It is often said that books are “mirrors,” reflecting our own lives, cultures and identities back to us; and “windows,” offering a glimpse into different worlds and the lives of others, real or imaginary.
Time and time again, we’ve heard and witnessed that diversity in books spurs children to read more, boosts their sense of self-worth, and inspires them to dream big for their futures! For many RIF kids, stories created by Black authors and illustrators, focusing on Black and multicultural characters, not only speak to their personal experiences, but help affirm that they have a place in this world, that their lives matter. For families of all backgrounds, books such as these help to instill greater empathy, teach children to embrace the multicultural world in which we live, and create a more just society.
RIF Pittsburgh is striving to shine a light on diverse works of children’s literature in book giveaways and read-aloud selections. During storytime visits, little ones can dance and explore along with the young girl, Miraculous, in Frank and Connie Schofield Morrison's I Got the Rhythm and I Got the School Spirit. For older readers, we’re offering terrific page-turners – from Derrick Barnes’ and Gordon C. James' Crown to Matthew Cherry’s Hair Love, Jerry Craft’s graphic novel New Kid, and Tracey Baptiste’s Jumbies series – with characters who look and talk, think and dream in ways that speak to, and empower, children from all walks of life!
Across programming, our team is determined to give kids and the adults in their lives every opportunity possible to make connections through diverse stories and celebrate the things that make each of us beautifully unique! Once again, we will be partnering with PPG on our “Read Today, Change Tomorrow” project, helping to make this possible and get even more powerful diverse titles into the hands of K-4th graders throughout the community.
