As a child, I found immense joy in reading. My love for books was so profound that I often played library with my friends. I’d sneak books under my bathroom radiator to read while getting ready for school and kept a mini flashlight hidden under my mattress to enjoy stories late into the night. The highlight of my school year wasn’t field trips; it was the book fair, where I was grateful my mom volunteered, allowing me to indulge in countless titles. I spent so much time in the library that I knew exactly where to find my favorites, and I never ventured anywhere without a book.
Among my cherished reads were series like The Baby-Sitters Club by Ann M. Martin, where I connected with characters like Stacey, a fellow New Yorker, and admired Claudia’s fashion sense. However, I often longed for more representation of characters who looked like me. While there were books featuring Black narratives, contemporary children’s literature lacked diversity, leaving me with few relatable characters.
Fortunately, the publishing industry has begun to address this gap, particularly in children’s literature. These formative years are crucial for developing a lifelong love of reading, and it’s rare to find a passionate adult reader who disliked books as a child. The movement for #ownvoices has empowered authors of color to share their stories, creating characters that reflect the experiences of children from diverse backgrounds. This list serves as a starting point for enriching your child’s bookshelf with more inclusive titles.
- Cleo Edison Oliver, Playground Millionaire by Jamie Lee Curtis
Cleo Edison Oliver dreams of becoming a business mogul. When tasked with a “passion project,” she launches a tooth-pulling enterprise while also searching for her biological parents. - Hunters of Chaos by Crystal Velasquez
Ana’s life is turned upside down when she enters a prestigious boarding school and discovers she and her friends possess magical abilities to combat spirits residing in ancient artifacts. - In A Village by the Sea by Muon Van and April Chu
This beautifully illustrated picture book explores the theme of homesickness through diverse cultural representations, fostering discussions about places beyond one’s own. - The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste
Corinne La Mer isn’t afraid of the mythical jumbies, until she encounters a mysterious pair of glowing eyes in the forest. When a captivating stranger threatens her island, Corinne discovers her own hidden strength. - The Gauntlet by Karuna Razi
In a thrilling twist reminiscent of Jumanji, 12-year-old Farah and her friends are trapped in a board game and must outsmart it to rescue children, including her baby brother. - The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson
Clover and Anna live in a divided town, separated by a fence. Despite warnings, their friendship blossoms, highlighting themes of unity and connection. - Two Naomis by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich & Audrey Vernick
Two girls named Naomi find their lives intertwined when their parents begin dating. Despite their differences, they learn to collaborate in unexpected ways. - Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Minli embarks on a quest to find the Old Man on the Moon, hoping to change her family’s fortunes while meeting extraordinary characters along her journey. - Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks & Gita Varadarajan
Joe and Ravi, from vastly different backgrounds, come together to confront a school bully, discovering common ground and friendship in the process. - Moving Target by Christina Diaz Gonzalez
As Cassie Arroyo navigates life in Rome with her art history professor father, she uncovers her connection to an ancient lineage and the responsibility that comes with it. - Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
After completing his swim lessons, Jabari faces his fears about jumping off the diving board. His journey reveals the importance of courage and self-belief.
As we continue to advocate for diversity in children’s literature, consider purchasing these books, requesting them at your local library, or donating them to schools. Representation truly matters, and it’s essential for children to see that their stories are valued. In these challenging times, we must show kids that their voices and experiences are significant.
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In summary, diversifying your child’s bookshelf with inclusive literature not only enriches their reading experience but also fosters empathy and understanding. It’s a meaningful step towards building a more equitable world.