“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou
Did you know…
You’re more likely to see an animal or object than a minority character in a traditionally published children’s book. In 2019, twelve percent of children’s books featured Black characters, nine percent featured Asians, and five percent featured Latinx characters, while animals and others (dinosaurs, robots, etc.) were featured in twenty nine percent of children’s books. White characters starred in forty two percent of traditionally published books for kids.
Events over the past twelve months have sparked a renewed interest in diversifying children’s book publishing, and also diversifying school and home libraries.
How can you do your part?
*Add books written by own voices authors to your shelves.
*Don’t limit books featuring minorities to hardship or trauma stories. Include books with diverse characters doing “everyday” activities.
*Remove books with problematic representation of minorities or marginalized communities from your collection.
Together, we can make a change!
Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the best selling, award winning Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and the Authors Guild.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
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