3 Steps to a More Inclusive Bookshelf

The books that we have in our bookshelves speak volumes about who and what we value, and our bookshelves are the perfect place to help us raise anti-racist kiddos.

Not sure where to start? Here are 3 tips to get you started on diversifying your bookshelf, and you can learn even more by listening to the First Name Basis podcast, Season 2, Episode 4: “3 Steps To A More Inclusive Bookshelf.”

Step 1: Take inventory of your bookshelf

Do you have books that are both mirrors (ones that reflect your own experience) and windows (ones that give you a different perspective of the world)? Also, take time to get rid of any books that perpetuate stereotypes. Some books that I removed from our bookshelf were all Dr. Seuss books, which you can learn more about why on the First Name Basis Podcast, Season 2, Episode 6: “The Untold Story of Dr. Seuss.”

Step 2: Try new books

Use your local public library and read-aloud videos online to try out new books and find which ones you want to add to your library at home. You can also follow social media accounts that share inclusive titles such as @HereWeeRead, @Reading.Sinfronteras and @InclusiveStorytime.

Step 3: Purchase the books you love for yourself and share them with others

Buy them for your own bookshelf, consider sending them to school with your child to help create inclusive bookshelves within the classroom, and start giving the books you find as birthday presents to friends and family.

Looking to learn more about the importance of inclusive books? Check out these episodes from the First Name Basis archive.

• Season 3, Episode 13: “Bringing Chinese Culture Into Our Homes” with Andrea Wang

• Season 4, Episode 6: “How To Respond To Stereotypes Against Asians” with Andrea Wang

• Season 7, Episode 13: “The Importance of Black and Asian Solidarity” with Joanna Ho