As it stands in the UK, 33.9% percent of primary school children in the UK come from an ethnic minority background.That’s over one third of our pupils. Yet only 7% of children’s fiction published in 2020 featured a character of colour.
“Books are windows, offering views of worlds that may be real or imagined, familiar or strange. These windows canal so be a mirror…. and in that reflection, we can see our own lives and experiences…. Reading becomes a means of self-affirmation, and readers often seek their mirrors in books.”
~ Rudine Sims Bishop ~
It was the startling evidence in the Reflecting Realities report of 2018, that sparked a call to action. The urgent need to address the under representation of ethnic minorities in children’s books was put in the spotlight, as this report shamefully documented the industry’s collective failings.
The most recent findings have seen some (albeit it small) improvements in these figures, but as expected, closing the huge gap in representation goes beyond simply inserting characters of colour into every story. It’s clear that successful and authentic representation in children’s books requires the dismantling of larger systemic issues across the wider publishing industry.
The future does looks hopeful. We’ve seen an increase in available mentorship programmes for authors and artists of colour, a call to encourage diversity amongst the publishing workforce and a wider focus on understanding race and ethnic disparities in theUK in general. It’s clear that most people inside and outside of publishing communities want change.
But this slow burn approach doesn’t facilitate adequate change for this generation of young readers.
At BrightBeginnings, we believe that Non-fiction is best placed to act as that crucial mirror, for the children who need it most.
Here is why:
The abundance of existing stories from the pioneers, scientists, inventors and leaders of colour throughout history play a vital part in amplifying voices from historically suppressed communities. It’s crucial that all children access and celebrate these stories, but particularly those who are lacking representation across other mediums. These stories are already written. They don’t need the years required to source, develop and edit, unlike fiction. We can get them on the bookshelves and into the hearts of children, right now.
Experts of colour in every field are the ready-made authors needed to reflect OPPORTUNITY to children across minority backgrounds. From astrology to table tennis, crafting to politics, when a child sees a specialist who looks like them, the sense of POSSIBLITY is awakened.
We call upon all publishers to further engage experts from ethnically diverse backgrounds and champion more role models of colour.
We know that reading allows children to explore new perspectives, imparts understanding and encourages empathy. We believe that reading books about different societies, belief systems and cultural histories will help nurture inclusive environments in classrooms, playgrounds and homes across the UK.
We welcome a day where we can say with confidence that ALL children’s literature reflects the multitude of realities in the UK, but there’s so much work to be done. Until then, we recognise the incredible opportunity that Non-fiction provides us. Non-fiction is a perfect canvas for children’s publishing to make a much-needed and rapid change, – a change that will empower our children, now.