Part 17: We Need Diverse Books

Part 17: We Need Diverse Books

We Need Diverse Books. (2019, June 25). Retrieved July 2, 2019, from https://diversebooks.org/

We Need Diverse Books is the name of a non-profit organization that describes its purpose as “putting more books featuring diverse characters into the hands of all children.” The executives and advisory board of the organization are largely themselves published authors of children’s and YA literature.  Additionally, campaign videos produced feature the opinions of published authors on why diverse books are needed.

The most helpful portion of the organization’s website to educators is under the “Resources” tab, which features information on book recommendations and where to find them--including an original, “subscription-level based” app--as well as tips for further writing. Additionally, it provides information and embedded videos about the panels WNDB creates and moderates at major conventions and festivals around the country. The organization hosts an ongoing blog as well as multiple social media presences.

This is a good resource and one with which I was not terribly familiar, although I had seen some links and videos in the past. Upon looking further, I found that it sponsors awards, mentorships, grants, writing contests and more, all found under the “Our Programs” tab. The site’s FAQ states that the organization originally began with several tweets using the hashtag #WeNeedDiverseBooks, which began trending in April, 2014 in response to an upcoming convention featuring an “all-white, all-male panel of children’s authors.” 

The site goes on to speak at length on the importance of books as both mirrors and windows. Naturally I agree that books should reflect society and culture as it truly is, and allow children to both see themselves in stories, and others’ diverse experiences as well. All-in-all I think this will be a very useful go-to resources for pinpointing diverse works, and will be looking further into the OurStory app, geared at making diverse books easier to find.