 |
| Click Link to Purchase on Amazon.com |
I am an advocate for diverse books in all areas: Family structures, disabilities, all ethnic groups, etc. I am an African American Author who writes books that feature black main characters; hence, most of my commentary will relate to that perspective.
It is important for children to see themselves as main characters in literature from the earliest stages of life. Much of our learning about what and who is important comes from media; including books. Reading enhances literacy, imagination and skill level in myriad subject areas. Reading a book with characters that you can relate to through name recognition, ethnic background, and familial structures increases the targeted demographics’ interest in reading and writing. One good book could foster a lifetime of learning. Currently there is a lack of diversity in children’s stories. If African American children are not present in the books read at school and at home, it sends a message that they are not a vital part of the fabric of the United States; what they have to offer and who they are is not necessary nor desirable to the American discourse. Inclusion is not just paying lip service and writing blogs about the need for diversity but actually stepping up and including diverse books in our nation’s schools, libraries, and major publishing house catalogs. The first step is always admitting that we have a problem and the 2nd step is using our dollars as a voice of support.
It is important for children to see children besides their own demographic as the main characters in literature from the earliest stages of
life. Caucasians are sent the subliminal message that they are more important
than people of color from a very early age. If you have a diverse group of
students and as the teacher, you do everything you can to make sure all of the
children feel included, welcome and safe, you are undermining all of your
efforts if 90% of the books read at story time feature white protagonists,
authors and illustrators. This will have one of two effects on the majority
population. Some will feel superior to the other students in the classroom and
POC in general, because they are lauded daily as the most valued and desirable
ethnicity, and the ones most capable of telling stories, becoming authors and
illustrators and following and fulfilling their dreams. Other white children
who are more aware despite not being at an age to fully articulate their
feelings, will carry embarrassment and guilt. Many children do not feel
comfortable being the subject of favoritism in the classroom or at home. It
takes away from their respect for authority figures because they are still at
an age where fairness is still a foremost gauge in how they see the world and
the people in it. By supporting and purchasing diverse books for schools and in the home white children are introduced to the concept that all human beings are
created equal and hold value, not just in word but in deed.
 |
| Taylor Hicks illustrated "If I Were Part of the Animal Kingdom" |
.jpg) |
| Available December 2014 |
Most African American children’s books are not cross
cultural. There are basically three genres -historical books set in slavery, Jim
Crow and the Civil Rights era; books based on historical figures as children,
i.e., Malcom X, Michael Jordan, Barack Obama; and books specific to ethnicity, i.e., hair
texture, skin color, Kwanzaa, and African cultural influences. I love these
books because they are necessary for enlightening and uplifting new gerations. It is
important that we know our history, embrace our uniqueness and celebrate our
heroes; however, there is no expectation that other races would find these
books as interesting as we might. Suppose you went to a book store and you had
four children’s books to choose from. One was set in a Japanese internment
camp, one celebrated Asian beauty; one was about a young George Ariyoshi. Finally the
fourth book was about a boy and his dog and the kid happened to be of Asian
descent. Which book would you purchase for your classroom or take home to your
kids? Niche books are great for a particular lesson plan, time of the year, or
if you specifically want to celebrate a particular feature unique to a small
part of society. But there is no such thing as niche people. Why do we believe
that a book written by a Native American needs to have a character in a
headdress, or a book about Hispanics should have the word “fiesta” inside
complete with all the colorful celebratory accouterments. Major Publishing
houses should be backing authors of myriad backgrounds with story lines that we
all can relate to and stop relegating POC to the “niche” shelf only to be
dusted off once a year. The only way to get their attention is by erasing their
bottom line. Find and purchase independently published works about ethnic main characters
that do not fit in the three genre box and they will begin to take notice, and get
on board.
 |
| Stephanie Bridges Author and Advocate for Diversity in Reading |
In this commentary it is my goal to be as solution oriented as possible, and the solution to this issue is easy. Purchase a children's book that promotes diversity. If you cannot afford to purchase a book at this time, share this blog post with friends and family. If you don't have any young children in your life to share a book with then you can donate it to a church or local charity. A monetary donation to an author and/or illustrator committed to increasing the visibility and availability of diverse books is also welcome. I am one of many. My goal as a children's book author is to create excellent stories, collaborate with exceptional artists, and donate books to children in need. You can make a donation to this effort or purchase "If I Were Part of the Animal Kingdom" by clicking the link below.
Purchase "If I Were Part of the Animal Kingdom"
