Celebrating National Minority Mental Health Month By Kinyel Friday

July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Bebe Moore Campbell was an African American author and journalist who wrote books such as The 72 Hour Hold to address the impact of racism and minority mental health. By challenging the status quo, she advocated for voices to be heard and for healing and equitable resources and spaces. 

In 2008, two years after Moore Campbell passed, July was declared “Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Month” (H.Con.Res. 134) to achieve two primary goals: increase access to treatment and services, and enhance awareness of mental illness in underserved communities.

Reading and writing are two beneficial strategies many use to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and as an overall coping mechanism. A captivating book will take your mind on a journey far from what may cause distress, whether you are learning new things, wishing you weren’t in a fictional character’s shoes, or finding a story that encourages you to take action.

According to Richard Sima’s 2022 Psychology Today article “The Mental Health Benefits of Reading,” reading fiction may increase social cognition and empathy. Children may better understand their place in the world, especially if texts are thematically relevant and the characters reflect on similar personal experiences, which can comfort readers, knowing they aren’t alone. 

This is a prime example of why it’s important for children to see themselves represented in books. It encourages a sense of belonging and validates their experiences, feelings, challenges, and joys. What better way to foster a love of reading than picking up a book by someone who looks like you and shares a similar experience?

This month, we honor Bebe Moore Campbell and other diverse authors who have written books about mental health. Here’s a short list of books to add to your and your family’s TBR.

Books for Adults

72-Hour Hold by Bebe Moore Campbell - A story about a mother coping with her daughter’s bipolar depression diagnosis and a broken mental health care system.

The Color of Hope: People of Color Mental HealthNarratives by Vanessa Hazzard and Iresha Picot - A literary project that sheds light on mental health in communities of color by sharing stories from those affected by mental illness.

Who is Wellness For? by Fariha Róisín - Part memoir, part journalistic investigation, Róisín explores how the progressive health industry has appropriated and commodified global healing traditions. She reveals how wellness culture has become a luxury good built on the wisdom of Black, brown, and Indigenous people—while ignoring and excluding them.

The Collected Schizophrenias by Esmé Weijun Wang - An essay collection of undeniable power that dispels misconceptions and offers insight into a highly misunderstood condition.

Books for Children and Youth

Sometimes My Mommy Gets Angry by Bebe Moore Campbell - Annie copes with her mother's mental illness with the help of her grandmother and friends.

Home Home by Lisa Allen-Agostini - A girl on the verge of losing herself and the unlikely journey to recovery after she is removed from everything and everyone she knows to be home. 

Forever is Now by Mariama J. Lockington - School’s out, and even though she's been struggling to manage her chronic anxiety, Sadie’s hopeful better times are ahead. When her friend reveals some unexpected news, and they witness police brutality unfold before them, Sadie's whole world is upended.

I Am Not Alone by Francisco X. Stork - Alberto is an undocumented immigrant from Mexico living in New York City and is suspected of a terrible crime. His friend Grace is a top student with every advantage and is determined to prove Alberto's innocence.

What SCBWI Members Can Do

Donate time learning about how mental health facilities affect Black and brown people’s access and the type of care they receive.

Donate time to reading, buying, and recommending books by Black and brown authors to support and better understand what we face.

Donate to organizations that recognize underrepresented groups and do their due diligence in helping the cause and actively promoting the destigmatization of mental illness.

• What books would you add to the list? 
• What actions do you already take? 
• Who can you share this information with today?

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Kinyel Friday's publishing career began with writing books for children ("Believe in Me" series, I Feel You, and Night-Night Nina). She paused to publish a novel for adults (Let the Church Say). Book Four in the "Believe in Me" series will hit the shelves July 2026.

Kinyel earned a B.A. in Psychology, and a Masters in Social Work and in English (with a specialty in Creative Writing). She began her career as a School Social Worker and later accomplished her dream of becoming a published author. Besides becoming a professional organizer, Kinyel loves to read, write compelling stories, shop, and watch movies. She braves the unforgiving winters in Michigan with her family.

KinYori Books LLC is a self-publishing company that produces books and other products to empower Black families. The mission is to promote literacy among Black families, while encouraging children to love themselves while they’re young. KinYori Books aims to change the narrative by creating stories that feature Black protagonists in books, as well as on the covers; deliver stories through a social work lens; entertain adults through fiction; and provide positive images for children.

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.

 

Equity & Inclusion Corner: What is Casual Diversity?

 

As E & I Corner blog Co-Hosts these last two years, Angie and I want to thank you for all of your support and interest. My term as E & I Team Leader ends July 30th, and that date will also mark the end of Angie’s term on the E & I Team. Building the E & I Corner blog from the ground up has been a great experience, but it is time for new leadership to step in. The next round of E & I Team members will be announced later this summer.

 

We appreciate all of our blog contributors and those who joined the dialogue in our comments section. We also want to thank Kristin for her commitment to her leadership as Editor of The Mitten. It's been a rewarding experience to work with her and our RAs, Carrie Pearson and Jodi McKay.

 

Today's post is from former E&I Team volunteer Lisa Rose who served for two years during the launch of this committee and numerous initiatives. Thank you for sharing your time and experience, Lisa! Stay tuned for our next blog post in October with the author, Shanna Heath.

 

Cheers!

Isabel Estrada O’Hagin and Angie Verges

What is Casual Diversity? 

By Lisa Rose

 

Betsy Bird, in a 2014 blog post, defined casual diversity as “diversity that is just a part of everyday life.” 

I go a step further. To me, casual diversity happens when diversity is depicted in the story, but the focus of the story is not about the diversity. In my view, the first casual diverse book is also one of the most famous diverse books.  

One morning many years ago, a little boy in Brooklyn named Peter woke up to an amazing sight: fresh snow. Peter was among the first non-caricatured black boys to be featured in a major children's book. But Keats, who wasn’t black (He was Jewish), wasn’t trying to make a statement about race.

"He said, well, all the books he had ever illustrated, there had never been a child of color, and they're out there — they should be in the books, too.”

The book didn’t say 'I am a black child going out into the snow today.' It was just a child's experience of the snow. However, the impact was monumental. Black children could begin to see themselves in stories. This story gave them a “mirror” in which to see themselves. For non-black children, these “mirrors” were “windows” through which they could see black children as also having similar interests and experiences not unlike their own. These children can connect that this seemingly different child is not that different from me. Peter likes snow, just like me.

Jabari Jumps, by Gaia Cornwall, works in a similar way:

If you just look at the text of the book, there is nothing that indicates that the book has anything to do with diversity. However, diversity is presented in the illustrations. 

Picture book creators can have the visual show diversity.  

One of my favorite books is Hello Goodbye Dog by Maria Gianferrai.  Not one word in this book describes the child is in a wheelchair—it is just who she is—just like she happens to be someone brown hair.  The wheelchair is only shown in the pictures.  This is story about a dog.  This is not a story about a wheelchair.

Similarly, when I created the Star Powers chapter book series, it was important to me to make it a story about a second-grade girl who loved science and not about a girl in a wheelchair. Her wheelchair was discussed when it was central to the plot—like when she was figuring out how was she going to get to the top of the observatory. However, overall, it is essentially a story about a girl and not a story about a wheelchair.

In fact, all of my picture books demonstrate casual diversity.  Shmulik Paints the Town is a story about a painting dog.  However, readers are also learning about Israeli Independence Day.  The greatest compliment I received about the book was from our own Jodi McKay. She was concerned she wasn’t understanding something and asked why Shmulik was considered a Jewish book. Exactly! I didn’t write Shumlik the Paints the town only for Jews. I wanted everyone to read it and enjoy it.  A Zombie Vacation which is also set in Israel and is also published by a Jewish press is also an example of casual diversity.  This book is about a Zombie who lost his zombie groove and decides to go on vacation to come back to dead.  What is the perfect place for a Zombie vacation? The Dead Sea—LOL! Readers learn about the special properties of The Dead Sea water and the area surrounding it.

You could say that casual diversity is subtle. As a Jewish girl, I always wondered why every story had a Christmas tree. Why did every family on TV celebrate Christmas? Why can’t the book have a menorah on the table? Why can the argument be on the way to Temple or Mosque instead of church? We don’t have shout: THIS FAMILY IS JEWISH, MUSLIM, AFRICAN-AMERICAN, INDIAN, CHINESE, LATINO…etc.  It can be depicted in an illustration in a picture book or a sentence in a novel.

To illustrate my way of looking at casual diversity, I’ve coined the phrase, “Beyond Rudolph.”  Everybody knows the story Rudolph and the Red Nosed Reindeer—poor Rudolph is bullied because he is different—UNTIL—what is different is exactly what saves the day. This savior act allows everyone to finally appreciate the fact that the thing that makes Rudolph different—is also what makes him valuable. Often, perhaps too often, diverse stories are only about what makes the main character a “Rudolph.” However, casual diversity helps creators get “Beyond Rudolph” and tell a story where diversity is depicted without being the subject of the story. 

Instead, stories that employ casual diversity include readers simply as they are: an essential part of our diverse world.

Lisa Rose’s latest picture book The Singer and The Scientist is about the friendship between Marian Anderson and Albert Einstein was released on April 1, by Kar-Ben Publishing. She is also the author of A Zombie Vacation (Apples & Honey Press, 2020) and The Star Powers chapter book series (Rourke Educational Media). Her first picture book Shmulik Paints the Town (Kar-Ben Publishing 2016) was a PJ Library Selection in May 2016 and 2020. It was sent to over 50,000 homes in North America. Lisa founded the Missing Voice Picture Book Discussion Group, whose mission is to highlight new picture books and their creators featuring diversity and little-known subjects on a monthly basis. Learn more at https://lisarosewrites.com/.

The SCBWI-MI Equity & Inclusion Team is energized to create a stronger SCBWI-MI community that includes, engages, and embraces disparate voices. Learn more about the E&I Team on the SCBWI-MI website, and read our previous blog posts at the Equity & Inclusion Corner.