Embracing diversity, inclusion and acceptance is extremely important for young kids. And entertainment, especially books, can help them get there. By reading a book about inclusion to your kids, the concept won’t be new to them when they meet or interact new people. Today we’re talking about the trend towards inclusive kid’s books, and recommending some of the best!
Inclusion in the Kid’s Books Publishing World
It’s no secret that BIPOC people are starved for positive representation and content in all media forms. Moms of this group are constantly sharing new content to show to kids. Historically, this has been a tough subject to find content on. In 2020, however, every industry took a moment to try and understand it’s audience better. With that come the reflection of how and audience is being impacted by a piece of media. The publishing world is no different, with an unprecedented amount of inclusive stories for kids. There’s an influx of Black authors starting to self-publish their own stories (which can be found here and here), and popular websites like Scholastic, Here Wee Read and AALBC are starting to curate lists of inclusive and diverse children’s books.
Some great books to show your kids:
- Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
- Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed
- Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal
- Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard
- A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin
- We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell
- The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad
How else can we help our kids do better from a young age?
Adding diversity to your kid’s life is crucial for ensuring they grow up to be inclusive and accepting. Doing an audit on the media in your house can really help make sure you’re setting your kids up for success in this regard. Screen the books and shows that your kids read and watch. Consider whether your kids are friends with a wide range of people. Often, kids end up in a bubble that isn’t reflective of society. Finally, find teachable moments in everyday life. If your kid asks what a hijab is, explain it without judgement, and make sure they understand it is part of an important cultural belief. The same goes for any visual indicator of culture, race or gender. Be sure not to judge anyone else’s traditions or choices.
For more information about diversity in publishing, check out The Open Book Blog.
