When building and using a children's book collection, it is critical to:

• Seek out diversity and intersectional representation in the characters, storylines, setting, etc.
• Purposefully look for books that center people of color and their authentic stories. Purchase books written or illustrated by people of color.
• Analyze books from implicit or explicit racist imagery, language, or whitewashed narratives.
• Provide necessary context to the story being told. Be prepared to host conversations about the storyline, conflicts, characteristics , etc., with students.
• Refer to book lists from the following resources:
  • Cooperative Children's Book Center 

  • The Brown Bookshelf 

  • We Need Diverse Books 

  • Diverse BookFinder

Recommendations by Education student Meghan Hesterman