Books—the foundation of life itself—nurture the creativity and imagination of young minds. Yet, the lack of cultural diversity in children's literature often dims that spark, leaving many without stories that truly reflect their world. Role models are integral to a child's development, shaping their confidence, self-perception, and understanding of the world. However, the lack of representation in children's literature often leaves many young readers struggling with questions about their identity and place in society. When children fail to see themselves reflected in the stories they read, they may internalize feelings of exclusion, reinforcing a sense of invisibility. The absence of diverse role models in literature deprives them of the opportunity to connect with characters who share their backgrounds, experiences, and struggles, ultimately hindering their sense of belonging and self-worth.
Children are like sponges, absorbing messages from their environment—including the books they read. Literature is a foundational tool for early education, shaping children's perceptions of cultural norms, social structures, and identities. When books fail to provide diverse and authentic representations, they inadvertently reinforce harmful stereotypes or omit entire groups from mainstream narratives. According to the Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC), the disparity in representation within children's books is stark—only 18% of books feature at least one Asian creator, 13% include a Black creator, and 11% credit a Latine creator. These statistics underscore a systemic issue in publishing, where marginalized voices remain underrepresented, limiting the perspectives available to young readers.
The significance of diverse literature extends beyond representation; it plays a critical role in fostering empathy, cultural awareness, and social understanding. Katherine Castro, a professor at Anna Maria College, asserts that "diverse literature increases social awareness because it exposes children to cultures that vary from their own. A child's view of the world expands when they are exposed to all kinds of people." She further explains, "When diverse literature is included in the book collections of young children, they become better people because of it. They learn about people who live differently from them and understand these differences in a way that makes sense to them." Similarly, scholar Danielle Yadao highlights that "reading books that represent different abilities, cultures, beliefs, and skin colors helps us change our attitude toward those differences. A diverse book allows readers to step into the protagonist's shoes while also providing a safe distance from their own reality." These insights underscore the profound impact of inclusive literature on a child's cognitive and emotional development.
The narratives children encounter shape not only their identities but also their interactions with others. A more inclusive literary landscape equips children with the tools to navigate an increasingly diverse world with understanding and compassion. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, Platt's Teens Leading Change events are dedicated to exposing children to a wide range of cultures and religions in our community. By providing access to stories that reflect the real-world experiences of our community, we aim to cultivate empathy, social awareness, and a broader worldview in young readers. Encouraging diversity in literature is not simply an act of inclusion—it is an investment in the next generation's ability to engage with the world as informed, compassionate, and socially conscious individuals.
Raga Hansika Kotthru is a Sophomore at Taft Charter High School. She has a strong passion for cultural diversity and inclusion and is part of the Teens Leading Change group at the Platt Library. Growing up as one of the only Indian students in her school, she often felt out of place and hesitant to express her culture. Now, she is dedicated to fostering an environment where kids feel empowered to embrace and share their heritage without fear. Through her work, she hopes to promote cultural awareness and provide role models for young people to look up to.
—Jennifer Watson, Young Adult Librarian, Platt Branch.
The Teens Leading Change initiative has funded and launched 52 projects across 60 branches with over 600 participants, including 9 projects across 10 branches that are happening now! Go to lapl.org/teens/tlc for more information.