When I was young, books were my sanctuary. I often found myself awake late into the night, a cozy blanket draped over me, a flashlight in one hand, and a novel in the other. Given the choice between swinging on the monkey bars or curling up with a good book, I’d inevitably choose the latter. Reading sparked my imagination and made me dream of being a writer someday.
However, the literature available to me felt limited and often didn’t resonate with my identity as a type A, non-athletic girl. Most popular stories revolved around white boys and their dogs. I cherished the “Little House” series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, but upon reflection, I recognize the insensitivity woven into those narratives. I often found myself re-reading the same few favorites, yearning for more diversity and representation. Even as a young white girl, I sensed the glaring lack of inclusive literature.
I can only imagine how my Black and Hispanic classmates felt, as not a single assigned book featured characters who mirrored their experiences. It wasn’t until high school that we encountered “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Huckleberry Finn.” These works, penned by white authors, depicted Black characters primarily to elevate the white protagonists. Other literature we studied featured Black characters sparingly, often as criminals or sidekicks.
Like many kids from the eighties and nineties, I read classics like “The Secret Garden” and “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” Later, my shelves filled up with “Sweet Valley High” and “The Baby-Sitters Club.” I distinctly remember realizing that Claudia was Asian and Jessi was Black—finally, some representation! It wasn’t until shows like “The Cosby Show” and “Family Matters” that my generation saw Black families portrayed positively.
While the characters in my books and toys resembled me, they did not reflect the diverse children I interacted with daily. Why didn’t our literature and history mirror the reality around us? In history class, we touched briefly on slavery and a few prominent figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, presented as mere afterthoughts. We celebrated a few notable Black individuals once a year while glorifying white achievements continuously.
We were taught a skewed version of history, one that reinforced the notion of white supremacy and the superiority of patriarchal values. It’s impossible to ignore the implications of growing up with a narrative that prioritizes the perspectives and triumphs of white men. The portrayal of figures like Thomas Jefferson and Christopher Columbus lacks the necessary context, glossing over uncomfortable truths that history books often omit.
Today, I feel immense gratitude that my children have access to a broader array of literature and media that better reflects our world. More parents are advocating for the removal of outdated history books in favor of a more accurate and inclusive curriculum. While there’s still a long way to go, progress is being made.
In our home, books like Jacqueline Woodson’s “Brown Girl Dreaming” and Brandy Colbert’s “The Only Black Girls in Town” are beloved. My tweens are also engaging with titles like “This Book is Anti-racist” by Tiffany Jewell and “Stamped” by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi. These works not only feature Black individuals but are also authored by Black voices.
My children are learning about remarkable figures like Lonnie Johnson, the creator of the Super Soaker, and Misty Copeland, the first Black principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. They’ve enjoyed films like “Black Panther” and can recite the soundtrack to “Jingle Jangle.” There’s a plethora of Black excellence that transcends the usual stereotypes of music and sports. They’re witnessing history in the making, from our nation’s first Black president to Kamala Harris’s leadership role in the White House.
My children are exposed to a diverse range of characters, no longer confined to the roles of villains or comic relief. They understand that Black history is not limited to a select few but encompasses a vast array of incredible individuals. This newfound diversity is beneficial not only for kids of color but for all children. We want today’s youth to grow up without the burden of unlearning stereotypes and inaccuracies. Instead, I hope they use the truthful information they gain to advocate for racial equity.
The era of wealthy, white male narratives is dwindling, and we all stand to gain from this shift.
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Summary
The author reflects on the limitations of literature and history education during her childhood, expressing gratitude for the more diverse resources available to her children today. She highlights the importance of representation in literature and media and the positive impact of learning about a broader range of historical figures. The piece emphasizes the need for accurate historical narratives and the benefits of diversity for all children.
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