Back to School: The Growing Impact of Book Bans on Diverse Children’s Literature

By Naomi V. Dunsen-White

As the new school year begins, educators, parents, students, and SCBWI members, too, find themselves facing a critical challenge: the rising trend of book banning. What began as isolated incidents in some cities and states has now become a national issue affecting classrooms and libraries across the country. Unfortunately, books that highlight diversity—whether racial, cultural, or physical—are often among the first to be challenged.

I know I am not alone in managing a full cup of righteous indignation on behalf of children. As children’s book authors and illustrators, we cannot afford to sit on the sidelines. This war on books is a challenge to us, our passion, and our purpose.

 

Naomi and Students at a School

Of Course, Diverse Books Matter!

Children’s literature plays an essential role in shaping young minds. Diverse books allow children from all backgrounds to see themselves represented in stories, building self-esteem, empathy, and understanding. For Black and Brown children, books that feature characters who look like them and reflect their experiences are especially powerful. These stories offer validation and teach others to appreciate and respect differences.

Books that explore cultural traditions, disabilities, and other forms of diversity serve as windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors. They allow children to see both their own experiences (mirrors) and the experiences of others (windows), as well as the invitation to step out into a world in which they feel they belong (sliding glass doors). This promotes empathy, inclusion, and a personal sense of belonging. These things are key to their emotional health.

I smile when I think of this for all children. As a mature Black woman, this was definitely not my experience growing up. I write for underrepresented children because I long to contribute to a better childhood experience for them than what I had as a shy but smart little book lover.

 

The Threat of Book Bans on Representation

Book banning disproportionately affects diverse literature. Is anyone surprised by this? Many of the books challenged are those that portray people of Color, marginalized communities, LGBTQ+ characters, or complex cultural narratives. By banning these books, we risk silencing the voices of these underrepresented groups and denying all children the opportunity to learn about the real world that exists beyond their own personal experiences.

These bans also reinforce harmful stereotypes and perpetuate ignorance. Haven’t we had enough of that? When books featuring children of Color, differently abled children, or non-traditional families are removed from shelves, it sends the message that their stories—and by extension, their lives—are not valuable. Frankly, to them, this means they are not valued. This can have lasting effects on a child’s self-worth and worldview. This is cruel. This is wrong.

 

The Consequences for Our Children

For children from marginalized or underrepresented communities, book banning can be especially damaging. It robs them of the chance to see themselves as the explorers, thinkers, heroes, inventors, overcomers, and leaders in the stories they read. When diverse books are excluded from classrooms and libraries, children may feel invisible or unimportant. As often as I can, I share my belief that “Books are for ALL children, not just some children!” They are all OUR children.

The awful impact of book banning is not limited to children from underrepresented or marginalized groups. ALL children benefit from exposure to diverse stories. Learning about different cultures, abilities, and experiences fosters empathy, reduces prejudice, promotes acceptance and inclusion, and encourages open-mindedness. Isn’t that what we want for our children—ALL children?

 

What SCBWI Members Can Do

As authors and illustrators, we are on the front lines of this battle. We are in a war for our children to have the freedom to read! Our work is crucial in ensuring that all children have access to stories that reflect the diverse world we live in. Here are a few ways I think we can do our part to help fight the harmful effects of book bans:

1. Create with Intention: Let’s continue writing and illustrating stories that showcase diverse voices. Don’t shy away from complex topics or difficult narratives. Are you a member of a marginalized or underrepresented community? If so, share your perspective through the eyes, faces, and stories of children! Or do you know someone who could help you understand their experience as a member of a marginalized or underrepresented community? You could join efforts to help share their perspective. That book on your Work-in-Progress list could be a lifeline for many children who need to see themselves reflected in the pages of a book.
2. Raise Awareness: We can use our community, online, and social media platforms to speak out against book banning. We can share resources, articles, and personal experiences to educate our readers and followers about the importance of diverse literature. 
3. Support Banned Books: We can collaborate with organizations that fight for the right to read. We can join initiatives like Banned Books Week, join online organizations dedicated to fight book banning, volunteer and support our local libraries, or donate a few of our diverse books to schools and communities affected by book bans. SCBWI partners with Authors Against Book Bans. Join the movement!
4. Partner with Educators: Offer help to teachers and librarians to ensure that diverse books remain accessible to their students. I always encourage my clients and fellow authors to consider creating educational resources, discussion guides, and activities that promote diversity to accompany their books.
5. Consider Joining the Equity and Inclusion Team: Do you have ideas that may help us in our goal to promote and support diversity, equity, and inclusion amongst our members? We would love to hear your thoughts and ideas. We not only focus on what we write, but we also focus on who we are. We want to make sure that our members from diverse backgrounds, underrepresented or marginalized communities are supported as well. You are welcome to join us! For further information about joining our E&I Team, contact me, Naomi, at naomibooksinfo@gmail.com. 

The Power of Our Pens (and Paints)

As children’s book authors and illustrators, we know books are powerful tools that can change lives and shape futures. It’s why we do what we do! As we head into this new school year, it’s so important that we not only promote diverse children’s literature, but protect it. Every child deserves to see themselves in the books they read and have stories that speak to a life they recognize. Each child deserves to learn about the rich tapestry of human experience beyond their home, their school, their community. It creates a longing within them to one day step out and discover the world!

Book banning may be on the rise, but together, we can ensure that diverse voices are not silenced. By continuing to write for our children—creating, advocating, and educating, we can make a lasting impact on the next generation of readers. Remember, our words are forever. Long after we are gone, our books will remain. Let’s make every word count.

 

Naomi V. Dunsen-White is an award-winning, independent children’s book author who loves to inspire and encourage children to use their imagination to discover their potential. She writes books that promote diversity, uplift self-esteem, and inspire discovery of one’s purpose. As a former educator and social worker, Naomi has a heart for helping children and a passion for closing the diversity gap in the children’s book industry. She believes all children deserve to have books with characters who look like them and stories that positively represent a world to which they can relate. She also believes that all children have a gift within, just waiting to be discovered. It’s up to us, the adults in their lives, to help them discover it.

 

Naomi is also an editor, writing development coach, and author coach. She takes great pride in amplifying diverse voices and helping others fulfill their dreams of becoming published authors, leaving a legacy for the next generation. Naomi serves as Chairperson of the Equity and Inclusion Team for The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Michigan Chapter.