It’s vital for all children to see themselves fully represented in literature.
Unfortunately, many children may not have this experience or may have only seen stereotypical depictions of people like them.
As in many other areas, White people have dominated the publishing industry. So it’s important that we place Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) authors front and center to give them the recognition they deserve.
Own Voices titles feature a BIPOC character written by an author of that same background. Own Voice authors are the best source for conveying an authentic message and experience through their own literature.
Sharing titles created by Own Voice authors is necessary to eliminate the effects of the stereotypes and biases that permeate our world. Authentic representation in literature transforms thinking, improves self-esteem for young people of color and helps White readers understand those who may look different from them.
This list contains as many Own Voice authors as possible. It was created by the Race, Reading and You Group of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. For more suggestions, ask a Librarian.
When Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela asks her father why she has so many names, she hears the story of her name and learns about her grandparents. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby, as eAudio on Hoopla, as video on Hoopla or as video with read along on Hoopla.
Amy is determined to make a perfect dumpling like her parents and grandmother do, but hers are always too empty, too full, or not pinched together properly.
As a young Tlingit girl collects wild berries over the seasons, she sings with her Grandmother as she learns to speak to the land and listen when the land speaks back.
A child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby.
In Brooklyn, nine-year-old Jax joins Ma, a curmudgeonly witch who lives in his building, on a quest to deliver three baby dragons to a magical world, and along the way discovers his true calling. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby or as eAudio on OverDrive/Libby.
An illustrated picture book autobiography in which award-winning author Yuyi Morales tells her own immigration story. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby, as eAudio on OverDrive/Libby, as eAudio on Hoopla, as video on Hoopla or as video with read along on Hoopla.
Told in two acts, this lengthy picture book reveals how Wilson grew up to be one of the most influential American playwrights. Includes author’s note, a timeline of August Wilson’s life, a list of Wilson’s plays and a bibliography. You can also check out this title as eBook on Overdrive/Libby, as eBook on Hoopla, as eAudio on Hoopla, as video on Hoopla or as video on Hoopla with read along.
Using rhyming lyrics from a previously written rap song, Midewin author, Manitoba politician, and creator Kinew tells the stories of diverse Indigenous heroes both historical and contemporary from the U.S. and Canada.
This title is also available for checkout as an eBook on Libby.
Based on a true story, Ho’onani: Hula Warrior is a celebration of Hawaiian culture and an empowering story of a girl who learns to lead and learns to accept who she really is – and in doing so, gains the respect of all those around her.
When Irene is removed from her First Nations family to live in a residential school, she is confused, frightened and terribly homesick. She tries to remember who she is and where she came from despite being told to do otherwise. When she goes home for summer holidays, her parents decide never to send her away again, but where will she hide and what will happen when her parents disobey the law?
Eight-year-old Ava Murray lives in a Bronx neighborhood filled with music, art, and people from all over the world–which is not the Bronx she sees in the news. When her mother explains that the power of stories lies in the hands of those who write them, Ava decides to become a journalist and show the world as she sees it.
Harpreet Singh has a different color for every mood and occasion, from pink for dancing to bhangra beats to red for courage.
Pakistani American second-grader Yasmin learns to cope with the small problems of school and home, while gaining confidence in her own skills and creative abilities.
When five-year-old Sulwe’s classmates make fun of her dark skin, she tries lightening herself to no avail, but her encounter with a shooting star helps her understand there is beauty in every shade. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby.
As a young girl observes that each of six women in her life wears her hijab and hair in a different way, she considers how to express her own style one day.
Through historical information, poems, illustrations, and photographs, the author shows the ways in which African American midwives have helped families over the course of hundreds of years. You can also check out this title as eBook on Overdrive/Libby or as eBook on Hoopla.
A collection of stories about young Latino’s immigrant experiences in the United States. You can also check out this title as eBook on Hoopla.
This book brings together 52 iconic talents from countries around the world from the past and present and celebrates their inspirational achievements.
8-year-old Aslan arrived in North Dakota to help stop a pipeline. A few months later he returned — and saw the whole world watching. Read about his inspiring experiences in the Oceti Sakowin Camp at Standing Rock. Learn about what exactly happened there, and why.