Curating a Diverse Library: Practical Steps to Building a Diverse Library

In an increasingly interconnected world, building a diverse library for children is not just a choice; it's a responsibility. Children's literature plays a pivotal role in shaping young minds and cultivating empathy, understanding, and respect for diverse cultures, experiences, and perspectives. A diverse library can broaden children's horizons, expose them to new ideas, and foster a sense of inclusivity and belonging. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how to curate a diverse children's library, including valuable resources and booklists. We'll also discuss the option of not separating books by categories and offer suggestions for a more integrated approach.

Why Diverse Libraries Matter

Before diving into the how, let's address the why. A diverse library serves several crucial purposes:

1. Representation: Diverse books reflect the experiences and identities of all children. When children see themselves in stories, they feel valued and validated.

2. Cultural Awareness: Exposure to different cultures through literature fosters cultural awareness, appreciation, and respect.

3. Empathy and Understanding: Reading about characters with different backgrounds, abilities, or experiences helps children develop empathy and understanding for others.

4. Challenging Stereotypes: Diverse books challenge stereotypes and promote critical thinking.

5. Promoting Inclusivity: A diverse library sends the message that all children belong and that their stories matter.

Curating a Diverse Library: Practical Steps

Building a diverse library involves thoughtful selection, representation, and integration. Here's how to get started:

1. Understand Diversity

To curate a diverse library effectively, it's essential to have a comprehensive understanding of diversity. Diversity encompasses race, ethnicity, religion, gender, disabilities, socioeconomic status, and more. Recognize that diversity is not a box to check but a rich tapestry of human experiences.

2. Research and Resources

There are numerous resources available to help you discover diverse children's books. These include:

• WeNeedDiverseBooks.org: An excellent resource for booklists, articles, and recommendations.

• The Brown Bookshelf: Showcasing books written and illustrated by Black authors and illustrators.

• Disability in Kidlit: Focused on disability representation in children's literature.

• Your Local Library: Librarians are a wealth of knowledge and can recommend diverse titles.

• Online Communities: Join book-loving communities on platforms like Goodreads to discover diverse books and share recommendations.

3. Booklists for Diverse Libraries

Here are some book lists to help you get started on your journey to building a diverse children's library:

Picture Books

1. Cultural Diversity: A list of picture books representing various cultures, traditions, and customs.

2. Gender and Identity: Picture books celebrating diverse gender identities.

3. Family Diversity: Books featuring diverse family structures

4. Diverse Abilities: Picture books portraying characters with different abilities.

Middle-Grade Novels

1. Historical Perspectives: Middle-grade novels exploring history through diverse lenses.

2. Friendship and Inclusivity: Books highlighting themes of friendship, inclusivity, and belonging.

3. Identity and Self-Discovery: Novels focused on characters' journeys of self-discovery and identity.

Young Adult Fiction

1. Contemporary Voices: Contemporary YA novels from diverse authors.

2. Fantasy and Science Fiction: Diverse voices in the world of YA fantasy and science fiction.

3. Issues and Advocacy: YA novels addressing social and political issues.

4. Avoid Separation, Encourage Integration

This is one of my personal favourite suggestions. While some libraries organize books into specific diversity categories, consider an approach that encourages integration. Instead of separating books by categories like "African-American Literature", place them alongside books with universal themes. This fosters a more natural and organic exploration of diversity.

5. Representation Matters

Prioritize books with diverse authors and illustrators. Authentic representation behind the scenes is as important as representation in the stories themselves.

6. Age-Appropriate Selection

Consider the age and maturity of your readers when selecting books. Some topics may be more suitable for older children and teens.

7. Encourage Exploration

Create a reading environment that encourages exploration. Display diverse books prominently, rotate selections, and regularly introduce new titles.

8. Discuss and Reflect

Engage children in discussions about the books they read. Encourage them to ask questions, share their thoughts, and reflect on the stories.

9. Support Diverse Authors

Support diverse authors and illustrators by attending their book events, sharing their work on social media, and buying their books.

A Few Suggestions for Your Diverse Library

Here are some diverse children's books across age groups and themes to kick-start your diverse library:

Picture Books

1. "Last Stop on Market Street" by Matt de la Peña: Celebrates diversity and the beauty of everyday life.

2. "The Colors of Us" by Karen Katz: Explores skin color and diversity through an artist's perspective.

3. "I Am Enough" by Grace Byers: Encourages self-acceptance and empowerment.

4. “A Queen Like Me” by Valene Campbell: History of African royalty, namely queens.

Middle-Grade Novels

1. "Brown Girl Dreaming" by Jacqueline Woodson: A memoir in verse about a young African American girl's coming of age.

2. "Ghost Boys" by Jewell Parker Rhodes: Tackles issues of racial bias and police violence through the eyes of a young Black boy.

3. "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio: Teaches empathy and kindness through the story of a boy with facial differences.

Young Adult Fiction

1. "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas: Addresses police violence and systemic racism through the eyes of a young Black girl.

2. "Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Sáenz: Explores friendship and identity, including LGBTQ+ themes.

3. "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson: A novel about family, love, and artistic expression, featuring LGBTQ+ characters.

Building a diverse library for children is an ongoing journey that requires dedication, openness, and continuous learning. It's about ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, finds stories that reflect their experiences and introduces them to others. A diverse library can spark curiosity, empathy, and a lifelong love of reading. So, let's embark on this journey together and create a more inclusive world—one book at a time.