Decolonise Your Children's Bookshelf

Colonialism places white/western ideals, thoughts and approaches at the centre of everything. Decolonising decentres

white culture and places Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC), diverse gender identities and diverse abilities at the forefront.

Examine the books that sit on your bookshelf. Do you have...

• books written by indigenous authors that are not

dreamtime stories?

• books written by BIPOC authors?

• books that have diverse faces?

• books that centre BIPOC as main characters?

• books that have no white characters?

• books that explore other cultures?

• books that centre BIPOC characters that are not

related to issues of race, equality etc

• books that explore diverse gender identities and

diverse families?

• books that help to normalise diverse

abilities?

Books should provide children with windows to other worlds and mirrors of their own. It is important that all children feel represented in the books they read, the toys they play with, the classrooms they learn in and the media they consume. Having exposure to diverse literature from a young age helps children build empathy, understanding and most of all respect. The list below includes children’s books that focus on representation and centring of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour), all abilities and gender identities. Ages 4 - 8 years old.

Diverse and Inclusive Childrens Books - .

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Decolonise Your Own Eyes and Ears!

Decolonising your own eyes and ears is just as important as decolonising the books and media that your children consume.

If you don't address your own internal racial biases it doesn't matter how many diverse books you place on your children’s bookshelf or in your classroom. You will still perpetuate the internal racial bias you have known your whole life. You were born into a society that upholds white superiority, this is how you have been conditioned and it cannot be undone overnight. A good start is to read Me and White Supremacy by Layla. F. Saad. It includes actionable steps and journalling.

The below list includes adult fiction and non-fiction books that you should read, podcasts that you should listen to and social media accounts that you should follow.

BIPOC Authors - Podcasts - Instagram Acc.

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Saved!!!

Words By: Lydia Williams

Pictures By: Lucinda Gifford

“That night Lydia felt sad. Kangaroo could jump the highest, Emu could run the fastest and Koala could climb the best. Lydia wanted to be the best at something too. Was there a sport for her?”⠀

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This fun and inspiring book is about being part of a team and persistence. It is about a girl called Lydia who loves to play sport with her friends Emu, Kangaroo and Koala. Her friends are so talented and Lydia was hoping she could find a sport that she was good at too. And she did... literally!! This book was written by Lydia Williams who is goal keeper for the Matildas and now Arsenal! Lydia grew up in the outback, camping and travelling so she often didn’t have anyone to play with but she had the bush animals to keep her company 🐨⠀

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You may or may not know that Australia and New Zealand were recently chosen to host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup! The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup was watched by more than 1 billion viewers worldwide so to win the honour of hosting is massive! Not to mention what this will do for women’s sport in Australia! ⠀