Making a Difference with Diversity
by Tara Michener
I have been blessed to have my own informal mini-focus group for picture book ideas. I have been mentoring children alongside my husband Jason for over five years. If you listen really closely, kids will tell you what they want to read by the questions that they ask.
We work with a diverse bunch of young people and we often have heard questions like Am I pretty? and What am I? and Why can’t I be like everybody else? I provide answers to these questions in my first book Who I Am, Not What I Am.
Main character Janelle is bi-racial and finds that her classmates ask her lots of questions about her race, which in turn makes her question herself.
I had a great chat with a lady of mixed heritage at one of my book signings. She told me that she wished that she had seen more books like Who I Am when she was growing up. She mentioned that people always wanted her to claim a race and they did not understand her as an individual. The idea of being a part of more than one racial group boggled their minds.
Jason and I thought deeply about the types of books that we would want our future child to read considering we are an interracial couple. We also observed the bond of friendship in those we mentor. A child may not be happy or outgoing but when he/she finds that special friendship, something magical happens. That magic belongs in a book to show children how important it is to be a great friend. 100% Real, my second book, explores a friendship between Janelle and a newly-adopted child in her class.
Children need to see themselves in books and find the answers to their questions in regards to self-worth. They also need to have a greater understanding of those around them. This helps them to see the world from a diverse perspective and allows them to embrace those who are different from themselves.
How can you explore diversity in your writing?
Have you ever considered researching a neighborhood that differs from your own?
Be creative and remember that diversity is more than just race.
Think about reaching a demographic that is under-served in the kidlit genre.
Explore the shelves at the bookstore. Be active in outreach and community service and find out what is missing from those shelves by your best resource… the reader.
I am blessed to be able to be around so many young people to help but also to observe issues that may challenge them so that I can use the written word to help them through the tough times.
The best ideas come from thinking outside the box.
Read something great!
Tara Michener is an author and speaker who teaches children and adults the importance of diversity and self-esteem.
One thing in this life that you have control of are your thoughts. It is ironic but those very thoughts dictate your actions, your character and in essence your life. How often do you think of your dreams and goals? Many people are nervous about putting the effort into a vision board...so let's start with the thinking cycle before we move on to practical application. How positive are your thoughts? Do you believe that you can reach your goals? I remember being a little girl and being told that I had a vivid imagination. In middle school a friend drew a "say no to drugs" poster. She felt pretty proud of herself and she should have because the poster was nice.
I asked her to show it to one of the teachers that started a school campaign and maybe we could have the drawings copied and made into replicas all around the school. I shared with her the fun and awareness that would come from making the theme into a skit or a featured assembly. She looked at me with her mouth open and simply said you think too big and you are blowing this out of proportion. We never did anything with her creation. It set in her notebook and no one was ever able to see the effort she put into the beautiful and descriptive drawing.
We did not tell our teacher...we simply did nothing. In retrospect...I still think it could have been great to at least try and present it and see how lives could change from a simple picture. But my friend had thoughts that held her back from exposing her creation to the rest of the school. She thought that it should not be a big deal. Obviously it was her drawing and her choice but this made me think about her words to me..."You think too big".
Can someone really think too big or is their faith too small? When I told a girl that I wanted to be an author she smiled at me and said "yeah right" the class laughed and told the teacher about their desires to obtain more traditional careers.
Did they laugh because they thought it was funny? No...I think they laughed because they could not envision "Tara Michener author of the Who I Am Series," Celebrating diversity and
self-esteem in kids.
This is not a hit towards the kids that I grew up with but something that I am asking you the reader to ponder in your own life. Do you encounter people on your job, at school or in your family or circle that don't believe in your dreams?
How does this change your thinking about yourself? If we choose to think big there is nothing that we cannot accomplish! Keep your thoughts positive and faithful and you will be surprised at the reward that follows.
Read something great!
.jpeg?picon=2094)
Thanks so much Tara – you sparked a great idea – off to go write it!!
Lori,
I’m glad that my post inspired an idea for your writing! Keep in touch at http://www.taramichener.com
Have a great day!
Great points made Tara. I am glad to know about your books too. Definately passing the titles on to family and friends.
Just the other day the question was asked about how to take care of hair. Not everyone understands different textured hair needs special care. Have you thought about writing a book about hair?
Thanks so much for your great ideas. Now off to bake some pie.
Jewel, That is not only a great idea (hair and texture) but a great discussion. I have sold books to local adoption agencies dealing with transracial families. It all starts with an open discussion about race, ethnicity, etc. to learn more about each other.
I am excited that you are going to refer my books on to others. That means a lot. I hope that your pies are great. I’m excited about trying out pumpkin cupcakes for the first time! Happy Thanksgiving! http://www.taramichener.com