A new ECU study has revealed the three biggest barriers to children developing a love of reading were lack of access to books, underrepresentation of children from diverse backgrounds, and opportunity to read.
New Edith Cowan University (ECU) research shows that to promote a love of reading, rather than just the ability to read, children must have the opportunity to read for pleasure, and books that reflect our diverse society.
Associate Professor Helen Adam's recent Winston Churchill Fellowship conducted in the United States and United Kingdom investigated the use of children's literature to disrupt prejudice and discrimination.
The study revealed the three biggest barriers to children developing a love of reading were lack of access to books, underrepresentation of children from diverse backgrounds, and opportunity to read.
Associate Professor Adam said children needed not only high-quality reading instruction throughout their formal education but also regular opportunities to read for pleasure.
"However, for children to read for pleasure they need access to multiple books that reflect and connect with their own lives and backgrounds," she said.
She said gifting children books this Christmas can be more than giving them something to read.
"Books are portals to adventure, imagination and new experiences.
"And importantly, they can help children understand and appreciate themselves, and those around them," Associate Professor Adam said.
Donate a children's book
The study showed that for children living in poverty inequitable access to books not only hindered their enjoyment of reading, but also their readiness for school.
Associate Professor Adam said a lack of school libraries and opportunities to read for pleasure compounded this problem, disproportionately affecting poorer and underrepresented communities where school libraries may be children’s only access to books.
"For many families, buying books is a luxury they can't afford and the additional financial pressure around Christmas often compounds this," she said.
"If you're donating to a giving tree or other charity, consider some quality diverse books so the joy and benefits of books can be extended to those so often deprived of the opportunity to interact with books."
Why diversity in kids' books is so important
Associate Professor Adam explained gifting children's books that reflect our diverse society was important for two main reasons.
"Firstly, all children need to see people and characters similar or familiar to themselves, and situations and communities similar to their own experiences," she said.
"This helps children make connections to their own lives and builds a love of reading, as well as having a positive impact on their sense of place and belonging in their society and the world."
"Secondly, when children read books about characters and situations different to their own, they develop a deeper understanding of the diversity of our society and our world.
"This can build empathy, understanding and acceptance with benefits for all children and society."
Diverse books for your Christmas list
Associate Professor Adam said it was often tempting to buy the books you remember reading as a child, or in the case of grandparents, the books you read to your own children.
"But this year, try to reach out for the more contemporary books that reflect today's world and society," she said.
"These are more likely to contain reflections of the familiar and wider society.
"The Australian children's publishing industry is world standard so look for books by Aussie authors."
She suggested some diverse Australian authors to seek out.
"Gabriel Wang, Jasmine Seymour, Scott Stuart, Maxine Beneba Clarke, Dub Leffler, Helen Milroy, Sally Morgan, Amebliin Kwaymullina, Ezekiel Kwaymullina, Holden Sheppard. But there are many more!" she said.
Associate Professor Helen Adam's report 'To enhance expertise in children’s books as vehicles for disrupting prejudice and discrimination' is published on the Winston Churchill Trust website.
