#WeNeedMoreDiverseBooks: Why It’s Not Over
2015 saw the rise of #WeNeedDiverseBooks (#WNDB). And it was glorious. A lot of really great books filled with diversity, particularly in the area of LGBT+, were released. But I want to stress that it’s not over. What would I like to see in 2016? I’d like to see #WNDB grow and expand, cover more topics and branch out into more genres.
Personal Alert: I’m a multiracial, multiethnic girl who struggles with depression and anxiety and has disabilities and a semi-chronic illness that keeps me in bed a lot. And I wish I read more about girls (and boys) like me. I wish I read about teen who are multiracial and multiethnic, teen who struggle with mental illness, teen who struggle with physical illness, teens who have disabilities, “minor” and “major.” And I still don’t see a lot of that in YA. We’ve done really great in the LGBT+ arena (and I want to stress that that’s a really big deal and something I want to stick around), but it’s time to expand.
I also notice that diversity has yet to really branch out from the contemporary genre. Now I don’t know about you, but contemporary’s not my fave and a lot of people I know and follow feel the same. I’d love to see more fantasy or sci fi with diversity! Just look at Star Wars! Last time I checked, it’s not suffering from diversifying!
I’m not saying this sort of stuff isn’t already out there. But I’d like to see more, bigger and more popular. So that’s what I’m challenging authors and publishers to do in 2016. Let me know in the comments you thoughts and feelings and any great diverse books you’ve read in 2015!
Until Next Time,
Lila
I’ve come across a few great LGBT books this year and agree it would be good to have more diverse characters as long as they are real. Sometimes I think authors force things in as a gimmick and they just don’t read true.