color.
Images are incredibly powerful tools and picture books are a great way to introduce diversity to children at a young age. Ideally these books should be no different from the picture books your child already likes. If your child loves brightly illustrated books about fairy tales, a painted book about Japanese internment will stick out like a sore thumb. You certainly do not want your children to associate people of color or diversity with books that they do not like. I would wager this is an easy way to teach them that certain groups are “the other.” Instead find books that suit your child’s tastes and have diverse protagonists. As the child grows older you can do the same for early readers and chapter books.
2. Read together.
Even if you no longer read to your child, you can still make reading a family activity. Talk to your kid about the great diverse books you’re reading. Start an in-house book club and have the whole family read and discuss the same book. These are good ways to raise readers in general, but these also give you the opportunity to highlight topics that your child may not have considered.
3. Ask a teacher or librarian for help.
I won’t tell you that finding fun, quirky picture books is easy. At first glance it may seem like there aren’t any! But you don’t have to search alone. Teachers and librarians (and children’s publishing professionals) are regularly exposed to the latest in children’s literature. Let them know what you are looking for and they will steer you in the right direction.
For example, I turned to Crystal Brunelle‘s Goodreads page to find diverse picture books. Crystal is an elementary school teacher and a contributor to Rich in Color so I was sure she’d have good suggestions. Here are a few books she liked:
For older readers I would suggest:
And for Francophone families:
Even if the teacher or librarian can’t help you right away, your request will remind them that there is a need for diverse books.
Are you a parent or have children in your life? What have you done to introduce diversity to them? What are your favourite diverse children’s books? Share your comments with us!
Be sure to check the archives for more ways you can increase diversity in publishing.
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