Diversity in children’s books
It has taken me so long to share this post because I believe it is so incredibly important. It seems anything with ‘diversity ’, ‘inclusion ’, or ‘equity’ in it elicits an automatic eye roll from much of the population, but when we get deeper into the importance of these concepts and the reality of their impact, I believe most of us would agree on the need to incorporate more of it.
Heavily pregnant and in my last couple of semesters of my Psychology undergrad, I studied diversity in children’s literature, and it changed much more than my approach to parenting. I am a reader, and have been since I was a young girl. It’s my constant companion, something I do daily, something that helps me make sense of my world, or simply escape it for a much-needed reprieve. It wasn’t until I studied this subject, at the ripe age of 28, that I realised all these years the content I was reading, the people and lives represented, was incredibly narrow. I made it a personal mission from here out to purposefully source diverse media, whether it be the books I read, the tv shows I watch, or the artists I listen to. It has changed my world, boosted my self-confidence, and I have found entirely new genres that have quickly become my absolute favourites.
So, WHY does it matter for our children?
A popular article written in 1990 by Dr Rudine Sims Bishop writes:
“Books are sometimes windows, offering views of worlds that may be real or imagined, familiar or strange. These windows are also sliding glass doors, and readers have only to walk through in imagination to become part of whatever world has been created or recreated by the author. When lighting conditions are just right, however, a window can also be a mirror. Literature transforms human experience and reflects it back to us, and in that reflection we can see our own lives and experiences as part of the larger human experience. Reading, then, becomes a means of self-affirmation, and readers often seek their mirrors in books.”
I think we can all agree that there has been some point in our lives (many for me, that’s for sure), where we felt different, alone, or misunderstood. Where we felt we had to hide some or many parts of ourselves to fit in. Even more so, for children growing up and learning about themselves day by day, with strong influence from peers and environments, it can be confusing and isolating. Subtle messaging informs not only what we know of how the world works, but our place and value within it. This messaging is done through mediums such as advertising and media (TV, books, music, magazines), family culture, and everyday interactions, school and early learning environments, and later on, heavily from peers and social dynamics (from around age 10 onwards).
Books are a powerful opportunity for children to learn worldviews and explore identity, possibility, fairness, belonging, and difference. As one of their earliest references to the social world in which they live, books become a source of what is ‘normal’, expected, possible, and promote empathy by showcasing difference within the world.
Research has repeatedly shown the impact of picture books and reading on children's long-term empathy and emotional intelligence, as well as their creativity (Çoban Sural & Sağlık, 2026; Parker & Cronin, 2025; Ghosn, 2001; Bishop, 1990). Reading provides vicarious emotional experiences that shape children’s brain circuits for empathy, increasing their emotional intelligence, and teaches them about language/s in their country and throughout the world. It shows them the beauty and brilliance in difference before society teaches them to fear or demonize it.
Learning all of this, it was disappointing to then learn how, despite all the research pointing towards the importance of books for children, many factors work to deprive kids of the possibilities books can offer. For example: overrepresentation of white, male voices in authorship and main characters, the policing of books in public spaces, and the reinforcement of social roles and expectations (think gender, sexuality, family dynamics, able-bodied privilege, emotional expression… to name a few). Here are some stats to help paint the picture:
in 2025 4,235 book titles were challenged (2nd highest on record), with 39% of those titles representing the lived experiences of LGBT+ people and people of colour (ALA)
there were 5,668 books banned from libraries and 920 further censored via access restrictions, and 92% of challenges were initiated by pressure groups (ALA)
in 2022 ECU found 90% of frequently read children’s books used in day care were not inclusive of diverse characters and largely told from a white, male perspective, and even when girls appear, they’re more likely to be placed in traditional roles
this paper also highlighted the ongoing perpetuation of outdated gender role stereotypes in children’s books (boys = active, physical, working and girls = passive, nurturing)
in 2024, the NSW Cumberland City Council banned books about same-sex parenting from the council’s libraries - this was quickly overturned 2 weeks later due to community petition and pressure
We won’t get into the problematic nature of censorship, but you can see and imagine how the current political and social world may work to reduce access to diverse, and particularly minority group, voices.
Many families wonder why it’s important for children to read stories that reflect a wide range of lived experiences, including different cultures, abilities, family structures, and ways of being in the world. Sharing diverse voices helps children understand the richness of the social world, see difference as something positive and normal, and develop empathy for people whose lives may be different from their own. It also sends a powerful message that whoever they are, and whoever they may become, they are welcomed.
Where to from here?
I did a bunch of research at local libraries to share titles or authors of books I’d recommend. Now I am sitting here writing this, I’m not sure a list of books is the best way to go about it, but rather a thought process to carry with you when you’re considering a book for your child. I am sure there are hundreds, if not thousands, of kids’ books (and authors) who publish their words with the intention to be inclusive and diverse, so there is little point in me singling out 10 or so. Rather, I want you to consider the following things in the books you are reading with your kids:
Who is the voice of the main character/s in the books your kid is reading? Statistics highlight that 90% of them will be from a male perspective, so consider sourcing some from a female perspective (yes, for your sons too)
Is there a diverse range of races, skin tones and colours in the books? Are they portrayed accurately and respectfully, showcasing that there is no ‘default’ culture?
Are any books about families inclusive of single-parent, same sex, grandparent, adopted, foster, blended, or co-parenting families? How would including this in their world-building support them in making sense of their own family OR how they connect with and support friends who have a different family dynamic?
Are female characters confined to traditional roles? With the current feminist debate on this topic, I know it can be sensitive. But don’t we want our young girls to know their opportunities are limitless, and for our young boys not to expect socialised roles of another sex?
Are all emotions welcomed from all genders? There are huge misconceptions about what ‘gender’ means in mainstream media (a post for another day), but how harmful is allocating certain emotions exclusively to one gender? Are boys expressive of their thoughts and feelings in these books? Are girls able to express anger without fear of retaliation?
Books about body parts - do they name body parts correctly (no euphemisms for body parts). This is an important step for avoiding shame, secrecy, or silence around body parts and relationships that have to do with the physical body
Are all characters in your books able-bodied? For those that include diverse bodies, does the book highlight them as capable or having a problem that needs to be fixed?
Differences in religion are portrayed with curiosity and kindness, something that is meaningful to those characters
For older kids: any books on relationships, puberty, or intimacy include clear chapters on consent, boundaries, and effective communication. Consider whether these books include one or multiple ways to connect, have relationships, or intimacy with self and others
Do the books portray different gender and sexual identities respectfully and matter-of-factly, without framing them as uncomfortable, alarming, or something to be avoided, but as something common and normalised?
Is the book age-appropriate? Toddlers and young kids thrive on simple language, familiar routines, engaging graphics, and gentle representation; it’s an everyday thing, not something uncommon
A note on tokenistic behaviours
Tokenistic portrayals are when a book includes diverse characters just to “check a box,” without giving them the same depth, complexity, and everyday humanity as everyone else. Think about that big chain business that shares a rainbow flag on their Instagram once a year in June and never discusses Pride again.
In books, instead of representation that feels normal and lived-in, it can show up as a single character who exists mainly to teach, prove a point, or add “variety” to a story that otherwise stays narrow. In those cases, difference becomes the plot rather than the person: characters may be treated as inherently unusual, turned into the joke, or framed in a way that makes their identities feel like a problem to explain. If inclusion is handled as a lesson, a shock, a punchline, or something inherently uncomfortable, it teaches kids that difference isn’t simply part of the world, it’s something to stare at, react to, or manage. The goal is stories where identities and experiences are presented with warmth and respect, as natural components of everyday life, so that all children can recognize themselves without feeling like they need to be “explained away.”
Where to find books?
Public libraries are great.
There can be some censorship in what titles they hold depending on where you live, but usually you can find a great range for free (if you become a member), and can avoid filling your bookshelves up with hundreds of books.
Independent Bookstores
Many independent bookstores work intentionally to create a space for diverse and inclusive stories to be told and shared.
Readings is a great Victorian bookstore (multiple locations) where you can also order books online.
Specific Bookstores
Such as Magabala Books, a First Nations publisher focusing on authors and stories of Australian First Nations. If you are looking for something specific (disability, gender and sexuality, race, religion, specific family dynamic), search it up online directly. There are multiple bookstores and publishers who focus on one area of diversity and inclusion.
I don’t want to put more pressure on already pressure-filled parenting expectations.
Our online world has so many benefits, but wow has it created such an intense pressure to parent in the 21st Century. I want to be clear: I don’t share this to add to the pressure I’m sure you already feel as a parent, to get it all right and to do all the things. My son’s bookshelf is far from how diverse I would like it to be, but having this awareness and knowledge, I am a little more intentional in the books I now loan or buy for him. Not only that, I have completely rewritten my approach to the media I consume, especially books. I’m starting to see parts of my lived experiences in the things I read, watch or listen to, when previously it felt incredibly isolating and lonely. This can change a lot, and after experiencing it myself, I can’t not provide the same opportunity for my child.
If you have any books you recommend, or any questions, or want the references to the articles and statistics I have used, please holla at me.
I LOVE books, I love talking about parenting, I love discussing culture and society and all the messy and interwoven parts of being human.