The Diverse Books for All Coalition Provides Access to 145,000 Diverse Books Nationally

Discover diverse books for children during Children's Book Week with the Diverse Books for All Coalition. Boost literacy and representation now!

on May 08, 2024

The Diverse Books for All Coalition Provides Access to 145,000 Diverse Books Nationally | Frontlist

As educators, students, and families prepare to celebrate Children's Book Week (May 6-12), the Diverse Books for All Coalition is pleased to announce the purchase and availability of 145,000 diverse books, furthering the Coalition's commitment to increasing access to books that reflect the diversity of communities and children across the United States. This inaugural collective purchase initiative, which includes 18 Coalition members, addresses the essential demand for high-quality, affordable diverse books for children aged 0 to 8, allowing more children growing up in low-income neighborhoods to see themselves and learn about others through the pages of books. The 145,000 books, with an estimated retail value of $1.5 million, will be distributed at little or no cost to the families, educators, and programs that these organizations serve.

"Findings from First Book Research & Insights demonstrate the vital role of diverse books in supporting gains in reading scores and increased reading times," said Kyle Zimmer, president and CEO of First Book, which launched the Coalition. "As student reading scores struggle to rebound from recent historic lows, the demand for cheap, high-quality books that reflect the various lives of children and communities is vital to boosting academic achievement and fostering long-term healthy development.

Collaboration, activism, and a common commitment to inclusivity are setting the groundwork for a future in which every child has access to literature that reflects our world's magnificent diversity."

The Diverse Books for All Coalition, an unprecedented national consortium of over 50 nonprofits and membership organizations from all 50 states, is at the forefront of promoting representation in children's literature and is poised to positively and dramatically shift the literary landscape through the continued aggregation of purchasing power and distribution capabilities of the leading education organizations serving young children in need.

Across the country, 27 million children are growing up in low-income neighborhoods with limited access to books of all kinds, let alone diverse texts relevant to their circumstances. More than 2.5 million youngsters attend schools without libraries, and the scarcity of diverse titles is exacerbated by a significant underrepresentation in the publishing of children's books written by or about characters of diverse races and cultures. The Many Books for All Coalition is advancing its educational and racial equity goals through an innovative collective purchasing approach that increases access to and affordability of young children's books that represent many races, cultures, identities, and abilities.

This purchase of 145,000 books from four prestigious publishers - Abrams, Barefoot Books, Candlewick, and Penguin Random House - also includes and emphasizes the value of linguistically diverse literature, with titles available in English, Spanish, and bilingual editions to ensure that all children have access to stories that resonate with their lived experiences.

"As members of the Diverse Books for All Coalition, we hold steadfast to the belief that representation matters," stated Ernestine Benefict, ZERO TO THREE's chief communications officer. "Reading varied titles at a young age helps youngsters build their self-identity. By amplifying various voices and narratives, we improve the literary environment by encouraging empathy, understanding, and a sense of belonging among young readers worldwide."

"This coordinated effort infuses quality books directly into communities, meeting children and families where they live and in the routines of their own busy lives," said Jill Heath, Heart of America's president and CEO. "From pediatric clinics to local parks, community events, or even home-visiting programs, the Diverse Books for All Coalition members represent localized action on a national scale to maximize impact - all while uplifting local and regional organizations to strengthen their purchasing power."

To commemorate the book distribution and Children's Book Week, the Coalition is providing author read alouds from some of the wonderful titles in our distribution, such as A Place to Stay by Erin Gunti, Rooftop Garden by Danna Smith, and Evelyn Del Rey Se Muda by Meg Medina.

During Children's Book Week, May 6-12, the read alouds will be featured on the Coalition's social media platforms (@DiverseBks4All) as well as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation provided an initial grant to assist the Coalition's efforts. The Buffett Early Childhood Fund has provided additional help. The Coalition is raising $1 million to fund its continued strategic, multifaceted strategy.