How to diversify your child’s bookshelf
Words: Emma Vidgen // @emma_vee
“It is so important that children are provided with windows to other worlds as well as mirrors of their own in the books they read, the toys they play with, the classrooms they learn in and the media they consume,” says Erykah (pictured). Having this exposure helps children build a sense of belonging as well as empathy and respect for differences.”
There is perhaps no more powerful tool in building an anti-racist society than children’s literature. “Research tells us that 90 percent of brain development occurs in the first five to seven years of a child’s life. This research shows that brain development is strongly influenced by a child’s environment and experiences,” says Erykah Taione, founder of My Diverse Bookshelf. “Imagine if we were all exposed to diversity of race, gender and ability from a young age? If differences were just “normal” because we had exposure to and conversations about these during the years when our brain is the most impressionable? Imagine what a difference we could make.”
Erykah was inspired to launch the site and instagram account in March 2019 after posting recommendations on her personal account. “I believe that books that centre Black, Indigenous, children of colour, all abilities and gender identities should be on EVERY bookshelf and my mission is to help parents and educators find those books,” Erykah says. “The act of decolonising your bookshelf starts with examining the types of books you have on your shelves. What biases are you reinforcing? Do you have books that centre BIPOC? Do you have books that have no white characters? Do you have books written by BIPOC authors? Do you have books about differences in ability and gender identity?”
Here Erykah shares her story, and her must-have list for an anti-racist, diverse children’s bookshelf.
tell us a little bit about yourself and how my diverse bookshelf came about?
Firstly I live on Dharug Country and work on Eora Country and pay my respects to the rightful custodians of the land. I have four beautiful melanated children ranging in age from 6 to 23 years old. My husband is Tongan and was born in New Zealand. I have the pleasure of supporting additional needs and trauma affected children in a mainstream public primary school as my day job.
I have been passionate about social justice since I was a teenager and was lucky enough to have an extremely multicultural friendship group. This meant that I witnessed racism, discrimination, disadvantage and intergenerational trauma first hand. When I was 17 two of my very close friends died in police custody. These experiences shaped who I became and I have viewed the world through a social justice lens ever since. This passion only intensified once I had my children.
I launched My Diverse Bookshelf in March of 2019. I had been sharing books on my personal instagram page and wanted to share the importance of diverse books and toys with a wider audience of parents and educators.
How under represented are biPOC in Australian children’s literature? What are the biggest challenges POC authors face in sharing their perspective?
If you fall outside of the ‘white mainstream’ you are under represented just about everywhere from media, literature, education, leadership positions etc. The world that is depicted in the majority of children’s books would have us believe that the world is white, heteronormative, able bodied, English speaking, financially well off and more than likely part of a nuclear family. Animals are represented more frequently than minorities and BIPOC. I’m not able to speak on behalf of BIPOC Authors all I know is that it is essential that they have the opportunity to tell their own stories.
“The world depicted in the majority of children’s books would have us believe that the world is white, heteronormative, able- bodied, English speaking, financially well off and more than likely part of a nuclear family. Animals are represented more frequently than minorities and BIPOC.”
Erykah's favourite anti-racist and diverse kids books
Our Home Our Heartbeat
Author: Briggs Illustrator: Kate Moon and Rachael Sarra
Celebrates Indigenous excellence and places children as well known high achievers in sports, entertainment and activism. It speaks to one of my favourite quotes –“If you can’t see it you can’t be it”. This book sparked some deep and valuable conversations about racism with my six-year-old especially when it came time to talk about Adam Goodes.
The Incredible Freedom Machines
Author: Kirli Saunders Illustrator: Matt Ottley
This book really touched my heart and is about a girl who is determined to find herself a ‘freedom machine’ as a temporary escape from her reality.
The Old Frangipani Tree at Flying Fish Point
Author: Trina Saffioti Illustrator: Maggie Prewett
This is a beautiful book, based on a true story, about a girl who was unable to afford a fancy costume for the school fancy dress carnival so her family got creative with what they had.
The Day You Begin
Author: Jaqueline Woodson Illustrator: Rafael Lopez
This is a phenomenal book about feeling different and all the ways we can feel different – because we don’t look the same, speak the same, eat the same, spend our time the same way as everyone else. It is about the day you begin to have the courage to take up space and share your story.
Jabari Jumps
Author: Gaia Cornwall
This is a book about a boy trying to conquer his fear of jumping off the diving board at the local swimming pool.
Boxitects
Author: Kim Smith
Meg is a creative ‘Boxitect’ who can create anything from a cardboard box. When a new talented boxitect comes to ‘Maker School’ a fierce rivalry ensues!
Ho’onani
Author: Heather Gale Illustrator: Mika Song
This book is all kinds of special it provides a beautiful insight into Polynesian culture, the impacts of colonisation and shares a touching message of inclusion and acceptance. It is based on the true story of Ho’onani who feels more like a Kāne (boy) than a Wahine (girl) there is also a must watch documentary that accompanies the book called “A Place In The Middle”.
Julian Is A Mermaid
Author: Jessica Love
Julian wants to be a Mermaid but is afraid about what his Abuela (Grandmother) will think. This book contains a beautiful and simple message of unconditional love and acceptance. The illustrations are divine.
It Feels Good To Be Yourself
Author: Theresa Thorn Illustrator: Noah Grigni
This book explains gender identity in a really easy to understand way. It covers transgender and non-binary identities. It also includes some great resources and definitions in the back of the book.
Two Mates
Author: Melanie Prewett Illustrator: Maggie Prewett
A story of two mates, their beautiful friendship and adventures. Based on a true story it is not until the very end of the book that you find out that one of the boys is in a wheelchair proving that abilities are irrelevant when it comes to friendship.
Amazing
Author: Steve Antony
A book about a boy and all the fun he has with his pet dragon. The most unique thing about this book is that the main character’s wheelchair is completely irrelevant to the story. It is so hard to find a book that is effortlessly inclusive even in this day and age. Another character has a hearing aid and the book is full of beautiful diverse faces. Another book that teaches us that abilities do not define a person or a friendship.
My Brother Charlie
Author: Holly Robinson Peete Illustrator: Shane W. Evans
This is a true story told from a sisters point of view about her twin brother, Charlie, who has autism. She talks about their similarities, differences and all the talents that Charlie has. She explains that sometimes he loses his words and seems far away but ‘I love you’ doesn’t always need to be said in words it can be shown in actions too. This is an uplifting and positive story written from personal experiences.