As a child, I was captivated by the world of books. My collection was vast, and my friends and I often played library, indulging in our shared love for reading. I would tuck books away in secret spots to enjoy them during moments meant for other activities, like getting ready for school or bedtime. The book fair days at school were my absolute favorite, made even better by my mom’s volunteer role that allowed me to snag all the books I desired. My time spent in the library was so frequent that I could navigate it blindfolded, always with a book in hand.
While my childhood favorites included series like The Baby-Sitters Club and its spin-off, Little Sister, there was a noticeable lack of diverse representation. Characters like Stacey and Claudia resonated with me, but it was rare to find stories featuring black characters alongside their white counterparts. Although I enjoyed books focused on black experiences, contemporary children’s fiction felt limited in its diversity. Thus, I often created characters in my own stories who looked like me, hoping to see reflections of myself in the narratives I cherished.
Recently, the publishing industry has begun to recognize the importance of diversity in children’s literature. This is a critical time for young readers, as positive reading experiences in childhood often lay the groundwork for a lifelong love of books. The #ownvoices movement has become increasingly significant, allowing authors of color to share their stories and create relatable characters for children of all backgrounds. While there’s still much work to be done in promoting representation in children’s literature, here is a selection of books that can serve as a starting point in diversifying your child’s bookshelf.
- Cleo Edison Oliver, Playground Millionaire by Sundee T. Frazier
Cleo is an aspiring entrepreneur who embarks on a tooth-pulling business as part of a school project, all while searching for her biological parents. - Hunters of Chaos by Crystal Velasquez
Ana’s life changes dramatically when she starts attending a prestigious boarding school, where she and her friends discover they possess magical abilities to confront ancient spirits. - In A Village by the Sea by Muon Van and April Chu
This beautifully illustrated picture book captures the feeling of homesickness, showcasing various cultures and sparking conversations about different places. - The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste
Corinne La Mer isn’t afraid of the mythical jumbies until she encounters a mysterious figure in the forest. As the plot unfolds, she must find her inner strength to protect her island. - The Gauntlet by Karuna Razi
In this thrilling tale reminiscent of Jumanji, 12-year-old Farah and her friends are sucked into a board game where they must save trapped children, including her baby brother. - The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson
Clover and Anna form an unlikely friendship, overcoming the barriers of a segregated town and the fears instilled by their families. - Two Naomis by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich & Audrey Vernick
When two girls named Naomi are forced to work together due to their parents’ budding romance, they navigate their differences and discover common ground. - Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Minli, a young girl living in a humble home, embarks on a quest to meet the Old Man on the Moon and change her family’s fortune, encountering fascinating characters along the way. - Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks & Gita Varadarajan
Joe and Ravi, from vastly different backgrounds, find friendship as they unite against a school bully, learning the power of empathy and connection. - Moving Target by Christina Diaz Gonzalez
When her father’s life is threatened, Cassie, an American girl in Rome, learns about her ancient bloodline and the responsibilities that come with it. - Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
Jabari is ready to conquer the diving board, but when self-doubt creeps in, he must learn to face his fears before taking the leap.
The journey toward achieving diversity in children’s literature is ongoing. Supporting diverse books by purchasing them, requesting them at libraries, and discussing them with fellow parents can help signal to the publishing industry that representation matters. In a time when stories that resonate with children are more important than ever, let’s ensure that every child sees themselves reflected in the literature they read.
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In summary, diversifying your child’s bookshelf is essential for fostering a love of reading and ensuring all children feel represented in literature. By incorporating these recommended titles, you can enrich their reading experience and contribute to a more inclusive literary landscape.