Over the past decade, children’s literature has become far more diverse. In fact, research found that in 2022 about 45 percent of kids’ and teens’ books had a nonwhite author, illustrator, or compiler, which was up from only 8 percent in 2014.

How can we encourage representation in children’s books? What are the impacts of diverse representation in children’s literature? And why is it important for kids to see themselves in their favorite books? 

In this episode, Alliah Agostini joins Kevin to discuss why representation matters in children’s literature. 

Meet Alliah:

Alliah Agostini is an author and speaker. She is the author of several books… including the acclaimed The Juneteenth Story: Celebrating the End of Slavery in the United States and the upcoming Oprah Winfrey: A Little Golden Book Biography.

Alliah writes to spread joy, truth, and to help more children see themselves reflected on the page.

This is, What I Want to Know.