The Importance of Diversity in Children’s Books Allie Schroeder Addressing topics of diversity in classrooms is often postponed for children until after their most formative years. It is important to offer children a diverse array of subjects and characters in their books because of the plasticity of their brains at such an early age. If children are introduced to people of different races, religions, ethnicities, backgrounds, gender identities, sexualities, or abilities after their own biases have been formed, they will be more likely to feel hostility toward those who are different from them. Combatting these biases and misconceptions early is vital in the development of well-rounded, conscientious teenagers and adults. Due to the recent expansion of diverse children's books, there are no significant longitudinal studies about the long-term effects of early exposure to diversity, but they are expected to be positive. In turn, it is important for children of less commonly represented groups to see themselves in the books that they are reading at a young age. Especially for children who have differing abilities or belong to marginalized groups, it is important for them to accept themselves for who they are and develop a positive self-image at a young age. While the children’s book publishing industry is still dominated by white people, increased efforts to improve diversity spell out a hopeful future.
30 | Reading and the Brain | Volume 4 | Spring 2022
