I started this blogging site years ago and when I was thinking about the different categories to include, I knew for sure I wanted a section with kids’ books. I touch on this a little bit where I review Lola at the Library but I’ve always been a fan of books and my daughters also love them. Books help shape us, it’s helped shape me. It became increasingly confusing while growing up there were many books that included characters who did not look like me. I enjoyed Babysitter’s Club, Ramona Forever and Sweet Valley High (goodness!) but growing up in the 90s a lot of the books were not diverse when it came to race or experiences. Being able to now purchase books that can not only allow children of color to celebrate their culture but it shares their culture with other children.
Children’s attitudes, values, and behaviors are shaped by the community and the education they are exposed to. A supportive and nurturing community can give children a sense of belonging and security, promoting positive mental health and well-being. Children who grow up in a supportive community are more likely to have higher self-esteem, develop stronger relationships, and engage in prosocial behaviors.
Quality education can give children the knowledge, skills, and competencies they need to succeed. Education can foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills essential for success in any field. By learning about different subjects, children can explore their interests, discover their strengths, and develop their passions.Parents and guidance must ensure their kids are exposed to the right community and education.
Picture books are integral to children’s literature, helping them develop language and literacy skills, imagination, and creativity. However, some books have been banned in Florida (and many other states) for their depiction of Black culture (note: I really like the Parents article linked and I definitely own half of the booked mentioned…and I will be getting them all!).
Why shouldn’t these picture books be banned? Banning picture books related to Black culture can have several disadvantages, including that it:
- Limits children’s exposure to diverse perspectives, histories, and cultures: which can hinder their ability to develop empathy and understanding of others. Without access to books depicting Black culture, children may grow up with a limited and distorted view of the world, leading to ignorance, intolerance, and racism.
- Can violate the First Amendment’s freedom of speech and expression, protecting the right to access information and ideas without censorship. Banning books related to Black culture can be seen as censorship, limiting the flow of information and ideas essential for an informed and educated society.
- Can stifle creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking: preventing children from exploring and questioning the world around them. It can also limit the ability of educators and parents to teach children about critical historical events and cultural traditions related to Black culture.
Banning picture books related to Black culture limits children’s exposure to diverse perspectives. Instead of banning books, educators and parents should promote critical thinking, open dialogue, and diversity in children’s literature. Doing so can create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment that fosters empathy, understanding, and respect for all cultures and communities.