You may have heard the phrase ?decolonize your bookshelf? recently, but what does it mean" It means that the history of colonialism and white supremacy pervades almost every aspect of our lives, including our libraries. No matter your background, chances are the majority of the books you read to your kids feature white characters. And for the few that don?t, how many of them are written by white authors"
If the books we read to our kids are filled with only white characters?or racialized characters written by white authors?they learn to see the world from a white point of view. Seeking out stories from different cultures will foster an appreciation of the things that make each person different. Remember that it?s also important to read stories about racialized people experiencing the joyous and mundane aspects of life, not just racial struggles. Ready to decolonize your bookshelf" Here are some representative titles to add to your collection. Book cover: Kokila Books
Antiracist Baby
Written by Ibram X. Kendi and illustrated by Ashley Lukashevsky, Kokila Books (ages 0-3) ?Antiracist Baby is bred, not born.? This adorable book (available as a board book or hardcover) shows little ones and their parents the path to making equity a reality in nine simple steps.
Book cover: Candlewick Press
Julián at the Wedding
Written and illustrated by Jessica Love, Candlewick Press (ages 4-8) In this sequel to the beloved book Julián is a Mermaid, Julián and his abuela go...