For years, I’ve written and spoken about the importance of fostering a national diverse book community: authors and illustrators, publishers, editors, publicists, reviewers, award committees, librarians, teachers, families, and readers of all ages. Our country’s plurality as reflected in our schools needs and deserves books that share our voices and stories. We Need Diverse Books–books by diverse authors–reviewed by major outlets; published, creatively marketed, purchased and read by librarians, teachers and families. We are each needed to create this national diverse book community.

Illustration © Raul Colón from Tomás and the Library Lady. All rights reserved.