Integrating Diverse Books for Children Into Your Home Library

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children's booksOver the past two years, I have been earning my master’s degree in Educational Studies with a major in Literacy. Most of my work these past years has been around multilingual/multicultural children.

I have a personal interest as my children are growing up as third-generation multicultural, bilingual kids. We are a Mexican family living and raising kids in different countries (we’ve lived in the Netherlands too!). My children will have more than one language as their “home language,” and they will be part of mixed cultural identities. 

As an ex-pat in America, I can see issues that may not be obvious for people who have grown here and have made their lives here. As an educator, I can see areas of opportunities concerning the issue of diversity and representation.

As a mom, I have experienced these deficits in how my children have been treated by some of their teachers and principals. I have seen the lack of representation for Latinx culture in their classrooms even though Latinx is the second biggest ethnic population in the country besides white people

So, as a literacy expert, I have suggestions for both teachers and parents. Still, I will focus on some recommendations for parents to encourage this much-needed integration of diverse topics to read at home. 

1. Be sure to get books that represent other cultures.

If your children have Latinx friends, look for books written by Yuyi Morales, Duncan Tonatiuh, and other amazing authors that write from a Hispanic perspective. Don’t stop there. Get books about Jewish celebrations and traditions, Indian tales, or the hardships African American people have experienced. There are many great books about every culture and topic for children that are worth reading. 

2. Check with your local library if they have lists of books they recommend.

Our librarian in Eastchester has different lists every month organized by age and topic, and you can find many great options there. 

3. Check out Colorín Colorado.

Here you can find recommendations connected to your interests. They offer bilingual, research-based information, activities, and advice for educators and families of English language learners.

4. Get on Facebook and search for those “buy nothing” groups in your community.

I have found (not kidding) hundreds of books about American and European history, Asian tales, Jewish traditions, etc. You can read them, keep them, or pass them along, but it is a great way to expand your family’s library and knowledge. 

5. Check those discount stores’ books that are seasonal.

I just bought a couple of books about black historical figures so my Latino children can learn about them. 

I believe that children who grow up reading about different cultures, celebrations, traditions, and more, become more tolerant, respectful, and understanding of our differences and make them better citizens of the world. As parents, it is our responsibility to provide these opportunities and encourage conversations about diversity and integration. Books are a great tool to do so.