Diverse Classroom Libraries

Represents all types of families from an asset-based perspective

• Use a book that refrains from enforcing stereotypes about different types of families. Book informs about different types of families using factual and positive information. Book avoids leaning into stereotypes involving these families and painting them in a negative light.
  • Example: A book that shows single caregivers as strong, generous instead of displaying single caregivers as uninvolved in their children’s life.
     
• If a book is discussing the different types of families make sure they don’t leave out families on purpose. Book makes sure to include a wide variety of families. It is hard to include every type since families can be so diverse, but the book shouldn’t purposefully erase family structures.
  • Example: A book that talks about different families, doesn’t leave out LGBTQ+ families.
     
• Include books that highlight family structures that receive less recognition. Family structures like grandparents as caregivers or chosen families aren’t discussed as often as traditional or nuclear families. Due to the lack of recognition, it is important to incorporate stories about these family structures for students who come from them and for those who are unaware of them.
  • Example: Pick a book that acknowledges the importance of chosen families to individuals and justifies them as a type of family structure.

Avoids stating one family structure as the “norm” or creating a superiority

• A book that picks one family structure and deems it the norm will make children and families from different family structures feel abnormal. Avoid books that do this and instead use books that support multiple family structures or inform about a specific family structure without placing a value of normal or not.
  • Example: Nuclear families tend to be the main representation in children's books so instead, find a book that incorporates a different family structure like foster families.
     
• Avoid books that decide one type of family is better than others. All families should be represented in positive lights and not placed on a superiority ranking.
  • Example: Avoid a book that places a positive light on a traditional family and a negative light on a family where the child is raised by their grandparents.