Walk into most bookstores or libraries, and you’ll see it, one small shelf labeled “diverse books.” While the intention may be good, the reality is that representation shouldn’t live in a corner. Every child deserves to see themselves reflected not just as side characters, but as the main character of the story. Representation should be the rule, not the exception.
At Stories of a Colorful World, this truth is at the heart of why we exist.
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Why We Started Stories of a Colorful World
I searched everywhere for children’s books that reflected my students, books where kids of color were the main characters and not the sidekicks or faded into the background. When I say representation, I mean real, joyful, everyday stories written by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) authors who’ve lived them.
I honestly couldn’t find enough, so I created a bookstore that could. We wanted to curate children’s books that reflect the richness of our communities and give every child the chance to see themselves as the hero of their own story.
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The Diversity Gap in Children’s Publishing
Even though progress has been made, the publishing industry still has a long way to go. According to the Cooperative Children’s Book Center:
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In 2024, only about 39% of children’s books featured BIPOC characters.
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Books featuring animals and other non-human characters still outnumber those featuring children of color.
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Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and Asian authors remain underrepresented compared to white authors.
This means that millions of kids rarely see their lives, families, or cultures represented authentically in the books they read.
And when representation does exist, it’s often siloed into “special topics” rather than woven into everyday adventures, mysteries, friendships, and fantasies.
This is why having one or two books by BIPOC authors or featuring BIPOC characters on the shelf isn’t enough. True representation means building a library where every child can consistently see themselves and others reflected in powerful, joyful, and authentic ways.
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Why Representation Matters
Representation isn’t just about inclusion. It shapes how kids see themselves and others.
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Mirrors: Kids see their worth, identity, and potential reflected back.
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Windows: Kids gain empathy by seeing lives and perspectives beyond their own.
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Doors: Books become invitations to new possibilities and futures.
When children see themselves reflected in stories, they feel valued, confident, and capable of achieving their dreams. Representation shapes how children understand themselves and how they see others. On the flip side, the absence of representation sends a powerful and harmful message: that only certain lives and voices are worth telling.
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Moving Beyond the Token Shelf
Building an inclusive library doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. It’s about intention. Instead of asking, Do I have a book with a Black character? Ask, Do I have books across genres, ages, and themes where Black, Indigenous, and children of color are centered as heroes, dreamers, and problem-solvers?
It’s about moving from checking a box to curating a collection that truly celebrates the richness of our world.
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5 Diverse Children’s Books That Belong on Every Shelf
If you’re building (or rebuilding) your child’s library, here are 5 standout books we believe every family should own:
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You Will Do Great Things by Amerie – A lyrical celebration of the many possibilities that lie ahead.
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Eyes That Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho – A beautiful story about heritage, self-love, and family bonds.
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The Kindest Red: A Story of Hijab and Friendship by Ibtihaj Muhammad– A heartfelt exploration of friendship, faith, and the joy of spreading kindness wherever you go.
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Bilal Cooks Daal by Aisha Saeed – a charming picture book that showcases the value of patience, teamwork, community, and sharing.
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Hair Twins by Raahkee Mirchandani – A father-daughter story that celebrates a family tradition.
These books don’t belong on a “special” shelf. They belong everywhere kids are reading.
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The Bottom Line
Representation should never be an afterthought. When we give kids stories that reflect the full spectrum of humanity, we help raise confident, empathetic, and compassionate readers who know that their lives and the lives of others matter deeply.
At Stories of a Colorful World, this is more than our mission. It’s our promise.
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Ready to build a bookshelf where every child belongs? Browse our curated collection of diverse children’s books here →
