100 Diverse Books to make a Collection

A library’s collection is its heart and soul, the very foundation on which a library is built. It acts as a conduit for its community to learn about the world, see themselves reflected in it, contribute to a definition of themselves and engage with varied perspectives. The collection allows us to dream, to imagine, to enter worlds without going far. A library resides in its collection and so, we felt it was important to share a slice of our diverse collection with you.

Why diverse?

We live in a society that is diverse in every aspect, from language, religion, ethnicity, sexuality to beliefs, experiences and opinions. A library collection needs to reflect this diversity, in order for it to truly open up stories and lives from different lenses, realities and viewpoints. A diverse collection enables every reader to find a text that will affirm, question or resonate. The Diverse Book Project, started by library educators at Bookworm, emerged from a need to create a resource for libraries that not only represents diversity but also recognises that it is essential to address the complexity, contradictions and tensions that surround relationships and experiences.

Where did we begin?

This was a challenge because diversity is complex and a reflection of that diversity is compounded by a word and page limit. So as a first attempt, we have begun with a thematic approach to a diverse collection.

Our Diverse Book Project is built around ten core themes that we know from experience, resonate with readers in the library and in discussions. Each of the books in the list has been a significant part of our work on ground as library educators engaging with children in schools, communities and other diverse settings, and have been used by us in Read Aloud, book talks, book discussions and dialogue prompts. The project has spanned a number of months, a number of team members and many books. We hope that the final output of this project will provide support to every person who wishes to start or build on a library collection that is inclusive of diverse experiences and voices. Through our work in the library and with communities, we have identified broad themes that we felt could provide a framework for building an environment of belonging, and humanize stories and experiences of those who are not a part of the mainstream.

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1. Around Death:  Included in this theme are books that are a valuable resource for talking about death, grief, acceptance and love that always remains even after you lose someone.
2. Challenge Normalcy: This selection of books offer a push back against what it means to be normal and celebrates characters that are different.
3. Diverse Abilities: A list of books that focus on characters that are differently-abled to start conversations about disability, inclusion, and advocacy. This list ensures that all bodies find representation in the collection.
4. Earth Matters: Under this theme are stories that remind us to take care of our planet, about making choices that help the world and each other.
5. Family Ties: Books that represent a diverse range of families; each one different but with ties that bind.
6. Migration: The list includes narratives that share the physical and emotional trauma of migration; from displacement to the more devastating effects of war and conflict. 
7. Paths to Peace: A selection of books that share a message of peace; from personal to global.
8. Redefine Gender: Collection of books that question gender stereotypes and the privilege that comes with gender; stories that open up conversation about how gender is constructed. 
9. Social Privilege:  Stories of resilience, thoughtfulness and love in the face of social inequity and absence of social privilege serve as a reminder of both the strength of the human spirit and the need for all of us to stand for social justice.
10. Unusual Choices: A list of books that highlight unique solutions to problems and focus on choices that are unusual.

Our list of 100+ diverse books is available on our website www.bookwormgoa.in. We would love to hear from you about your library collection, and any recommendations you may have for us for this list of diverse books or simply to have a conversation with us about books!

Content: The Bookworm Team
Editing: Gita Mohan
Layout and Design: Tahir Noronha
The ‘110 Books, a Diverse Thematic Listing from the Bookworm Collection’ was made possible with support from Parag, an inititaive of the Tata Trusts.