Why Representation in Children’s Literature Matters

The work I do in early childhood education with children’s literature—is a labor of love. There are moments when I pause and reflect on the time and energy I pour into it, questioning if it truly makes a difference. But then I see data like the infographic I’m sharing here, and it reignites my purpose. The gaps in representation and the stories yet to be told remind me why this work is so important. There’s still so much to advocate for, and every effort counts.

The purpose of this blog has always been clear to me. It’s a platform to highlight that is inclusive and representative of diverse identities, cultures, and life experiences. Children deserve stories where they can see themselves reflected—where their identities are celebrated, validated, and affirmed. At the same time, they also deserve books that offer windows into lives and experiences different from their own, fostering empathy, compassion, and understanding.

This topic isn’t just personal to me—it was a central theme of my doctoral dissertation. During my research, I used this very infographic to illustrate the glaring lack of representation in educational environments. The data revealed that our students often navigate systems that fail to reflect their diverse identities, leaving them unseen and undervalued. This lack of representation doesn’t just affect children’s experiences in classrooms; it shapes how they perceive their place in the world.

When I look at the infographic, a stark truth hits me: there are more children’s books featuring animal characters than there are books about people of color. While I’ve loved stories with animal protagonists, this imbalance sends a troubling message to children of color. It suggests that their representation is less valued than stories about fictional creatures.

The intentionality behind the infographic’s design also stands out. The distorted mirrors it features symbolize how certain underrepresented communities are not just underrepresented but also misrepresented. For instance, the cracked mirrors for American Indian/First Nations books indicate that many of these stories include harmful stereotypes or inaccurate portrayals, earning a “not recommended” tag. This distortion highlights the urgent need for accurate, respectful, and empowering representations.

Representation in children’s literature must go beyond racial identities. Other underrepresented communities—such as LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities or exceptionalities, those with mental health challenges, and children in nontraditional family structures—also deserve to see their stories told authentically.

This disparity is not just a statistic; it’s a reality that affects the way children see themselves and others. It’s why I remain intentional about the books I bring into my classroom and recommend to others. Inclusive representation matters for all kids, and it’s up to us to demand better.

So, I will continue to advocate, research, and share books that amplify underrepresented voices. By reading, recommending, supporting, and sharing books that feature diverse characters and perspectives, we can push for change in the publishing industry and address these disparities.

There is so much work to be done—but together, we can do better. Let’s keep championing the stories that every child deserves. What's on your bookshelves?