“when children cannot find themselves reflected in the books they read, or when the images they see are distorted, negative, or laughable, they learn a powerful lesson about how they are devalued in the society of which they are a part.” ~Rudine Bishop
Children from minority groups need to see themselves in the books they read to get a view of their place in the world that honors their uniqueness. Children from a predominant social group also need to see diverse characters in diverse roles. This realistic worldview helps them to live in a world where their social group is just one among many. If you have time, watch this excellent presentation by Grace Linn for a moving and inspiring explanation of this.
