I am the librarian in a large suburban middle school that has become more diverse over the past few years. Our district is very intentional about creating healthy, diverse schools in which all students are seen and heard. Our students represent many cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.
Like all middle school-aged students, my students are curious about the world and people around them, and they desire to feel a sense of belonging at their school.
A year ago, I conducted an audit of our library's fiction collection and found that it does not adequately reflect the diverse backgrounds of our students. Like so many library collections, ours is dominated by white voices and perspectives, so I have made it my mission to add as much diversity to our collection as I can. The response has been overwhelming! I cannot keep the new titles on the shelves! The students love seeing themselves reflected in the characters of the books, and they love learning about the experiences of others through books!
My Project
Literature helps us to understand and connect to the world around us. As the student population in my school becomes more diverse, I want to be sure the library collection reflects their lives, experiences, and interests, as well as, provides an outlet to learn about the lives of others that are different from them.
This year, my student media and technology advisory committee has chosen seven book club titles that they feel will validate and amplify diverse student voices, while building empathy and compassion for others.
These titles explore issues of race and identity, gender, the immigrant and refugee experience, learning differences, self-doubt, and realizing dreams. Monthly book clubs will allow us to discuss events and themes in the books and learn from one another as we go.
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