Diversity in Tween lit

I have done research on why there is such a disparity between the diversity as shown in the  demographics of a city and the diversity actually represented on the local shelves of Los Altos, CA. To me there is a serious and detrimental disconnect between who the people in many cities actually identity with and the lack of representative representation on the library and bookstore shelves. There are many reasons for this. My past and future research is trying to figure out why. As well as what can be done by patrons, librarians, publishers, book buyers and booksellers to remedy this injustice to readers and writers alike.

I totally agree with Jacqueline Wood’s article and especially her conclusion “My belief is that there is room in the world for all stories, and that everyone has one.” Experiences have to be shared in order for stories to be authentically shared. If analogous experiences and stories aren’t heartfelt then inauthenticity is evident. It would be interesting to see about the ethnicity of authors who present books to publishers as compared to the ethnicity of the authors who get published by a major publisher.  I loved the publishers perspective article. Especially when it pointed out the myth that diverse books don’t sell and when it talked about the need for increased visibility of diverse literature.

Our lives are full of stories, daily stories, lasting stories, all types of emotional stories and unless we relate directly or analogously to the story we can tell the story does not right true for us as individual readers. Particularly when ethnicity or minorities are being focused on in the stories of our lives, we need to be sensitive to the feelings of others, and how their stories are told and shared.  I think that real multiculturalism is only possible when there is sensitivity, shared experiences and real dialogue.   Writers and story tellers of all kinds need to write or tell what they know, and not pretend otherwise.

 Yes there should be and there will be awards based on race, minorities need to be celebrated as often and as spectacularly as possible. As for promoting multicultural books, it is our duty to uphold our patrons desires, and that is partially impacted by reflecting our local demographics accurately.   

In summary, we should all read what we already love or learn to love.

Reference:

Woodson, J. (1998). Who can tell my story. Horn Book Magazine, 74(1), 34-38.

Edited by Andrew Durham on Oct 12 at 5:31pm