Inclusive Children’s Books Recommended by Cultivators
Woven through the pages of children's books, readers can discover dreamlike dimensions, chatty creatures, and imaginative ideas. They can also find real validation and empowerment - but only if they see a reflection of themselves in the mirror of the story.
Rudine Sims Bishop, an author and Ohio State University professor, conceived her theory of literary representation in her 1990 essay "Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors." Within this framework, there are mirrors (stories that embody human experience and reflect it back to us), windows (glimpses into worlds real or imagined), and sliding glass doors (inviting the reader to be part of the story).
According to the Associated Press, only about 30% of children's books center on racially diverse characters or subjects. Children in marginalized populations -based on race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or disability status- are forced to look through windows of stories that are not representative of their own.
Furthermore, children of all backgrounds are robbed of exposure to different backgrounds, perpetuating a narrative that there is one dominant lens through which we see life.
The protagonists of children's books have historically been overwhelmingly white, non-disabled, heterosexual individuals. The Cooperative Children's Book Center reported that in 2019, only 11.9% of children's books featured Black characters compared to the 41.8% of white main characters. This is no surprise, given that 76% of the publishing industry is white. We need diverse creators crafting diverse stories to represent a diverse population.
Here is a list of books recommended by the Cultivators Community. We feel it is an excellent place to start.
What Do You Do With An Idea? by Kombi Yamada
A story of one brilliant idea and the child who helps to bring it into the world. As the child's confidence grows, so does the idea itself. And then, one day, something amazing happens. It's a story to inspire you to welcome that idea, give it some space to grow, and see what happens next. Your idea isn't going anywhere. It's just getting started.
A Kids Book About Racism by Jelani Memory
It all started with A Kids Book About Racism, written by co-founder and CEO Jelani Memory. As a Black father with a mixed-race family, racism was always a meaningful, top-of-mind conversation. He thought he'd only print one copy; little did he know, many other parents are looking for a kids' book that speaks honestly about race.
Every Little Thing by Cedella Marley
A beautiful book that brings Bob Marley's beloved song to life for a new generation. Every family will relate to this universal story of a boy who won't let anything get him down, as long as he has the help of three special little birds. This cheerful book will bring a smile to faces of all ages—because every little thing's gonna be alright.
Bashirah and The Amazing Bean Pie by Ameenah Muhammad-Diggins
This story invites readers to enjoy the rich and beautiful culture of African American Muslims, following a multigenerational African American family as they celebrate Ramadan and Eid. This heartwarming tale is full of faith, food, and family.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
First published in 1962, this book is about a young protagonist named Peter who awakes to a world of freshly fallen snow. While the storyline itself is not centered around Peter's race, the representation of his identity was historical, and the impact long-lasting.
Just Ask! by Sonya Sotomyer and Rafael Lopez
The Supreme Court Justice and award-winning artist team up to tell the story of children coming together to build a community garden, asking one another questions along the way. As an individual diagnosed with diabetes early in her childhood, Sotomayor intentionally features children with diverse disabilities who contribute to the garden in the different ways they are able.
For more resources, check out the following:
OurShelves is a service that curates boxes of children's books that feature racially and ethnically diverse, LBBTQ+, and feminist characters and families, among other under-represented identities in children's books.
We Need Diverse Books is a non-profit that partners with Scholastic offers recommendations and support for educators hoping to diversify their class reading lists.
Diverse Book Finder is a database identifying multicultural children's picture books.
Whether you are gifting, teaching, or reading children's books, be intentional in representing diverse stories. Share bedtime stories that inspire children to have sweet - and big - dreams.
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