Activity 2.3 | Children’s Books helping to create a vision of inclusivity

When purchasing children’s books, choose with intention. Think about the books you are choosing and why you chose them. Think about the children and families in your childcare centre. Do the children feel seen in the literature that you provide for them? Finding books representing children of all races, cultures, abilities and genders can be challenging. 

According to the 2020 publishing statistics the representation and diversity of children’s picture books, a large percentage are written about white people, and only 3% are written about children who face physical or mental challenges (Cooperative Children's Book Center, 2020).

It can be hard to find books representing children with disabilities, genders and races as able, independent, equal and socially active. 

Often, books that represent minorities typically focus on their differences rather than highlighting a person who is strong, successful or facing a challenge that all people may be experiencing. It is important to normalize people’s lives through stories.

Reference

Cooperative Children's Book Center. (2020, June 3). The numbers are in: 2019 CCBC diversity statistics. [Blog].  https://ccblogc.blogspot.com/2020/06/the-numbers-are-in-2019-ccbc-diversity.html