From a librarian's page "I’m starting my first book order of the year, and am looking to add more books with diverse characters. I’m having trouble finding many without major trauma or big problems-I’d like to have some diverse books that show the main character doing ordinary things-maybe some friend drama they have to work through or something. Anyone else have this issue? Any suggestions of good books you’ve found? My school has a high population of Karen/Burmese and African American families, if that helps."

I have the same problem - there are plenty of picture books from that long time favorite Corduroy to last year's Jubari Jumps. But fewer books for middle elementary  whose characters don't have a father in prison or similar situations, except for token characters in a series. We do have the best of those on our shelves  My system has the added problem that we can only buy from one distributor and I can't change that.  Overloaded public librarians could use some lists with good short reviews.

Hi Meg, your request is not surprising at all.

 

Here are a few list that you may find helpful.  This is a list of books I've selected that I feel will meet you needs in that they are not all about diversity.  Many of the titles celebrate diversity: https://aalbc.com/books/children.php

 

Here are a list of our bestselling book for the year so far.  The book on the list are generally quite good: https://aalbc.com/books/bestsellers-by-year.php?year=2018&genre=Children%26rsquo%3Bs

 

Here is a list of books that were recently published: https://aalbc.com/books/newbooks.php?genre=Children%26rsquo%3Bs nd a list of books that will be upublished in up coming months: https://aalbc.com/books/comingsoon.php?genre=Children%26rsquo%3Bs both of these lists show books that are worth checking out especially if you are focused on new books.

 

There are other lists like one for Black Girls Hair: https://aalbc.com/top10/index.php?category=Girl%26rsquo%3Bs+Hair+Books

 

We do not have reviews of the books, but I trust you will be able to discover a variety of books.

 

Of course if you find books you think are really good it will be helpful if you share that information on the books page or in this discussion forum.  

 

Finally if you do have need to order book please consider AALBC just email me troy@aalbc.com