5 Reasons to Support Diverse Children's Books

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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 2^nd 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"

We need more African American Authors and illustrators. Quite literally the more representation that black children see in different career fields, the more comfortable and capable they will feel pursuing careers in those industries. I would advise parents of young African American children to seek out doctors, dentists, and professionals in general that reflect their culture. Young black boys want to be athletes and rappers in an attempt to emulate success. What if black children were exposed to books with African American authors and illustrators on the back or inside flap of their favorite childhood books? Those images would be models of success that they could aspire to as well. If black people do not patronize black businesses, professionals, and purchase products created and sold by us, it is a false expectation to believe someone else will. Now is the time to support POC  who are children’s book authors and illustrators. If we don’t, neither will mainstream schools, libraries and publishing houses. In turn, we will continue to be inadequately represented in children’s literature, children will not set goals to become writers or artists, and rightfully so because we have proven time and time again that there is no market for books created by and about our children.

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

Major Publishing Houses do not support black, up and coming writers in the children’s book arena. Instead they promote already established, rich and famous people with a built in following and put their money and marketing machines behind them. Queen Latifah, Debbie Allen, Spike Lee and Bill Cosby all have excellent children’s books; however, authoring kids’ manuscripts is not their first calling nor is it bringing a life altering dream to fruition. In other words, their book deals may garner their $5,000,000^th but it is not breaking the poverty barrier for a black starving artist. It is a case of sowing wealth into the wealthy to appease black America and maintain the status quo. The most talented, innovative, imaginative potentially classic work is never read or worse never written because Publishing Companies do not allow unknown black feet in the door. I am not suggesting that you discontinue purchasing children’s books by rich and famous POC. In fact, Ricky Martin has a children's book coming out in November of 2014, and it is probably a great read. But it is just as important if not more that unknown Native American, Latin, Asian and African American writers of kid’s books receive the same opportunity as unknown white authors and famous POC.

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"