Equity and Diversity

How we are working to make our library anti-racist and inclusive

In our library, we believe...

... that racism, bias, and under representation exists in our communities and libraries.

... that resources in the BPS library should represent not only the diversity of our school, but the diversity in our wider community.

... that all children should see themselves represented positively in the books they read, and that BIPOC students specifically have been underrepresented. We will work to address that.

...that 'own voices' books are important ( a book that features diverse characters and perspectives written by an author who shares those identities)

...that equitable and diverse representation should be found throughout our collection, not seperated or special.

...that cultural stories are not 'legends' or 'fiction' and have an honoured place, and richness to offer.

...that this work is ongoing

We acknowledge everyday that we meet, learn, and play on un-ceded and un-surrendered Algonquin territory.

It's International transgender day of visability!

...and we are sharing books from our library that help explore issues of gender diversity, pronouns, and acceptance.

Some of our books feature Trans characters explicitly, or address pronouns, like the beautifully illustrated "They, She, He, Me, Free to Be" while others talk about gender diversity, gender roles, and being true to yourself, who ever you are.

When we are curating, and selecting resources on this topic, it's important to note that gender expression outside of traditional stereotypes is not synonymous with being Trans. A person who is comfortable with their assigned gender can express themselves in many ways, and that doesn't indicate they may be Trans, just as someone who is Trans may be very 'traditional' in their gender expression.

Interested in exploring this more?

Here are some printable resources and colouring sheets that celebrate inclusive pronouns: http://www.genderwheel.com/pride-and-pronouns/
Here are some printable infographics on pronouns in English and French: https://www.the519.org/education-training/training-resources/our-resources/creer-des-milieux-authentiques/pronoms-neutres
The Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity offers a variety of resources to teachers, parents, and youth in both english and french: https://ccgsd-ccdgs.org/
What the OCDSB says about gender diversity: https://www.ocdsb.ca/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=1660075#:~:text=Every%20person%20has%20the%20right,the%20request%20for%20an%20accommodation.&text=Each%20gender%20diverse%20and%20trans%20student%20is%20unique%20with%20different%20needs.

Here is our (incomplete!) list of books for children about transgender and gender nonconforming kids:

I love My Purse

Belle DeMont

Charlie loves the bright red purse that his grandmother gave him. One day, he decides to take it to school. First his father, then his friends, and even the crossing guard question him about his “strange” choice. But Charlie isn’t deterred. Before long, his unselfconscious determination starts to affect those around him. Thanks to Charlie, everyone around him realizes that it isn’t always necessary to conform to societal norms.

The Boy and the Bindi

Vivek Shraya

A beautiful book about a little boy who is very curious about his mom’s bindi. Traditionally a bindi is worn by Hindu and Jain women and girls, but not boys or men. But his mom sees that he is curious and gives him his own, and it awakens his sense of self and helps him express who he is. While this book doesn’t speak specifically of gender issues, the author is a transgender woman, and It gently pushes ideas of gender norms

My Princess Boy

Cheryl Kilodavis

A Mom's Story About A Young Boy Who Loves to Dress up

Jacob's New Dress

Sarah Hoffman

Jacob, who likes to wear dresses at home, convinces his parents to let him wear a dress to school too.

I'm a Girl!

Yasmeen Ismail

When a rough and tumble little girl, who is sometimes mistaken for a boy, meets a boy who likes wearing princess dresses and playing with dolls, a wonderful friendship is born.

Sparkle Boy

Leslea Newman

Three-year-old Casey wants what his older sister, Jessie, has--a shimmery skirt, glittery painted nails, and a sparkly bracelet--but Jessie does not approve. After two boys tease Casey about his appearance, Jessie evolves to a place of acceptance and celebration of her gender creative younger brother

Phoenix Goes to School

Michelle and Phoenix Finch

A book about the first day of school, and some of the anxiety that comes with that for a little girl named Phoenix, who is happens to be transgender. Phoenix is just like other kids who want to fit in.

Introducing Teddy

Jess Walton

A Gentle Story About Gender and Friendship

Red, a crayons story

Michael Hall

Red has a bright red label, but he is, in fact, blue. His teacher tries to help him be red, his mother tries to help him be red, and the scissors try to help him be red by snipping his label so that he has room to breathe. But Red is miserable. He just can't be red, no matter how hard he tries! Finally, a new friend offers a brand-new perspective, and Red discovers what readers have known all along. He's blue!

George / Melissa's Story

Alex Gino

(Novel gr 3-6+)

When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl. George thinks she'll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte's Web. George really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can't even try out for the part...because she's a boy. With the help of her best friend, Kelly, George comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte -- but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all.

Neither

Airlie Anderson

A sweet and colourful book about exclusion and inclusion. There has never been a bunny bird before, so when one hatches and wants to play, the bunnies and the birds both exclude the bunny-bird. Luckily for our awesome friend, they find a new place where individuality is celebrated and celebrates with LOTS of colors.

Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress

Christine Baldachinno

Morris is just who he is and who Morris happens to be a boy who loves to dress up in an orange dress. The adults in the story don’t pass judgment. They support Morris for who he is without labeling or shaming.

Julian is a Mermaid

Jessica Love

A little boy who LOVES mermaids is on the metro with his Abuela and sees women dressed as mermaids, and his imagination runs wild. When he gets home, he transforms himself into a mermaid while his Abuela is busy. When his Abuela interrupts, she thinks he may be in trouble, but the end is far from it. While this book doesn’t overtly address the LGBTQ community, the experience of showing a loved one who you are and worrying that they may reject that speaks to the topic.

When Aidan Became A Brother

Kyle Lukoff

This sweet and groundbreaking 'ownvoices' picture book celebrates the changes in a transgender boy's life, from his initial coming-out to becoming a big brother, and how a loving, accepting family handles both.

I am Jazz

Jazz Jennings and Jessica Herthal

Illustrated story of a transgender child based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, who always knew she had a girl’s brain in a boy’s body. One small drawback: female identity is tied to princesses, pink and mermaids.

Jamie is Jamie

Afseneh Moradian

There are so many fun things to play with at Jamie’s new preschool— baby dolls to care for, toy cars to drive—and Jamie wants to play with them all! But the other children are confused . . . is Jamie a boy or a girl? Some toys are just for girls and others are just for boys, aren’t they? Not according to Jamie! This book challenges gender stereotypes, shows readers that playing is fundamental to learning, and reinforces the idea that all children need the freedom to play unencumbered.

The 2021 Ultimate List of Diverse Childrens Books

Looking for picture book inspiration for children this year? Here is a fantastic list of diverse children's books, coming in 2021, compiled by U.S. educator Charnaie Gordon on her website 'Here Wee Read'

INDIGENOUS childrens book RESOURCES For educators and carers

Indigenous scholar and author Dr. Debbie Rees provides a comprehensive list of excellent, current, children's lit. written by indigenous authors from a variety of cultural background.

Canadian books to help talk about racism

How do you talk to young readers about the racism in the world and their own country?

Click on the image for The Canadian Children's Book Centre's recommendations for books by Canadian authors, from picture books to junior and young adult fiction, that address issues caused by racism.

We have some of these books already in our library at Broadview,. and are working on getting more. If there is a title you are particularly interested in please let me know!

Own Voices bo0ks for children

#OwnVoices refers to an author from a marginalized or under-represented group writing about their own experiences, rather than someone from an outside perspective writing as a character from that group. This reading list from the Canadian Children's Book Centre features just a small selection of all the amazing #OwnVoices stories we love, featuring Canadian books for young people of all ages.