How important is diversity in children's books?

Discuss the May 2017 Book of the Month, Farmer Beau's Farm by Kathleen Geiger.

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Anirudh Badri
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Re: How important is diversity in children's books?

Post by Anirudh Badri »

Diversity presented in a tolerant manner can do a great deal to inculcate tolerance in other cultures. Books can do exactly what travel can, which is to teach children that regardless of the differences that we may have, there is no reason to fear or or to loathe other communities or people. By understanding and appreciating differences, while still understanding that there is nothing wrong in being different, children will grow up to be far more tolerant.

This is especially important in the globalized world we live in today. It is important to interact with people from all over the world, and tolerance is a must for that to happen.
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khusnick
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Post by khusnick »

There is so much hatred in the world today. Diversity in children's books gives kids a chance to get past prejudice thoughts. Even if their parents hold prejudice views, seeing diversity in any form of media can help children to not inherit that mindset.
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Fuzee4
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Post by Fuzee4 »

Diversity is very important not only in children's books but also in the books for every age group. It encourages thoughts in all directions and aspects of life. For any peeson to have a wide mindset he must not only see one way of life but must have had thorough thoughts on how good each varied way of life is.
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Post by Lennycat »

It's absolutely important to see diversity in children's books. Someone else posted that it would also be nice to see some characters with disabilities or special needs too. I agree.
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Post by EMoffat »

I think diversity is extremly important, in all books! It is great to see it in children's books though because it gives a positive message from a young age which, hopefully, they will carry through life with them
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Post by Izesicle »

I think that diversity is important in children's books for two reasons. First, children are diverse and are likely to identify with one character if the characters are diverse. It is similar to providing diverse doll options. Second, children will be more accepting of diversity if they are exposed to it as a good value.
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Post by MrsCatInTheHat »

The younger children are exposed to diversity, the more likely they will accept it as how it should be. A diverse world is a more beautiful world.
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Post by Kinnera »

It is important to teach kids the importance of diversity, and how it should not affect their view of the world in a wrong way. Introducing it to them as children does have a greater impact.
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Post by Ashley Simon »

Natalie Charlene wrote:Diversity in not only children's books, but in every book or show or movie made for any age, is extremely important. I don't think there is such a thing as too much diversity. If children are shown this diversity from a young age, they will grow up to be more open and accepting of people who are different from them. I know far too many people who were raised in their tiny little bubble of like-minded people who look like them, and I've seen them treat individuals who are different like scum. It's 2017. I feel like we should be doing better than we are, but if children keep getting exposed to books such as this one, filled with diversity and acceptance, then there is hope that society will grow to be more diverse and accepting of that diversity.
Agreed!
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Post by eelavahs-jay »

Diversity (and representation) is especially important in children literature. It builds their understanding and appreciation for and of the many different life forms, cultures and races that exist.
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Post by Anjum »

I think diversity is important in children's books. They woul help them to learn to accept each other's differences.
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Post by inaramid »

Very important. At their stage of development, they are quite impressionable. Anything they learn can easily be translated into action and carried through over the years.
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Post by Mailis »

I think if diversity comes naturally into the story then it is absolutely a good thing, but if you just forcefully add characters to fulfill some diversity quota, then it can disrupt the flow and purpose of the story.
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Post by Sakilunamermaid »

Diversity is very important, children must learn that even though we may be from different places, have a disability, observe a different religion; they learn to be accepting, open-minded, and that we are all the same on the inside. Learning about diversity prepares children for the world and all of the encounters they will experience in their lives. It is good to have a foundation of acceptance and friendship that spans and isn't focused on our differences. You are greatly limiting a child if you don't teach them about aspects of diversity.
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Post by jvez »

Diversity is definitely very important for kids to learn early on never to discriminate or hold prejudices against anyone.
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