We Need Diverse Books Day: A Celebration of Inclusive Literature

In a landscape where representation matters more than ever, and against the backdrop of rising book bans targeting marginalized voices, a new beacon of hope is emerging. April 3rd marks the inaugural "We Need Diverse Books Day," a nationwide celebration spearheaded by the nonprofit organization We Need Diverse Books (WNDB). This dedicated day aims to amplify the importance of access to inclusive reading materials for readers of all ages, championing stories that reflect the rich tapestry of our world.

WNDB’s journey began in 2014, sparked by a viral Twitter hashtag that exposed the lack of diversity in a children’s author panel at BookCon. What started as a social media movement quickly evolved into a powerful force for change, transforming the landscape of children’s literature and beyond. Ten years after its inception, WNDB has granted hundreds of thousands of dollars to emerging authors, established impactful mentorship programs, and worked tirelessly to ensure that diverse books find their way into the hands of young readers.

To commemorate its decade of impact and to launch "We Need Diverse Books Day," WNDB is making a significant donation of 10,000 titles to schools and libraries across the country. This act of generosity underscores the organization’s commitment to bridging the gap in access to diverse literature, particularly in under-resourced communities.

The core mission of "We Need Diverse Books Day" is simple yet profound: to encourage readers of all backgrounds to embrace books that feature the stories of marginalized communities. This includes narratives that center on people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those from other underrepresented groups. By amplifying these voices, WNDB hopes to foster empathy, understanding, and a greater appreciation for the diverse experiences that shape our world.

Throughout the day, WNDB will be utilizing social media platforms to recommend titles and resources, providing readers with easy access to diverse books. The organization is inviting readers to actively participate in the celebration by requesting diverse books at their local libraries, supporting independent bookstores that champion inclusive literature, and sharing their recommendations and reviews on social media using the hashtag #DiverseBooksDay. For every $10 donated to WNDB, the nonprofit will provide a diverse book to an under-resourced school, creating a direct and tangible impact.

The significance of "We Need Diverse Books Day" is amplified by the alarming rise in book bans across the country. PEN America, a leading organization dedicated to protecting free expression, conducted a study of over 1,000 of the most commonly banned books and found that 44% feature people and characters of color, while 39% contain LGBTQ+ people and characters. This disturbing trend highlights the urgent need to actively counter censorship and ensure that diverse voices are not silenced.

Dhonielle Clayton, WNDB board chair and author of "Blackout," emphasizes the profound impact of representation on young readers. Sharing her personal experience, Clayton recalls a childhood love of books that was often marred by the lack of characters who reflected her own identity. "Growing up, I was a huge bookworm, but I rarely saw a girl like me on a book cover," Clayton said. "I know firsthand as an author and educator that there is power in diverse literature to build self-affirmation in young readers and to encourage them to dream big. These children deserve to know that their lives matter, both on and off the page, and they can grow up to become lifelong readers."

Research further supports the importance of diverse literature in education. A 2023 study by nonprofit First Book revealed that students spend more time reading when educators incorporate new, diverse books into their classrooms. Furthermore, while 99% of surveyed educators agreed that a diverse classroom library is crucial, only 58% felt that their library collection adequately reflected the diversity of their students. These statistics highlight the ongoing need to prioritize diverse book acquisition and to ensure that classroom libraries accurately reflect the student body.

The impact of WNDB extends beyond simply promoting diverse books; it also provides crucial support to authors from marginalized communities. Angie Thomas, the bestselling author of "The Hate U Give," is a testament to the organization’s transformative work. Thomas received WNDB’s Walter Dean Myers Grant in 2015, which enabled her to purchase a laptop and write her debut novel. "Winning that grant allowed me to purchase a laptop so that I could write my debut novel ‘The Hate U Give’ and launch my career," Thomas said. "WNDB’s programs have now supported hundreds of writers like me, helping us tell our stories so that we can share them with readers everywhere."

Roxane Gay, author of "Bad Feminist" and WNDB board member, emphasizes that diverse books are not just for marginalized readers but for everyone. "WNDB has helped change the landscape of children’s literature, but diverse books are for everyone and for readers of any age," Gay said. "We can all grow and benefit from reading books that reflect the diversity of our world."

"We Need Diverse Books Day" is more than just a single day of celebration; it is a call to action to prioritize inclusive reading throughout the year. By supporting WNDB, requesting diverse books at libraries, buying from independent bookstores, and sharing recommendations online, readers can play a vital role in ensuring that all voices are heard and that all children have access to stories that reflect their own experiences and the experiences of others. As we move forward, let us embrace the power of diverse literature to build a more empathetic, understanding, and equitable world.