Ugh - poor representation in kids' books

[dr.girlfriend]

Today was my son's Open House at school.  We went in, familiarized ourselves with the classroom, dropped his school supplies off, that kind of thing.  While he was accomplishing his scavenger hunt checklist, I poked through all the nicely organized bins of books.  Out of literally 50 bins, I could not find ONE (besides Captain Underpants, which I already knew about) that had a child of color on either the front or the random illustration I opened to.  It's so frustrating.  I donated a set of the Jaden Toissant books to my son's second grade classroom, and offered to donate to all the other 2nd grade classrooms, but never got a response.  I'm wondering if I should approach either the principal or the librarian to ask about doing a Diversity Book Drive or something.  What do you guys think?

[bugandbibs]

I would address it with the principal and have it be a top down initiative. I would also donate books to the classroom library, but I donate items every year anyway.

[dr.girlfriend]

Thanks...I emailed my friend who is very active in the Parent Teacher Group, and she recommended bringing it to the Parent Advisory Board, where the principal and a representative from each grade meet with parents. I think that's what I'm going to do. :-)

[meshaliuknits]

That's aggravating. I'm glad you have a path forward.

I love those Jaden Toissant stories. I'm also partial to the Katie Fry Private Eye books, I just wish there were more than two.

[dr.girlfriend]

Sept 1, 2017 17:22:57 GMT -5 @natariru said:

That's terrible. I work in educational publishing and we make damn sure that there's representation in all our books, libraries, brochures, etc. Some districts request a stat list for which populations are represented.

I would definitely keep asking about it.

@natariru, I think you had a list of recommended titles at one point?  I know I can do some googling on my own, but feel free to send me any info you have.  Grades K - 5.
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[redwino]

That is so frustrating. I would follow your friend's suggestion of talking to the PTA but I would also go speak with the librarian. It's my understanding that they have a lot of autonomy when it comes to ordering books and doing displays. One librarian I work with consistently has displays with books about POC. I know she does it without direction from administration.

[dr.girlfriend]

Sept 2, 2017 12:33:16 GMT -5 redwino said:

That is so frustrating. I would follow your friend's suggestion of talking to the PTA but I would also go speak with the librarian. It's my understanding that they have a lot of autonomy when it comes to ordering books and doing displays. One librarian I work with consistently has displays with books about POC. I know she does it without direction from administration.

Yeah, I will specify these were the bins of books in my son's particular classroom.  They go to the library once a week but the classroom books are what they read every day.
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[newnamesameperson]

Sept 1, 2017 17:43:55 GMT -5 @natariru said:

Sept 1, 2017 17:25:17 GMT -5 dr.girlfriend said:

@natariru , I think you had a list of recommended titles at one point?  I know I can do some googling on my own, but feel free to send me any info you have.  Grades K - 5.
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I'm going to pull up our reading lists and send them to you. Just let me get the beasts to bed

Will you send this to me also or post (if you have time)?  Ty.