Diversity in Children’s Literature

Podcast Interview by Janet Jefferson

in Children’s Literature

Kids identify with other kids that look like them. Kids are fascinated by kids who look just like them. Kids with the same skin tones, hair texture and eye color. So it’s important for kids of all backgrounds to see children of color as protagonists, because from the perspective of a child, of a person of color, it’s important for kids to see themselves represented in books and to see themselves as the main character in all sorts of books, from a fantasy novel slaying dragons to skateboarders and detectives. To see themselves in a book gives kids that sense of belonging. Bunmi Emenanjo, founder of Atlas Book Club and Ceece Kelley, principal, author, and founder of Soaring Kite Books have invested themselves and their time into bringing diversity into books. Atlas Book Club sends kids a box every month that guides them on a journey to a different continent. The books selected represent different countries within the selected continent and each age group engages in an educational and cultural experience exploring a different country within the continent. Books selected for the Atlas Book Club must meet the following criteria:

• Age appropriate • Interesting and engaging • Represents global diversity • Tells a story showcasing diversity not just in race and culture, but also diversity within race and culture.

The Georgie Dupree series from Soaring Kite Books, is actually a three book series. Georgie Dupre, comes from Louisiana and is going through culture shock after moving to the DC area. She’s not finding children her age and she doesn’t know what to do. She’s only lived in one place and always had lots of friends. Through her hobby of being a chalk artist, Georgie is able to find friends and learns lessons of resilience and classroom confidence.

Over 50 years of Catholic Education International Baccalaureate World School Project Lead the Way 25 AP classes

THE BEST FOR 2022 BY THE SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

Selected titles below for a complete list visit slj.com/?page=bestbooks-2021

Bowles, David. My Two Border Towns.

illus. by Erika Meza. Penguin/Kokila. ISBN 9780593111048. Gr 1-3–In a wistful and generous book, a boy and his father travel between two countries; readers learn firsthand what borders do to families and livelihoods. This is a work meant to ignite conversations.

Dillard, J. J.D. and the Great Barber Battle.

illus. by Akeem S. Roberts. Penguin/Kokila. ISBN 9780593111529. Gr 1-3 –J.D. is all set to start third grade with a fresh haircut from his mom—until it ends in disaster! J.D. tries his own hand at the clippers and discovers a new talent. Now he is opening up his bedroom barbershop to everyone in town. This laugh-out-loud series debut features a young Black entrepreneur readers will root for, and expressive illustrations that lovingly showcase the diversity of Black hairstyles and the community significance of barbershops.

Bruchac, Joseph. Rez Dogs.

Dial. ISBN 9780593326213. Gr 3-8 –While her parents are sheltering in place in Boston, Malian, an eighth grade Penacook girl, tries to keep herself and her grandparents safe from COVID-19 on their reservation. In this novel in verse, Bruchac takes a look at life in lockdown through the eyes of a girl coping with boredom, isolation, and the need to find her place. The text addresses residential schools, relocation, and forced sterilization, as well as racial justice and the disproportionate way that COVID-19 spread in marginalized communities.

Khor, Shing Yin. The Legend of Auntie Po.

illus. by author. Penguin/Kokila. ISBN 9780525554882. Gr 5-8 –Thirteen-year-old Mei comes face to face with the power—and limitations—of stories as she and her father, Chinese workers at a lumber camp in the 1880s, navigate anti-Asian sentiment and laws. With expressive, muted watercolors, this multifaceted work of historical fiction creates a delicate and beautiful balance in its depiction of nuanced characters, interpersonal conflicts, and systemic racism.

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