Plus, how to talk to your kids about what they’re reading.
Building a diverse home library for your children is essential in shaping their understanding of the world and fostering empathy and inclusivity. Here’s how you can do it:
- Seek out diverse authors and characters: Look for books written by authors from diverse backgrounds and featuring characters of different races, ethnicities, cultures, religions, abilities, and gender identities. Prioritize books that authentically represent diverse experiences and perspectives.
- Explore different genres and formats: Diversity in literature goes beyond just racial representation. Include books from various genres such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, graphic novels, and picture books. Consider books in different languages or bilingual editions to introduce cultural diversity.
- Research diverse book lists: Utilize resources like We Need Diverse Books, Cooperative Children’s Book Center, and other organizations that curate lists of diverse children’s literature. These lists can help you discover new authors and titles that reflect a range of identities and experiences.
- Support diverse publishers and bookstores: Seek out publishers and bookstores that prioritize diversity and inclusion in their selections. Look for independent bookstores, online retailers, and publishers committed to promoting diverse voices in children’s literature.
- Engage in discussions about diversity: Use books as a springboard for discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion with your children. Encourage them to ask questions, share their thoughts, and explore different perspectives presented in the books they read.
- Visit libraries and attend book events: Take regular trips to your local library to access a wide range of diverse books for free. Attend book events, author readings, and storytelling sessions that feature diverse authors and storytellers.
- Curate a diverse collection: Assemble a diverse collection of books that reflects the rich tapestry of human experiences. Include books that celebrate diversity, challenge stereotypes, and promote empathy and understanding.
- Lead by example: Demonstrate your commitment to diversity by reading and discussing diverse books yourself. Show your children that diversity is valued and celebrated in your household.
By intentionally curating a diverse home library, you provide your children with opportunities to explore and appreciate the richness of the world around them while promoting empathy, understanding, and inclusivity.
Figure out what’s missing
To figure out what’s missing from your children’s book collection, consider sitting down with them, removing all the books from their shelves, and engaging in a discussion about the representation in their books.
Start by observing the themes, characters, and topics present in the books. Notice if there’s a lack of diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, culture, gender, ability, or other identities. Are there predominantly animal characters or inanimate objects, with few human characters represented?
Nicole Johnson emphasizes the importance of including human connection and empathy in children’s books. If the books predominantly feature animals or objects, discuss with your children the significance of having human characters and stories that reflect real-life experiences.
Point out any patterns you observe, such as all the protagonists being male or a lack of representation from certain racial or cultural backgrounds. Encourage your children to reflect on what they see and consider how it shapes their understanding of the world around them.
By taking this approach, you can identify any gaps in representation in your children’s book collection and work together to diversify their reading materials. This process fosters critical thinking and awareness of diversity and inclusion from an early age.
Be intentional about diversity
To intentionally diversify your children’s book collection, start by actively seeking out books that feature characters and stories from various racial and ethnic backgrounds. Here are some steps you can take:
- Add books with diverse characters: Look for books that include pictures and characters of different races and ethnicities. Choose titles that showcase relatable experiences and perspectives from diverse communities.
- Normalize diversity: Make a conscious effort to normalize the idea of diversity within your home by incorporating books that depict people from different racial and cultural backgrounds. Encourage your children to see diversity as something natural and positive.
- Include a variety of stories: Your collection doesn’t need to consist solely of anti-racist biographies or books about historical struggles. Ensure there is a mix of titles that depict people of color in everyday situations, as well as those that explore identity, culture, current events, and social justice issues.
- Highlight typical situations: Select books that feature people of color in everyday scenarios that any child can relate to, such as going to school, making friends, or celebrating holidays. These stories help children see themselves reflected in literature and foster empathy and understanding.
By intentionally diversifying your children’s book collection and including a range of stories and characters, you create opportunities for meaningful conversations about race, identity, and inclusion. Your efforts contribute to building a more inclusive and empathetic environment within your home.
Talk about what you’re reading
Talking about the books you’re reading with your children is a valuable opportunity to reinforce family values and encourage empathy and understanding. Here are some questions you can ask to engage your children in meaningful conversations about the stories and characters:
- What’s going on in this picture?: Encourage your children to observe and describe the illustrations or scenes in the book, promoting visual literacy and comprehension.
- What do you notice about the characters?: Prompt your children to consider the characteristics, emotions, and experiences of the characters in the story.
- How are they feeling?: Help your children empathize with the characters by exploring their emotions and motivations.
- How is it making you feel?: Encourage your children to reflect on their own emotions and reactions to the story, fostering self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
- How do you know what’s happening in the story?: Guide your children to think critically about the narrative structure and storytelling
- techniques used in the book.
- How do you know they’re feeling that way?: Encourage your children to identify cues and context clues that indicate the characters’ emotions and thoughts.
- How are the characters like you or people you know? How are they different?: Encourage your children to relate to the characters by finding similarities and differences between themselves and the characters. This promotes empathy and perspective-taking.
These questions provide opportunities for your children to develop critical thinking skills, empathy, and a deeper understanding of themselves and others. As you engage in these discussions, be prepared to gently correct any misconceptions or biases your children may express. Remember that fostering empathy and understanding requires intentionality and patience, and it’s okay if these conversations feel uncomfortable at times. By modeling open-mindedness and a willingness to learn, you set a positive example for your children and reinforce the values you hope they’ll embrace.
Know where to look
When searching for diverse children’s books to add to your home library, consider exploring the following resources:
- We Need Diverse Books’ “Our Story” app: This app highlights books with diverse content and by content creators from marginalized communities. It offers a free version for parents and a paid version for educators.
- The Diverse Book Finder: Curated by academics and professionals in various fields, this collection allows you to browse their database or explore themed collections tailored for specific types of readers.
- EmbraceRace.org resource section: This website offers suggestions for children’s literature categorized based on whether you want to read aloud, flip through pictures, or explore specific genres.
- Just Us Books: An independent bookstore that publishes and sells diverse options for children’s literature. They also offer book packages to help kickstart your collection.
- Children’s Book Council blog: This blog focuses on diverse books and features interviews with authors and illustrators, along with book recommendations.
By utilizing these resources, you can discover a wide range of diverse children’s books that reflect different cultures, experiences, and perspectives. Building a diverse home library not only enriches your child’s reading experience but also promotes empathy, understanding, and appreciation for diversity.