Gleitzman, Tan on UK cultural diversity list

14 October 2014 Books+Publishing

Books by Morris Gleitzman and Shaun Tan have been included in a list of ‘50 of the best children’s books celebrating cultural diversity in the UK’.

The inaugural ‘Diverse Voices’ list is an initiative of the Seven Stories National Centre for Children’s Books in the UK and is designed to promote books that explore diversity, either in terms of its story or the ethnic and cultural origins of the author or illustrator.

The list, which was chosen by a panel of experts, is divided into several age categories: Early Years (0+), Young Readers (5+), Older Readers (8+) and Teenage Readers (13+). Gleitzman’s Boy Overboard (Puffin) has been selected for older readers and Tan’s The Arrival (Lothian) is recommended for teenage readers.

Seven Stories CEO Kate Edwards said: ‘Children’s books shape our earliest perceptions of the world and its cultures, building understanding, empathy and tolerance. Despite this there is still a lack of representation of children from different cultural backgrounds—especially as main characters. By drawing attention to some best loved and well crafted children’s books, our Diverse Voices season will curate an exciting and diverse list of books that will help to inform the choices of librarians, teachers, booksellers and readers when they pick books to recommend, stock, read and enjoy.’

To see the full list, click here.

Category: Local news