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Read Your World / Author Marketing  / Why Diverse Children’s Book Authors Write

Why Diverse Children’s Book Authors Write

Over the last 9+ years as Project Manager for MCBD, I’ve had the honor of working with a wide range of amazing authors who are all striving to create beautiful books that fill a gap and a need.

One thing I know for sure is that, when I ask them why they write diverse books for kids or teens, they never say, “I write books because I want to make a million bucks.”

NEVER. 

The Why

So, why do the authors and publishers buck societal norms and publish books that?:

  • Contain characters of color as well as main characters that represent a minority point of view.
  • Are written by an author of diversity or color from their perspective. Search #ownvoices to discover diverse books written by diverse authors.
  • Share ideas, stories, and information about cultures, races, religions, languages, and traditions. These books can be non-fiction but still written in a way that kids will find entertaining and informative.
  • Embrace special needs or even “hidden disabilities” like ADHD, ADD, and anxiety.
  • Show IBPOC readers what is POSSIBLE–like a book that shows an Asian child as an astronaut, a child from Sudan as an actress, or a biracial child as a world leader.

They write because:

  • They want to bring joy to readers through a story of their story.
    They want to entertain, educate, and enchant
  • They want to make a difference.
  • They want to fill a gap or a need. Representation matters
  • Windows and mirrors. Planting seeds of possibilities. They want to create a book that allows kids to say, “ Hey, that’s me!” or “If he/she can do that, so can I.”
  • Their craft and desire to write, illustrations, and navigate the sometimes grueling and frustrating process of publishing come from a true “heart place.”

“Kids need to see themselves in the books they read. They also need to see their friends, family, and others. I’m drafting a book about a boy who was born without arms. His story is important to know.” ~Julie Jo Larson

“I write diverse books for kids because I believe that young readers who see themselves in a book, and see what is possible, will develop stronger self-esteem, increased empathy, and excitement for their future.” ~Deedee Cummings

“To give children from marginalized groups main characters to whom they can relate. Also, to show that marginalized groups have the some things in common with the dominant group. Lastly, to show the beautiful diversity within marginalized groups themselves.”~Kimberly Gordon Biddle

“Because I never saw myself in books when I was a child. That’s not the world I want for my daughter.”~Vicki Weber

“Because I couldn’t find a depiction of our interracial family or a biracial protagonist for my children to relate to. My children needed a “mirror” while others need a “window” or a “bridge.” So now, I build literary bridges 😉.”~Pascha Adamo

“I couldn’t find the type of books I wanted, so I wrote my own.”~Eugenia Chu

“Because when I was a kid I never thought about seeing myself in books because that never happened. I never thought it was an option to write books because I only learned about white authors in school. And now I’m going to be an published book author in Fall 2022! Here’s my journey, feel free to lift any quotes.”~Maria Wen Adcock

“I want my son to understand that his experiences and those of others that look like him are worthy to be told and shared. What he knows to be true deserves to be recognized.”~Kim Lee

“I write bilingual book because I want kids to feel they represented in children’s literature. #LuzDelMes Maritza M. Mejia

Are you a diverse children;s book author? If so, why do you write?


Free Options for Diverse Book Promotion with MCBD

1. We encourage authors and publishers to join the private MCBD Facebook Group. This group is a nice mix of parents, book reviewers, teachers, and authors, so you will be able to connect with like-minded people!

2. We are always looking for quality, diverse book-related guest posts on the MCBD blog. We would love to know more about your author’s journey, why you wrote your new book and more about the book itself. Reach out to admin@multiculturalchildrensbookday.com to request a copy of our guest blogger guidelines.

3. We are tentatively planning some Facebook Lives during December and January in honor of MCBD2022 so that could be an opportunity for you as well.

We believe that ALL authors have something unique and wonderful with their work. We believe that ALL authors deserve to be able to shout the news of their book from the rooftops!

So let us know if we can work together in some fashion and, as always, do not hesitate to ask if there are any details that we can clarify for you.

#ReadYourWorld!


Medallion and Author level Sponsorships for MCBD2022 are OPEN!

{DON’T DELAY! The sooner you lock in your spot, the more time we have to promote you!}

Sponsorship is a great way to support our non-profit initiative while tapping into some amazing visibility and exposure for authors and publishers of diverse board books, picture books, chapter books, and YA.

January 28, 2022, will mark the 9th year of Multicultural Children’s Book Day’s (MCBD) quest to get culturally diverse books into the hands of children, parents, teachers, and librarians.

GO HERE to download our Sponsorship Packet and see what your Platinum or Author Sponsorship for 2022 will include.


 

MCBD has been an ally to an author like me. Long before everyone was talking about the need to be an ally. Not all of us protest or speak up in the same way. When looking for a way to help- a way to make a real systemic difference- consider joining  Multicultural Children’s Book Day’s initiative to shine the spotlight on deserving authors and publishers so their books can ultimately get into the hands of readers and on school and home bookshelves. Multicultural Children’s Book Day is in it for the long haul because they know they need to make strategic and lasting changes to the children’s book industry.”~Author Deedee Cummings

 


Other Ways to Support This Non-Profit

Donate Books

Are you a publisher or an author of multicultural books for children? Would you like to donate a book for Multicultural Children’s Book Day? These books will ultimately end up in the hands of deserving teachers, librarians, parents, and young readers!

These donated books will be gifted to young readers, parents, and educators. There is no guarantee your donated book will be reviewed during the event but we always acknowledge our book donators and support them as much as possible.

Go HERE to Learn More.


 Social Media SHOUT-OUTS (no limit) $39.00

Our Social Media Shout Out option is available 365 days a year and is a great way to shine the spotlight on your favorite diverse children’s or YA book or even your own works. Go here for more details and how you can tap into our robust social media presence and following.

Visit our Blog

Follow the #ReadYourWorld hashtag on social media

**Direct all questions and inquiries to admin@multiculturalchildrensbookday.com**

 

 

 

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