In our paradoxical world, where diversity is both celebrated and resisted, diverse literature emerges as a beacon of progress. It’s not just a trend; it’s a revolution in the realm of words and ideas. Yes, we’ve seen the rise of naysayers, but let’s talk about why diverse books aren’t just important—they’re essential. They are the windows and mirrors through which we see our multifaceted world. In this blog post, I’m diving into the heart of this literary evolution, bringing to light five compelling reasons that showcase the undeniable significance of diverse literature.

1. Promoting Inclusivity: Diverse books provide a platform for underrepresented voices and experiences, allowing readers to gain insight into different cultures, races, religions, abilities, and identities. Reading Other Words For Home by Jasmine Warga left me utterly shocked. I hadn’t realized I had been holding on to biases about the Muslim community. But I came out of that book seeing the humanity in a group of people I did not interact closely with. I learned how much we had in common, me as an immigrant and the main character as a refugee. By exposing readers to a wide range of perspectives, diverse books help break down stereotypes, challenge biases, and foster a sense of inclusivity. However, this authentic portrayal hinges on authors drawing from their own lived experiences of those identities or cultures. This is why the next item on the list is crucial.

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2. Empowering Marginalized Communities: Representation matters. Diverse books empower individuals from marginalized communities by giving them a voice in the characters they create, and the reader who shares the identity will gain validation of their experience. When I came to the US from the Dominican Republic, I found myself in neighborhoods that lacked middle-grade books or any other books by Dominican authors. As a voracious reader, I enjoyed the available stories, but as an immigrant in the United States in the early 90s who didn’t see herself in literature, I sometimes felt very lonely and out of place. I remember wanting to have straight blond hair so badly and wishing I was someone else. But it wasn’t until I was an adult that I saw myself in literature. How Not to Drown in A Glass of Water by Angie Cruz was like a warm hug from an accepting friend. That book rocked me. There was a vivid and familiar representation of a Dominican woman struggling with depression while being in an environment that pushed against her. This was MY EXPERIENCE. I cried and laughed.

Most importantly, I became whole. When children and young adults see characters who look like them or share similar experiences, they feel seen, heard, and valued. This empowerment can boost self-esteem and promote a sense of belonging. While this is number two on this list, this is the number one reason I write.

3. Developing Empathy and Understanding: Reading diverse books allows readers to step into the shoes of characters with different backgrounds and life experiences. This immersion in diverse narratives cultivates empathy, helping readers develop a greater understanding and appreciation for the struggles and triumphs of others. Recently, I had the pleasure of participating in a readathon for Palestinian authors and their books. The first book I read was Minor Detail, written by Adania Shibli and translated by Elisabeth Jaquette, and it broke me. This book cracked open my heart, embedding itself deeply within. I felt a deep sense of sadness for the horrific struggle both characters went through. Through the reading, I was able to conceptualize how much harder the real-life experience would have been for the young girl who suffered the atrocities reflected in this book a year after the first Nakba. By nurturing empathy, diverse books build a more compassionate and tolerant society.

4. Breaking Down Stereotypes: Diverse books challenge prevailing stereotypes and biases by providing authentic and nuanced portrayals of diverse characters. These books dismantle preconceived notions and encourage readers to see beyond surface-level assumptions by representing individuals from various backgrounds as complex and multidimensional. Star Fish by Lisa Fipps was a life-changing read for me. I never had a problem with my weight. I have always lived in a thin body. As a matter of fact, I had preconceived notions about people who live in bigger bodies. I thought their weight was a result of a lack of caring. However, Fipps’ creation of a character reflecting her own identity dismantled my preconceptions. She gave nuance to the experience of a person who lives in a bigger body. After reading that book, I slowly let go of the judgment I had. Thus, the book created empathy that I did not have before. This process of challenging stereotypes fosters a more inclusive and accepting mindset, which was what happened to me.

5. Cultivating Cultural Competence: Cultural competence is essential in an increasingly interconnected world. Diverse books serve as windows into different cultures, traditions, and ways of life. These books promote cultural understanding and appreciation by exposing readers to diverse narratives. While I’m well-traveled and have experienced different cultures, reading about characters’ experiences from various backgrounds gives me more insight into their lives. I enjoyed reading The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. I knew about reservations, and since researching the true Thanksgiving story, I had learned a lot about what really happened then. But I didn’t know much about day-to-day life in the res (I didn’t realize that this is the shorter version of the word reservation until I read the book) and how living in kind of like a country within a country felt. The res is its own world, with its norms and rules. So when someone steps out of the res, it’s almost as if they step out into a different place that may not be as welcoming as where they stepped out of.

Through the main character, I got to experience the code-switching that occurs as he goes from one world to the other, and it was very relatable to me. As a kid, I felt as if my completely Dominican Spanish-speaking household was a different world compared to the one I experienced when I stepped outside. At home, I was immersed in Spanish and Dominican culture, but stepping outside meant switching to an entirely American context. After reading this book, I found a commonality between the main character and me. I gained respect for the culture and their experience. This kind of exposure helps to foster a more harmonious and globally aware person and society.

Conclusion

Diverse books are a powerful tool for promoting inclusivity, fostering empathy, and challenging biases. Through diverse perspectives and authentic representations, these books not only empower marginalized communities but also cultivate an inclusive and accepting society. It is crucial for readers of all ages, especially children in their formative years, to have access to a wide range of diverse books that reflect the world’s rich tapestry of identities and experiences.