This was originally posted on The Olive Fox before the online magazine closed.
The Young Adult book community has been calling out for more diverse representation for years and, slowly but surely with sites like Diveristy in YA, Disability in Kidlit, Gay YA (now called YA Pride), and LGBTQ Reads, we have seen an increase in the number of marginalised groups with starring roles in the pages of YA. There’s still a long way to go, but progress is definitely being made.
It’s not just representation we’re after, but accurate representation meaning that authors writing about circumstances outside of their own experiences have to do their homework to make sure there are no glaring stereotypes or complete misconceptions. Some of my favourite diverse YA novels have been by authors who have done a ton of research to make sure they have written the people their characters are representing as accurate as they’re able. Unfortunately, though, authors can sometimes miss the mark a little. However, there is a sure-fire way to guarantee that the book you’re reading has the most accurate representation possible; read an #OwnVoices novel.
The Young Adult book community has been calling out for more diverse representation for years and, slowly but surely with sites like Diveristy in YA, Disability in Kidlit, Gay YA (now called YA Pride), and LGBTQ Reads, we have seen an increase in the number of marginalised groups with starring roles in the pages of YA. There’s still a long way to go, but progress is definitely being made.
It’s not just representation we’re after, but accurate representation meaning that authors writing about circumstances outside of their own experiences have to do their homework to make sure there are no glaring stereotypes or complete misconceptions. Some of my favourite diverse YA novels have been by authors who have done a ton of research to make sure they have written the people their characters are representing as accurate as they’re able. Unfortunately, though, authors can sometimes miss the mark a little. However, there is a sure-fire way to guarantee that the book you’re reading has the most accurate representation possible; read an #OwnVoices novel.
Otherbound by Corinne Duyvis (proof) - Amara is never alone. Not when she's protecting the cursed princess she unwillingly serves. Not when they're fleeing across dunes and islands and seas to stay alive. Not when she's punished, ordered around, or neglected.
