Fostering Representation and Diversity in Children’s Literature
Representation is invaluable for all ages. While this is also true for adults, children are in their formative years. Growing up, children thrive the most when they see themselves on the page. Of course, they also benefit from seeing new worlds and cultures, but representation has a singular impact on young readers.
The publishing industry is crucial in fostering diversity in the books on the market. If authors write diverse stories but no publishers print them, what is the point? It is incumbent on each and every book publisher, especially those in children’s literature, to print a wide array of stories from different cultures and backgrounds. It is especially crucial to platform authors from different backgrounds to use their lived experiences to tell unique stories.
March is Women’s History Month. It is important to highlight diverse voices now and in each month in which there is a monthly observance.
Representation and Diversity in Media
In general, representation and diversity is stories showing a wide-range of cultures, backgrounds, and ideas. This is not limited to the publishing industry; it is also important across the media landscape.
The groups that often advocate for increased representation are those that have been historically underrepresented. This often includes different ethnic groups, races, gender identities, sexualities, ages, socioeconomic statuses, and religions. This is not an exhaustive list, and anyone can feel unseen in the media based on their life experiences.
When someone creates a piece of media, it puts their background on the page, either directly or indirectly. For example, an author can use their culture to influence a fictional story or discuss it in a memoir. Either way, this author would get their voice heard.
Growing up in a marginalized group is often alienating. When there is more representation in the media, it can make them feel less alone. No two peoples’ life experiences are the same, but seeing a story from someone with a similar background can make you understand your life and culture better than ever before.
The Benefits of Representation
Diversity on the page can foster literary growth in the youngest of readers. At the earliest stages of their reading journey, children yearn for engagement. It is exciting to get the tools to use words as an escape into different worlds.
There are classics in children’s literature that have stood the test of time. These are a fantastic first step because they are revered stories that are familiar to parents and children alike. However, this should not be the sole source of reading for any child. If everyone reads the same books, there is no individuality or uniqueness of experience. All children will have the same books. That is where representation comes into play.
When children read books that showcase different groups, they become more aware of their own identities, as well as others. It breaks them out of their personal lived experience and puts them into someone else’s shoes. This only helps and fosters their personal growth, builds understanding, and increases their creativity.
Young children beginning to read might grow tired of seeing the same things across books. Whether this is the same type of story, similar characters, or general monotony, this can become boring. But, when children read different types of books, especially those with characters who look like them, they become more engaged. It is also a bonus seeing yourself represented in the media, whether books, movies, television, etc.
Publishing Diverse Voices
The biggest hurdle in increasing visibility for underrepresented groups in the publishing industry is to simply publish more books. By increasing output, a publishing company can naturally boost all voices out in the world. This can happen without even purposely pushing for material from a specific group. As long as publishers lower barriers to entry for new authors, different voices can make an impact.
It is a dangerous path for an entire industry to solely platform one type of voice. Doing so can create a sense that one group is the standard, and everyone else is different. That cannot be less true. No one should feel like their background is not valued or important.
Children who steadily do not see themselves in books can lose interest in reading completely. That is the biggest thing the publishing industry must avoid. It is imperative that there are books available for each and every interested reader out there. Amplifying as many viewpoints as possible makes literature more accessible to all audiences.
Diversity is only possible through collaboration between creatives and those in positions of power. The resources available with all publishers are invaluable for new authors. As long as there are pathways to entry for every interested author, books representing all backgrounds can be published.
Cloverly Children’s provides each client with all professional resources they need to publish their book. Everyone is included and represented in the entire publishing process without fear of discrimination.
