Why Representation Matters: The Importance of Diversity in Children's Literature
When children cannot find characters or stories they can relate to in books, it sends them a message that their voices don’t matter. Representation is critical in children’s literature, allowing kids to see themselves reflected in stories.
Unfortunately, diversity has historically been lacking in mainstream children’s publishing. For example:
- Only 11% of children’s books published in 2018 featured Black, Latinx, Native American, or Asian characters.
- The vast majority of children’s books feature white, male protagonists.
- Disabilities are rarely portrayed in kids’ media. Same goes for LGBTQ+ characters.
- Religious/cultural diversity is very limited.
This lack of representation can negatively impact children’s self-esteem, sense of belonging, and view of society. When kids don’t see themselves in books, they learn that people like them are less important.
The good news is that advocacy groups are working hard to increase diversity in kids’ literature. Organizations like We Need Diverse Books, Reading is Fundamental, and #OwnVoices are pushing publishers and educators to provide more inclusive content.
Nonprofits are also making diverse books more accessible to underserved youth through initiatives like book donation programs, diverse school libraries, literacy outreach events, social media campaigns, author spotlights, and more.
Parents and educators play a key role by intentionally choosing books that reflect diverse cultures, family structures, identities, abilities, and experiences. When kids get to read authentic #OwnVoices stories, it empowers them to embrace their individuality.
The future looks bright for representation in children’s stories and giving every child characters they can identify with. Keep advocating for diversity in kids’ books and media! When children see themselves positively reflected in stories, it helps them feel valued in society.
What are your favorite books that promote diversity for youth?
