In early education, reading is a fundamental skill nurtured both in school and at home. The stories we tell our children and the worlds they flip through on their own create an understanding of themselves and the world that surrounds them. Seeing oneself represented in different medias promotes a sense of belonging and purpose. Recent media like Disney movies and television characters have become more diverse, normalizing and accepting a wider range of experiences. These efforts are equally as important in literature. Whether through the authors or the characters, diversity in literature broadens perspectives and brings to light stories of different experiences that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Representation in early reading is truly exciting. When children find books with a character that share their hair, skin color, religious attire, and other traits, it makes them more eager to read. Knowing that this story features someone like them or someone who lives a similar life to theirs makes them more interested in the story. When children read about characters that mirror their own identities, they are able to see themselves as the characters in the book. Every child deserves to imagine themselves as the fairy princess with the marvelous castle or the superhero that protects the city.
Diversity in reading is crucial to children who are underrepresented, but also for those who are commonly seen on book covers. introducing your child to more diverse stories will offer them with a richer understanding of the varied people that make up our world. Providing your child with a wide range of reading material can encourage important questions and new thoughts. It helps children in understanding that while people around them might look different from them, everyone is equally important.
Here at the Maryland Book Bank, we are committed to offering a wide range of diverse books. From holidays to languages, and characters to authors, we ensure that our books are thoughtfully selected for availability in our Bookmobile and in our facility. Handing a child a book with someone that looks similar to them on the cover is a heartwarming experience. Seeing the smile grow on their face and the sparkle in their eyes as they flip through the pages highlights the importance of diversity in literature. It is clear that they feel like their story matters and the variety of books at the Maryland Book Bank proves that it does.
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