By Dennis Abrams | @DennisAbrams2

Scholastic and the non-profit organization We Need Diverse Books has announced that they are expanding their collaboration in order to put more books by diverse authors with diverse characters into schools.

For the 2016-2017 school year, the Scholastic Reading Club and #WeNeedDiverseBook will produce together eight flyers to be distributed in classrooms with students ranging from toddlers to YA. The flyers will emphasize stories by and about people from communities traditionally under-represented in children’s literature.

Featuring award-winning titles, timeless classics, as well as new releases, these special edition Scholastic Reading Club flyers will reach millions of students during the coming school year. The collection showcases titles representing a wide range of diversities, including race and ethnicity, religion, LGBTQ, disabled characters, and more.

Judy Newman, President of the Scholastic Reading Club and Scholastic EVP, says, “We are determined to address the pressing need for all children—from all backgrounds—to have access to top-quality, affordable books in which they see themselves and learn about others.”

Newman tells Publishing Perspectives:

Judy Newman

“The editors of Scholastic Reading Club pore over thousands of titles every year from all publishers seeking out the very best books that are not only great stories but also will build empathy and understanding.

“These great titles are often available in our grade-leveled flyers as well, and by concentrating them in special offerings and working with We Need Diverse Books, we are able to highlight even more books by diverse authors that feature diverse characters and increase their visibility for teachers, parents and kids.

“We are thrilled to be working with We Need Diverse Books™ and are looking forward to the positive impact of this powerful collaboration on children’s lives.”

Dhonielle Clayton is Chief Operating Officer and Senior VP of Librarian Services for We Need Diverse Books.

She adds in a prepared statement:

Dhonielle Clayton

“After the overwhelmingly positive response from teachers, parents and kids, We Need Diverse Books is delighted to continue our partnership with Scholastic Reading Club.

“Together, we’ll be able to broaden the breadth and scope of the books we’re putting into the hands of children, presenting them with both the necessary windows and mirrors through which they explore the world.”