“‘Diversity’ should just be called ‘reality.’ Your books, your TV shows, your movies, your articles, your curricula, need to reflect reality.”—Tananarive Due, Author.
What follows are book-finding resources I’ve found to be helpful. Do recommend sites/people, or question any listed.
MARGINALIZED VOICES IN GENERAL
The Carter G. Woodson Book Award is presented to exemplary books written for children and young people each year at the National Council of Social Studies Annual Conference. A nonfiction, multi-cultural award.
Children’s Book Council (CBC) Diversity: promoting diverse voices in literature for young people.
#DiverseBookBloggers Directory: Neither the book blogosphere nor stories are as white, straight, cisgender and able-bodied as they are often represented.
Diversity in YA: We celebrate young adult books about all kinds of diversity, from race to sexual orientation to gender identity and disability.
DiversifYA is open to all diverse experiences, including but not limited to: racial diversity; cultural and religious diversity; sexuality and gender diversity; disability, neurodiversity, and (mental) illness. {closed, but archive is available}
Inclusive Storytime Bookshop “Raising readers who raise up others.” find books listed under diverse and inclusive book lists to curate your libraries.
The Jane Addams Children’s Book Award annually recognizes children’s books of literary and aesthetic excellence that effectively engage children in thinking about peace, social justice, global community, and equity for all people.
Lee & Low Books is the largest multicultural children’s book publisher in the United States. We are your diversity source.
Melinda Lo: author, industry leader in conversations on Race and LGBTQ+
Mirrors Windows Doors : is an online magazine whose aim is to draw attention to the riches of children’s and YA books from across the world that highlight cultural and multi-cultural diversity
The Pirate Tree: a collective of children’s and young adult writers interested in children’s literature and social justice issues. {search topically}
See What We See: To promote engaging books for young readers that accurately reflect the many cultures, distinct traditions, and varied realities of Indigenous and people of color in historical and contemporary contexts. To expose and track inequity in children’s publishing. To provide substantive, critical reviews of children’s and young adult books in order to create awareness of the omissions, myths, stereotypes, and distortions that misrepresent Indigenous and people of color.
We Need Diverse Books: non-profit and a grassroots organization of children’s book lovers that advocates essential changes in the publishing industry to produce and promote literature that reflects and honors the lives of all young people.
DISABILITY VOICES
Disability in Kidlit: dedicated to discussing the portrayal of disability in middle grade and young adult literature. We publish articles, reviews, interviews, and discussions examining this topic from various angles—and always from the disabled perspective.
The Schneider Family Book Awards honor an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.
JEWISH VOICES
Jewish Book Database: A review and classification site for Jewish English-language books of all kinds
The Jewish Review of Books is a quarterly print publication with an active online presence for serious readers with Jewish interests. In our pages, leading writers and scholars discuss the newest books and ideas about religion, literature, culture, and politics, as well as fiction, poetry, and the arts.
Kar-Ben Publishingan imprint of Lerner Publishing Group. We are proud to say we are the largest publisher in Jewish children literature since 1974. Kar-Ben is the largest publisher of exclusively Jewish-themed children’s books in the world, publishing 18-20 new, high quality children’s titles each year. Subjects include fiction and nonfiction for preschool through middle school, including Jewish holiday books, life-cycle stories, Bible tales, folktales, stories about Israel, and Jewish history, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of today’s Jewish family.
The ProsenPeople: join us as we venture into the world of Jewish books, exploring questions related to what makes a book Jewish, trends in the Jewish literary scene, interesting new books to come across our desk, emerging authors, interviews, and more.
Sydney Taylor Book Award is presented annually to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience.
LGBTQIA+ VOICES
ALA Rainbow Book List: created by the Rainbow Book List Committee of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Round Table of the American Library Association presents an annual bibliography of quality books with significant and authentic GLBTQ content, which are recommended for people from birth through eighteen years of age.
Bisexual Books: Here you’ll find views and reviews on books from multiple genres and for all ages from the bisexual perspective.
British Columbia Library Association (BCLA) LGBTQ Interest Group: Our mission is to share information on LGBTQ issues, events, online resources, recommended books, films and music, and more with library folks across the province.
Casey the Canadian Lesbrarian: I am especially partial to writing which is queer, feminist, Canadian and/or written by women–the writing that this site is all about!
GayYA.org is a website and blog dedicated to everything LGBTQIA+ in YA!
I’m Here. I’m Queer. What the hell do I read? : Gay Teen Books, Culture, Politics, Social Justice, Equality, GSA Info… and More! Yes, “Gay Teen” includes Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Queer and Gender Non-Conforming Teens! And of course, Allies are welcome!
Lambda Literary Award : awarded yearly by the Lambda Literary Foundation to published works which celebrate or explore LGBT themes.
Lesbrary: a book blog all about les/bi/etc books. Yes, this often means lesbian books (hence the name), but includes anything in the broad “doesn’t identify as a man and is at least some of the time attracted romantically and/or sexually to others who do not identify as a man” category.
LGBTQ Reads: dedicated to promoting curated LGBTQIAP+ literature for all ages
Queer Book Club: In which a queer librarian shares queer literary news, compiles LGBTQ booklists, and offers their thoughts about what they’re reading.
Rainbow Book Review: an all volunteers, non-profit site dedicated to GLBTQ-related books, reviews, and authors who write about topics of interest to the GLBTQ community and its allies.
Sistahs on the Shelf: dedicated to Black lesbian fiction, is glad you’re here. We offer the best reviews of our kind of books, keep you in the know of new titles and connect you with authors and women like you.
Stonewall Book Award: books honored for exceptional merit relating to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender experience.
POC VOICES BROADLY
CrazyQuiltEdi: The focus of what I do is to provide information to improve the literacy of teens and preteens of color. I provide information about technology tools, scholarships, internships, library developments, books and authors that may have appeal to those of African, Caribbean, Latino, Asian or Native American descent
Here Wee Read: I love connecting people with diverse and inclusive books, kid-friendly products and family experiences they will love. Let me help you instill a love of reading, lifelong learning, and curiosity in the children in your lives.
New Voices Award : given [by Lee & Low] for a children’s picture book manuscript by a writer of color or Native/Indigenous writer.
Reading While White: We are White librarians organizing to confront racism in the field of children’s and young adult literature.
Rich In Color: dedicated to reading, reviewing, talking about, and otherwise promoting young adult fiction starring or written by people of color or people from First/Native Nations.
Tale Away: Whether you like to experience the world through stories read from home, find inspiration before your next vacation or better understand a culture while traveling, you’re in the right place! Here you’ll find curated lists of books set around the world along with tips for making the most of reading wherever you are.
for Summer Reading Lists: We’re the People: a group that works individually and collectively to create materials and opportunities to recognize the humanity of Indigenous and People of Color (IPOC) in youth literature.
ASIAN VOICES
Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature: to honor and recognize individual work about Asian/Pacific Americans and their heritage, based on literary and artistic merit.
book Geeks.in (in India): one of the largest collections of reviews of Indian fiction books and novels.
Chinese Books for Young Readers: Children’s and YA books created in Chinese. For us, Chinese books means books created in Chinese, anywhere in the world.
Contemporary Japanese Books : features reviews of contemporary Japanese literature in translation, as well as occasional posts on comics, manga, and nonfiction books related to Japan.
Guba Books: We are a dual language children’s book publisher creating valuable stories and learning resources to inspire children to embrace a global mindset. Printed in English, Bangla or bilingual, our titles promote imagination, world knowledge, social and emotional awareness and respect for our planet.
KitaabWorld: Passionate about making South Asian children’s literature more accessible and easily available in the US. We advocate to spread awareness about South Asian culture, and provide resources for teachers, librarians and parents.
Korean American Readings: Summaries and reviews of fiction and nonfiction books by Korean American authors, books about Korean Americans and Korea, and Korean literature in English translation, including some academic works and a sampling on the Korean War
Reading (As)(i)an (Am)erica: Book reviews with an Asian Americanist lens.
Sarah Park : musings on Korean diaspora, children’s literature, and adoption
Scholastic Asian Book Award (SABA): children’s writers of Asian origin who are taking the experiences of life, spirit, and thinking in different parts of Asia to the world at large. The award also aims to promote the understanding of the Asian experience and its expression in innovative and creative forms.
South Asia Book Awards: to encourage and commend authors and publishers who produce high-quality children’s and young adult books that portray South Asia or South Asians living abroad. [there are two SABAs..?]
BLACK VOICES
Africa Access Review: to encourage the publication of children’s and young adult books that contribute to a better understanding of African societies and issues
African American Literature Book Club (AALBC) : the largest and most popular website dedicated to Black Literature from around the world. We celebrate Black culture, through books, for readers of all backgrounds to enjoy.
African Book Addict: dedicated to celebrating BLACK literature through book reviews, book chats with fellow readers & writers, book hauls and more.
Anansesem: an online magazine devoted to Caribbean children’s and young adult literature written by both new and established writers.
Black & Bookish: created to celebrate Black literature throughout the African Diaspora, tell the stories of Black people, and grow a global community behind those efforts.
Black Children’s Books and Authors: Our mission is to promote awareness of children’s and young adult literature by Black authors. Our online author directory lists traditional and self-published authors.
The Brown Bookshelf: designed to push awareness of the myriad Black voices writing for young readers.
The Children’s Africana Book Awards (CABA) are presented annually to the authors and illustrators of the best children’s and young adult books on Africa published or republished in the U.S.
The Coretta Scott King Book Awards are given annually to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values.
Incessant Scribble: a creative space reviewing African literature, interview African authors and occasionally sharing own writings.
MahoganyBooks : an online bookstore that believes in social entrepreneurship. We take a leadership role in the community promoting African American literature, reading, writing, and cultural awareness as tools to improve communities as well as enrich the lives of motivated individuals.
Urban Reviews : It’s primary focus will be on the promotion of new and upcoming books by Black authors, but Urban Reviews will also include exclusive interviews, online Q&As, tour info, press release info, and industry news as well.
Well-Read Black Girl: a Brooklyn-based book club and online community that celebrates the uniqueness of Black literature and sisterhood.
INDIGENOUS VOICES
A primary resource you’ll see referenced everywhere: Deborah Reese at American Indians in Children’s Literature (AICL).
American Indian Library Association (AILA) Breaking down public perceptions of who Native Americans are. Elevating conversation around Native American issues. Promoting Native education, literacy, and community.
Books and Islands: reviews books by Native authors of the Americas, including but not limited to those identified as American Indian, First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian.
De Colores: The Raza Experience in Books for Children
Oyate: a Native organization working to see that our lives and histories are portrayed with honesty and integrity, and that all people know that our stories belong to us.
Seattle Public Library offers good booklists.
LATINX VOICES
Américas Award: to encourage and commend authors, illustrators and publishers who produce quality children’s and young adult books that portray Latin America, the Caribbean, or Latinos in the United States
Colorin Colorado : A bilingual site for educators and families of English language learners.
The Latina Book Club: to promote Latino authors and literacy by reading at least one Latino book a month. Thereby broadening our minds and corazones. It’s also an attempt to embrace our Hispanic heritage; make new friends; and have something to read on the subway.
Latino Book Review: Reviews of Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Children’s Literature; and interviews.
Latinxs in Kids Lit: exploring the world of Latinx in YA, MG, and children’s literature
The Pura Belpré Award : is presented to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.
The Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award: to honor authors and illustrators who create literature that depicts the Mexican American experience.
MIDDLE-EASTERN VOICES
Arab American National Museum: book awards [& bibliography] a literary program created to honor books written by and about Arab Americans.
Arab Lit: Arabic Literature and Translation.
Arab Kid Lit Now!: A fresh view on contemporary Arabic children’s literature, in Arabic and in translation
Banipal: Magazine of Modern Arab Literature.
Middle East Book Awards: to recognize books for children and young adults that contribute meaningfully to understanding of the Middle East.
Tiny Owl Children’s Book Publisher: translated children’s books in Iran.
MUSLIM VOICES
A Ducktrinor Mom: A blog about a mother’s journey throughout homeschooling, reviewing children’s books, and providing parenting tips.
Notes from an Islamic School Librarian : I have been reading as many Islamically themed books, books with Muslim characters, books by Muslim authors, and culturally relevant books, as I can get my hands on.
A Muslim Book Shelf: encouraging life long reading and continuous spiritual progress
Salaam Reads: an imprint [of Simon & Schuster] that aims to introduce readers of all faiths and backgrounds to a wide variety of Muslim children and families and offer Muslim kids an opportunity to see themselves reflected positively in published works.
leslie d. 