We Need Diverse Books

Diversity in books are very important but some may question it. They may argue that, 'Why do we need if there is [that one obscure character that never acknowledges their ethnicity/sexuality' or 'What's the point if I already read 1 book like that?' For starters you may want to consider what representation means to people. Representation is the act of being described or portraying someone or something. There are a lot of white cis- gender people being represented which is not a bad thing at all, but keep in mind that there are 7.2 billion people on this planet and the country with the largest population is China. Not once last year did I read about a Chinese character. So why is representation important? Well, it gives people a voice. It acknowledges the lives of people who aren't white and cis. When do we start representation in literature? How about we start since the beginning? I would have felt a lot more confident as a child if I had read about a little chubby Mexican girl. I would have thought 'Wow if she can be happy so can I' and instead of wonder why I didn't fit in with today's standard of beauty. Representation doesn't mean representation for only different ethnicities. When I say representation I also say sexually. It is said that children know since childhood that they like either boys or girls (or whoever they may like). This is why it is important to have a character that just like boys. This way children won't feel alone or wonder why they are different. If you are asking yourself why would I want my child to be exposed to this at an early age, then I will be frank and say you are most likely homophobic. It's fine though there is always time to change. To get started with Diverse books you may want to start slow and read Sandra Cisneros's books. The House on Mango Street is a classic. For children she also has Hairs/Pelitos. Sandra uses bilingualism in her books by using both Spanish and English making her books more realistic. However if you don't know Spanish you don't have to worry because she quickly translates whatever she has written.
     
David Levithan is also an amazing writer. I particularly like Boy Meets Boy. Its a beautiful novel that truly portrays sexuality and how it is like to be gay, but most importantly doesn't focus on the main character's sexuality. All of his books are always good choices when you want a diverse book.
          
I speak out for diversity in all literature in hopes of normalizing what is completely natural.