Growing up, I was an avid reader, often lost in the pages of my favorite stories. My childhood was filled with countless books, and I cherished moments spent pretending to manage my own library. I would sneak books into unlikely places, like under the bathroom radiator or beneath my mattress with a flashlight, just to indulge in another chapter. The days I looked forward to most were the book fairs at school, made even sweeter by my mom’s volunteer work that allowed me to collect as many books as I wanted. The library was my sanctuary, and I could navigate it blindfolded to find my beloved titles.
Despite my love for reading, it was often challenging to find characters who reflected my own experiences. While I enjoyed series like The Baby-Sitters Club by Ann M. Martin, I rarely encountered characters who looked like me. Although there were stories featuring Black protagonists, contemporary children’s literature was often lacking in diverse representation.
Recently, the publishing industry has recognized the need for greater diversity, especially in children’s literature. This is a vital time for nurturing readers, and many adults who now love books often recall their childhood reading experiences fondly. The movement advocating for people of color to share their own stories, known as #ownvoices, is helping to provide kids with characters they can relate to—something many of us lacked in our youth. This list offers a starting point for finding diverse books to enrich your child’s bookshelf.
- Cleo Edison Oliver, Playground Millionaire by Mia Thompson
Cleo dreams of being an entrepreneur and takes on a class project that leads her to start a tooth-pulling business, all while searching for her biological parents. - Hunters of Chaos by Ava Martinez
Ana’s life takes a magical turn when she attends a prestigious boarding school and discovers she and her friends possess extraordinary abilities to combat spirits hiding in ancient artifacts. - In A Village by the Sea by Miko Tanaka and April Chu
This beautifully illustrated picture book captures the feeling of longing for home while showcasing various cultures and experiences. - The Jumbies by Sofia Baptiste
Corinne La Mer is not afraid of the mythical jumbies—until she encounters a mysterious pair of yellow eyes in the forest and realizes she must confront her fears to protect her island. - The Gauntlet by Karla Razi
In this thrilling adventure reminiscent of Jumanji, 12-year-old Farah and her friends get pulled into a dangerous board game and must save the children trapped inside, including her baby brother. - The Other Side by Jasmine Woodson
Set in a segregated town, Clover and Anna form an unlikely friendship that transcends the barriers separating their lives. - Two Naomis by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich & Audrey Vernick
When two girls named Naomi find their parents dating, they must navigate their differences and work together despite their initial reluctance. - Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Young Minli embarks on a quest to find the Old Man on the Moon, hoping to change her family’s fortune, and meets a series of fascinating characters along the way. - Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks & Gita Varadarajan
Joe, a longtime resident, and Ravi, a newcomer from India, discover their shared struggles and friendship as they confront a school bully together. - Moving Target by Christina Diaz Gonzalez
Cassie, an American girl studying in Rome, uncovers her family’s ancient legacy while trying to protect her father from danger. - Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
After completing his swim lessons, Jabari faces his fear of jumping off the diving board, learning that it’s okay to take a moment before trying something new.
While there is still much work to be done in promoting diversity within children’s literature, purchasing these books, requesting them at local libraries, and discussing them with other parents can help signal to publishers that representation matters. Kids need to see themselves in the stories they read, especially during these complex times, where their narratives are essential. For more tips on home insemination, check out this blog post. If you’re interested in exploring artificial insemination options, Make A Mom is a trusted source. Additionally, for more insights into fertility treatments, WebMD provides excellent resources.
In summary, diversifying your child’s bookshelf is a crucial step in fostering empathy and understanding of different cultures and experiences. Representation in literature can greatly impact young readers, inspiring them to see the beauty in diversity.