Diverse children's literature demonstrates that everyone has a story to share and that representation matters. All children need to be able to see themselves in the pages of a book. Books that represent a variety of people and cultures help us understand the wider world around us. Reading diverse books reaffirms the value of all members of our community and promotes inclusivity.

Recently 53 community members in King County WA signed a petition requesting removal of 14 books from Riverview School District libraries because they have LGBTQA+ characters. Their claim is that these books are dangerous. This claim is simply false. Research shows that when minority students see representations of themselves in books it is validating and academically engaging. It is equally important for children to learn about the experiences of other people to promote empathy and inclusivity.

Tell educators in our community that we support keeping diverse books in our schools. Let our schools know that we applaud their dedication to ensuring that our schools are a safe place for all students and their families.