Diversity in Young Adult Literature: Why it Matters and How to Find it

Young Adult literature has come a long way since its inception, but one aspect that still needs improvement is diversity. The stories and characters in YA literature should reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives of its readers. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Representation matters, and it is important that all readers can see themselves reflected in the books they read. When teens of color, LGBTQ+ teens, and other marginalized groups are not represented in YA literature, it can make them feel invisible and unimportant.

Diverse literature also has the power to break down stereotypes and promote empathy. When teens read about characters who are different from themselves, they can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of other cultures and perspectives. This can help promote acceptance and empathy towards marginalized groups, and break down harmful stereotypes.

So, how can you find diverse YA literature? One way is to check out the diverse booklists that are available online from organizations such as We Need Diverse Books. Another way is to look for books that have been written by diverse authors. A book written by an author from a particular marginalized group will often have a more authentic representation of their experiences. You can also look for books that have won diverse literary awards, such as the Stonewall Book Award and the Pura Belpré Award.

In addition to looking for diverse literature, it is also important to support and promote it. This can be done by recommending diverse books to others, purchasing diverse books, and highlighting them on your bookstagram or book blog. By doing so, we can help to increase the visibility of diverse literature and make sure that it is widely available for all readers.

In conclusion, diversity in YA literature is crucial for creating an inclusive and representative literary landscape. Diverse literature promotes empathy, breaks down stereotypes, and validates the experiences of marginalized groups. So, readers should be proactive in looking for diverse literature and promoting it, so that all readers can see themselves in the stories they read.

Check out these five books for great examples: *As an Amazon Associate I earn on qualifying purchases.

1. "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas - This book tells the story of a teenager who witnesses the shooting of her unarmed friend by a police officer, and the impact it has on her community and family. It deals with themes of racial injustice, police brutality, and activism.
2. "The Poet X" by Elizabeth Acevedo - This novel in verse follows a young Afro-Latina girl as she discovers the power of poetry and her own voice, while navigating her strict Catholic school and a difficult relationship with her mother. It deals with themes of identity, family, and self-expression.
3. "Let's Talk About Love" by Claire Kann - This contemporary romance follows a biracial, asexual girl as she navigates her first romantic relationship and learns to understand and accept her own identity. It deals with themes of asexuality, self-discovery, and love.
4. "Bone Street Rumba" by Daniel José Older - This fantasy series follows a group of ghost hunters in a fictional version of Brooklyn where the dead can't fully rest. It deals with Afro-Caribbean spirituality, the African diaspora, and identity.
5. "This is Kind of an Epic Love Story" by Kheryn Callender - This contemporary romance follows Nathan Bird, a high school senior who falls in love with his best friend and hides it, due to the fact that his friend is a gay guy, which would complicate his friendship. It deals with themes of family, identity, and acceptance.

I hope this helps and you find a story you enjoy! Remember that there are many other books that could align with your interests so you can always check on online retailers, libraries and ask other readers for recommendations.