We Need Diverse Books

We Need Diverse Books
Name	We Need Diverse Books
Formation	2014
Type	Nonprofit organization
Headquarters	New York City
Region served	United States
Leaders	Walter Dean Myers (founding inspiration)

We Need Diverse Books is an American nonprofit advocacy organization founded in 2014 to promote diversity in children’s and young adult literature. The group emerged after a social media campaign linked to debates surrounding the National Book Awards, Publishing industry in the United States, and discussions sparked by authors and illustrators active on Twitter, Goodreads, and the blogosphere. Founders and supporters include creators, editors, educators, and librarians who had participated in campaigns connected to controversies around books such as The Hate U Give, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, and works by authors like Jacqueline Woodson, R. J. Palacio, and Jason Reynolds.

History

The organization's origin traces to reactions on platforms involving authors such as E. K. Johnston, Nic Stone, and advocates including Malinda Lo following award seasons at the National Book Awards and public conversations around diversity highlighted by figures like Walter Dean Myers and Katherine Patterson. Early organizing involved librarians from institutions including the New York Public Library, educators from the Library of Congress outreach programs, and members of professional groups such as the American Library Association. Initial initiatives aligned with events like BookExpo America and panels at conventions including AASL National Conference and gatherings of authors who had participated in programs at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Growth accelerated through partnerships with publishers such as Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, and imprints like Lee & Low Books. The organization established a board and staff, hosted conferences tied to venues like Columbia University and Barnes & Noble, and launched signature projects inspired by conversations around representation in lists curated by outlets such as The New York Times Book Review and Publishers Weekly.

Mission and Programs

The stated mission emphasizes increasing representation for authors and illustrators from communities including African American, Latinx American, Asian American, Native American, LGBTQIA+, and disabled creators across formats championed by institutions such as the American Library Association, Association of American Publishers, and regional systems like San Francisco Public Library. Programs include mentorship initiatives modeled on fellowships similar to those run by the Hispanic Society of America and residency opportunities comparable to the MacDowell Colony. Workshops have been held in partnership with academic departments at New York University, University of California, Berkeley, and teacher-preparation programs associated with Teachers College, Columbia University. Outreach extends to classroom resources used by educators in districts served by agencies like Chicago Public Schools and programs supported by foundations such as the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Grants, Awards, and Scholarships

The organization administers grants and scholarships for writers and illustrators reminiscent of awards like the PEN America Literary Awards, Coretta Scott King Award, and fellowships administered by the National Endowment for the Arts. Programs have included residency grants similar in spirit to the Barnes Foundation fellowships and scholarships for students attending conferences akin to ALA Annual Conference sessions. Awarded projects have supported creators whose books have been considered alongside honors such as the Newbery Medal, Caldecott Medal, and listings in the Bank Street Children's Book Committee selections. Beneficiaries have included emerging talent who later participated in panels at SXSW EDU and festivals such as the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.

Advocacy and Impact

Advocacy work engages with stakeholders including editors at Macmillan Publishers, agents from firms like William Morris Endeavor, and teachers affiliated with National Council of Teachers of English. Campaigns have addressed acquisition practices at libraries such as the Boston Public Library and curriculum choices in districts like Los Angeles Unified School District. Impact has been tracked through visibility in outlets such as The New Yorker, The Guardian, and reporting by NPR. The organization’s initiatives have been cited in conversations alongside milestones like the rise of works by Angie Thomas, Katherine Applegate, and Gene Luen Yang, and in policy debates involving school boards similar to those in Brevard County and controversies in districts paralleled by events at Cathy Newman-covered forums.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Collaborators include publishers Scholastic Corporation, Bloomsbury Publishing, and nonprofit partners such as the ALA Diversity Round Table and cultural centers like the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Educational collaborations have involved university presses such as Harvard University Press and organizations focused on literacy like Reading Is Fundamental. Event partnerships have linked to festivals including the National Book Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival, and conferences run by LibraryThing. Corporate partners have ranged from bookstore chains like Books-A-Million to philanthropic entities such as the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.

Criticism and Controversies

Critiques have come from commentators in outlets like The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, and trade publications such as Publishers Weekly questioning approaches to selection and gatekeeping similar to debates around diversity initiatives in institutions like Museums Association and academic departments at University of Chicago. Some critics have debated the relationship between advocacy groups and major publishers including Hachette Book Group and Penguin Random House or raised concerns echoing disputes in awards administration at organizations like the National Book Awards. Defenders have pointed to measurable increases in cataloging and acquisition of titles by creators from marginalized communities and comparisons to shifts seen after campaigns associated with figures such as Toni Morrison and James Baldwin.

Category:Children's literature organizations