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.
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| 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
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