- Taelor J.
- Thursday, June 23, 2022
“The literature of America should reflect the children of America.” ― Lucille Clifton
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Christmas in the library is when a cart of new books gets wheeled into the workroom! My coworkers and I comb through the cart oohing and aahing over all the new books. I have missed getting to view that new books cart. I know I have missed out on so many great books of 2020.
As an African American working in the Children's Room of the library, seeing the faces of children light up when I put a newly published book written by a black author, featuring a black/brown skinned character is what I truly miss. I know for them getting a book and seeing images of themselves reflected on the cover is so special! We all know we need more diverse books in Children’s Literature. The gap is wide but we are slowly but surely beginning to close it. While 2020 was a difficult year, there were some wonderful children's books that came out of it. I know everyone has missed being able to come to the library, browse the shelves, flip through pages to discover new worlds, and meet new friends.
If you are like me and have missed out on some of the new titles of 2020, don't worry. Below you can find #OwnVoices books published in 2020 for both younger and older children.
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Picture Books
For younger readers, you can find the books pictured above and more by clicking: #OwnVoices: Picture Books of 2020
Middle Grade Books
For older readers, you can find the books pictured above and more by clicking: #OwnVoices: Children's Middle Grade Books
#OwnVoices at Richland Library is a way for African American staff to provide thoughtful and well written book reviews, book lists and blog posts to promote African American authors and their work about the African American experience. The series invites our customers to learn one more way we are continuing the conversation in our community and speaking our voice. Find more resources on race, equity and inclusion, here.