Ensuring Books Reflect ‘Reality’
"Diversity" should just be called ‘reality’. Your books, your TV shows, your movies, your articles, your curricula, need to reflect reality.—Tananarive Due
Diversity is explained as the state of being different. In recent times there have been increasing amounts of movements and conversations about diversity and inclusion within modern society, with a growing emphasis that people from all walks of life should be treated with respect and fairness. Every person should be able to see themselves in the pages of a book.
Books can connect us to different people, as the reader you can feel the writers thoughts and mindset through the words within the book. Highlighting the importance that books should include various religions, cultures, values, races and gender which give us a better representation of the world we live in, teaching us the different values and beliefs of the four corners of the world.
Below we have picked out just a selection of our diverse books which explore a wide range of multiculturalism and perspectives.
Book: CULTURAL PRISON
Author: Vindu Maharaj
Standing up to face the mirror that screamed horror and defeat; she starts putting makeup to hide the pale skin trailed by bruises. She had the prettiest face. Though she had a lot of questions about her life, but she continued to nudge them away. She was trying hard but didn’t know why. The walls even screamed the stories and voices that everyone seemed to hideaway. This book is the story of a girl facing a continuous battle with domestic violence. A truly heart-wrenching tale about a daughter and her worth.
Book: The Four: Friends for Life
Author: George Rosling
The Four: Friends for Life is the third instalment of The Four books series. It follows the life of Agrippa, Audrey, Brielle and Basharat. It is the story of their inseparable bond despite coming from different ethnic backgrounds. The series focuses on establishing the value of appreciating diversity among young children. Through the series, the author hopes to share encouragement to learn and respect diversity. This is a beautifully illustrated children’s book on multiculturalism with an inspiring message.
Book: Vanished into the Thin Air
Author: Jayashree Thatte Bhat
Jayashree Thatte Bhat was born and raised in Hyderabad, India, and migrated to Canada five decades ago. She explains in her book the historical event of the Hyderabad State in India for the freedom fight, which took place a year after the country gained independence from Britian in 1947. This book provided a wonderful insight into Dakhani culture during the Nizam era—a time when Muslims, Hindus and followers of all other religions took a great degree of interest in each other’s lives. A phenomenal inclusion fiction.
Book: The Scroll of Suratican
Author: Vincent James
Two young boys, Banishanti and Fincalistan, meet on a journey to see the mysterious Grand Vizeer, who has powers to aid them in their search for answers they cannot obtain within the boundaries of their rigidly controlled cultures. This is an inspiring story of exploration, confrontations, and friendship.
Book: Paul to Paula- The Story of a Teenage T-Girl
Author: Paul Travers
Join Paul along the twists and turns of his exciting and inspirational journey to become Paula. This story follows a boy whose life has been rigged with all types of abuse since childhood. Walk with him on the of self-discovery and learn how in the face of greatest pains and adversaries, love can transcend all boundaries.
Book: East Girl West Girl
Author: Alvina Noor
It is a tale of two beautiful young women who are friends irrespective of their different cultural backgrounds. The story demonstrates that no matter what differences there are in values, norms, and beliefs true friendship will defy all. It is a story of tolerance and acceptance despite the difference in cultures. An interesting and a must-read for enchanting your children's perspective towards diversity!
Book: Mee Mei
Author: Shakira N Meghie
Despite being twins, the Sinclair twins 'Mee Mei' are very different from each other in terms of their complexions. What happens when they step into the real world without their comforts of their previous privileged lives. Will they be able to survive and thrive through the challenges? Let's take ourselves into the shallow life of the twin's encounter with the world, that is not ready to accept that beauty comes in all colours.
We hope these Diversity books will add to your reading list. If you want to explore more, we have much more in store for you. Visit our website now.
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