As a child, I was absolutely hooked on reading. My collection of books was so vast that I often turned playtime into a library experience with friends. I would sneak novels under the bathroom radiator to indulge in stories while getting ready for school and keep a trusty flashlight handy beneath my mattress for late-night reading sessions. Forget school trips; my favorite days were the ones featuring book fairs, especially since my mom volunteered and I could snag as many new reads as I wanted. I practically lived at the library, knowing the exact spot of my beloved titles. A book was my constant companion.
Growing up, I devoured series like The Baby-Sitters Club by Ann M. Martin and its spin-off, Little Sister. I adored Stacey, a fellow New Yorker, and admired Claudia’s fashion sense. I felt a flicker of connection with Jessi because we both danced, but it was rare to see characters who looked like me. While I read some books that highlighted Black narratives, contemporary stories featuring Black characters alongside white ones were scarce. I distinctly remember that the only Black characters in The Baby-Sitters Club were Jessi’s family.
When I started writing for fun, my characters mirrored my reality—because I craved representation in my stories. Fortunately, the publishing world has begun to realize the need for diversity, especially in children’s literature. These formative years are crucial for fostering a love of reading; it’s quite uncommon to hear adult bookworms say they “hated” reading as a child. While the industry still has a long way to go, movements like #ownvoices are helping children of color see themselves in stories, something many of us lacked growing up. This list is just the tip of the iceberg to inspire you to diversify your child’s bookshelf.
1. Cleo Edison Oliver, Playground Millionaire by Maya Green
Follow Cleo as she transforms a school assignment into a tooth-pulling business while also searching for her biological parents.
2. Hunters of Chaos by Sarah Lee
Ana’s life takes a magical turn when she discovers her powers at a prestigious boarding school, leading her and her friends to confront ancient spirits.
3. In A Village by the Sea by Linh Nguyen
This beautifully illustrated picture book explores the feelings of homesickness and showcases a variety of cultures throughout its pages.
4. The Jumbies by Elaine Marshall
Corinne isn’t afraid of the mythical jumbies until her encounter with a mysterious stranger forces her to confront her fears and protect her island.
5. The Gauntlet by Anya Patel
In a thrilling twist reminiscent of Jumanji, 12-year-old Farah must conquer a dangerous board game to rescue trapped children, including her baby brother.
6. The Other Side by Tanisha Bell
Clover and Anna, girls from segregated sides of town, form a friendship that bridges their differences and challenges societal norms.
7. Two Naomis by Amira Smith & Chloe Taylor
When two girls named Naomi are brought together by their parents’ budding romance, they must navigate their differences and learn from each other.
8. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Minli embarks on an adventure to change her family’s fortune by seeking the Old Man on the Moon, meeting fascinating characters along the way.
9. Save Me a Seat by Alex Kim & Ravi Patel
Joe, a lifelong resident, and Ravi, a newcomer from India, navigate friendship and bullying while discovering their common ground.
10. Moving Target by Isabella Cruz
Cassie, living in Rome, must protect her father while unraveling the mysteries of her ancient bloodline and its significance.
11. Jabari Jumps by Leo Thompson
Jabari, after passing his swim test, faces his fears about jumping off the diving board, teaching kids about courage and self-acceptance.
While we’ve made progress in diversifying children’s literature, there’s still work to be done. Supporting these stories—whether by buying them, requesting them at your local library, or donating them to schools—is essential. Representation matters, and it’s crucial to show children that their stories are significant too. In a rapidly changing world, let’s ensure our young readers understand their worth and the importance of diverse narratives.
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In summary, diversifying your child’s bookshelf is not just a trend; it’s a vital step in nurturing future readers who can see themselves reflected in the stories they love.