How to Build a Diverse Classroom Library

Written by: Sommer Jabbar, Kent ISD Project Coordinator of Equity and Student Success

"There is no such thing as a child who hates to read, there are only children who have not found the right book." Frank Serafini

Building a diverse classroom library may feel like an overwhelming task, however, there are so many resources and tips available to help! Below you will find some guidelines for building a diverse classroom library and the importance of doing so!

Representation Matters!

Did you know that infants as young as 6 months old are able to categorize people both by gender and race? Or how about that by 2 years of age, toddlers use their recognition of race to reason about people’s behaviors; and, by age 5, children express preferences for their own race. This data lends to our first point of importance for building a diverse classroom library, representation matters! The representation children see about themselves and others can positively or negatively impact a child’s psyche.

Additionally, representation matters for all children, whether they are in your classroom or around the world. Providing diverse books in your classroom library allows for students to experience the concept of windows and mirrors. This concept refers to having your classroom materials and books reflect the students in your room (mirrors) and also allowing for windows to outside diverse perspectives as well. For example, if your classroom is comprised of students from one homogenous group (all able bodied), providing a window for differing abilities would show a different perspective to your students. Having a balance of windows and mirrors in your classroom gives space for all students to be highlighted, creating a sense of belonging.

Building Your Diverse Classroom Library

Now that we know the importance of creating a diverse classroom library, let’s talk about how to build one!

1. Observe and Ask

Take a look around your classroom and survey your students if you are able. Ask for their input on what they would like to see incorporated into their classroom and what may be missing. Giving students and families the opportunity to be a part of building your library ensures everyone has a voice in the process.

2. Stay in Budget

Get creative! Building a diverse classroom library can get expensive. Reach out to your local libraries, community partners, and local community colleges to see if they have any materials they would be willing to donate. If you are able to purchase books, social justice books.org is an amazing website to use as a resource. Another resource to consider is Amazon Look. This resource allows you to view a few pages of the book prior to purchasing it.

3. Showcase Your Students’ Writing

Consider creating your own books with the students in your classroom. Depending on the age of the students you have, this can look like a picture book, a book comprised of family stories, a collection of art, and so much more! One thing I’ve done in the past is create a book about all my students’ shoes. This book matched up to a popular book at the time, “Pete the Cat’s: I love my white shoes.” My class and I created a picture book showing all the different shoes in our classroom. Another way to do this would be by asking students to write their own stories, poems, or draw their own pictures, around a certain topic. Giving students the opportunity to lead their own learning.

4. Choosing Books

However you are able to obtain materials, I would encourage you to be cautious of the materials you choose. Ensure these materials do not highlight stereotypes, images do not depict people unrealistically, and be sure that all your families/students are represented. Want some additional guidance on choosing diverse books for your classroom libraries? Teaching for Change has created a “Guide for Selecting Anti-Bias Children’s Books” that could be used to help you curate the best books for your classroom library.

Creating a Culturally Responsive Classroom

Learn even more about how you can create a culturally responsive classroom by listening to a recent podcast I did with my colleagues from the LLCN brief podcast. Listen to this episode now: “Next Steps in Creating a Culturally Responsive Classroom.”

The benefits of building a diverse classroom library are endless, and the belonging your students will feel is priceless.

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