Read on to find out more about increasing the diversity of the reading you put in front of students - from special education providers working with small groups to classroom teachers - there’s something for everyone!


<h2> Why Diverse Books Matter</h2>

<p>As the 24-25 school year quickly comes into view, you may be planning or considering materials for this next year. Read on to find out more about increasing the diversity of the reading you put in front of students - from special education providers working with small groups to classroom teachers - there&rsquo;s something for everyone!</p>

<p>&nbsp;It was in 1990 that well-known children&rsquo;s literature researcher, Rudine Sims Bishop, wrote about &ldquo;windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors&rdquo; as it relates specifically to children&rsquo;s books. With this way of thinking, Sims Bishop states that books should be windows into the realities of others, not just imaginary worlds, and books can be mirrors that reflect readers&#39; lives. Sliding glass doors refer to how readers can walk into a story and become part of the world created by the author &ndash; readers become fully immersed in another experience. Approaching children&rsquo;s stories through the lens of windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors, prioritizes diversity, honors many cultures, and promotes empathy.</p>

<p>Diverse books play a crucial role in education by acting as mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors for students. They allow students to see themselves reflected in the stories they read, affirming their own identities and experiences. Simultaneously, they offer windows into the lives of others, fostering empathy and understanding across different cultures and backgrounds. This dual function helps build a more inclusive and compassionate classroom community.</p>

<h2> Benefits of Using Diverse Books in the Classroom</h2>

<ol style="padding-left: 20px;">
	<li><strong>Promotes Empathy and Compassion</strong>

	<ul>
		<li>Exposure to diverse literature helps students develop empathy by understanding the experiences of people from different races, religions, sexual orientations, and socio-economic statuses. This understanding is essential for fostering a more inclusive and caring school environment.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li><strong>Affirms Student Identities</strong>
	<ul>
		<li>A diverse classroom library supports all students in finding books they can connect with, which is vital for their emotional and psychological development. It also helps students from marginalized backgrounds feel seen and valued in the classroom.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li><strong>Enhances Cultural Awareness</strong>
	<ul>
		<li>Reading about different cultures and identities broadens students&#39; perspectives, making them more culturally aware and respectful. This cultural literacy is an important skill in our increasingly globalized world.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ol>

<h2> Current Research Supporting Diverse Literature</h2>

<p>Research shows that diverse literature can significantly impact students&#39; social and emotional learning. For example, a study highlighted by Reading Rockets found that having a diverse collection of books in the classroom can help students feel more connected to their own culture while also appreciating others. Another study emphasizes that diverse books can serve as powerful tools for building a more inclusive community by reflecting a wide range of human experiences and emotions.</p>

<h2>Resources for Diverse Book Lists</h2>

<p>To help educators curate a diverse classroom library, here are some recommended resources:</p>

<ol style="padding-left: 20px;">
	<li><a href="https://www.colorincolorado.org/article/why-diverse-books-matter-mirrors-and-windows"><strong>Color&iacute;n Colorado</strong></a>: Offers insights into why diverse books matter and provides extensive recommendations for inclusive reading materials.</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.readingrockets.org/books-and-authors/diverse-bookshelf/using-diverse-books-classroom"><strong>Reading Rockets</strong></a>: Provides toolkits and suggestions for using diverse books in the classroom, helping educators integrate these materials effectively.</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/why-we-need-diverse-books"><strong>NEA Today</strong></a>: Explores the need for diverse books and provides a rationale for their inclusion in educational settings.</li>
</ol>

<p>By incorporating diverse literature into the classroom, educators can create a more inclusive, empathetic, and culturally aware environment that benefits all students.</p>

<h3>Citations</h3>

<ol style="padding-left: 20px;">
	<li>OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (Jan 18 version) [Large language model]. <a href="https://chat.openai.com/chat">https://chat.openai.com/chat</a></li>
	<li>Flores, T., Osorio, S., &amp; Colorado, C. (2021). <em>Why Diverse Books Matter: Mirrors and Windows</em>. Color&iacute;n Colorado. Retrieved July 8, 2024, from <a href="https://www.colorincolorado.org/article/why-diverse-books-matter-mirrors-and-windows">https://www.colorincolorado.org/article/why-diverse-books-matter-mirrors-and-windows</a></li>
	<li>Reading Rockets (2024). <em>Using Diverse Books in the Classroom</em>. Reading Rockets. Retrieved July 8, 2024, from <a href="https://www.readingrockets.org/books-and-authors/diverse-bookshelf/using-diverse-books-classroom">https://www.readingrockets.org/books-and-authors/diverse-bookshelf/using-diverse-books-classroom</a> and <a href="https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/childrens-books/articles/diverse-classroom-libraries-k-6-students">readingrockets.org - Diverse Classroom Libraries for K&ndash;6 Students</a>.</li>
	<li>Prescott, J. (2022, September 9). <em>The Importance of Diversity in Books</em>. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Retrieved July 8, 2024, from <a href="https://www.hmhco.com/blog/importance-of-diversity-in-books">https://www.hmhco.com/blog/importance-of-diversity-in-books</a></li>
	<li>Flannery, M. E. (2020, October 26). <em>Why We Need Diverse Books</em>. Retrieved July 8, 2024, from <a href="https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/why-we-need-diverse-books">https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/why-we-need-diverse-books</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ol>



The Importance of Diverse Classroom Literature