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.
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