URL www.diversebookfinder.org

Grade Level Professional

Cost Free

Overview Diverse BookFinder (DBF) is an online resource designed for librarians, educators, parents, book creators, and publishers committed to finding and promoting children’s books featuring characters who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (­BIPOC). Recently revamped with new branding and a more accessible, professional design, DBF includes features aimed at making it easier to discover inclusive literature. The platform serves as a useful tool for curating collections, creating new content, and ensuring that the stories in classrooms and libraries are diverse, authentic, and reflective of different cultures and experiences.

New Branding & Website Design To access DBF’s key features, users must scroll down to access their “Search the Collection,” “Collection Analysis Tool,” “Explore Our Data,” and “Diverse BookFinder Blog.” The new site is compatible with screen readers and supports keyboard navigation, making it easier for individuals with different accessibility needs. Alternative text for images has been added, ensuring that the content is ­accessible to all users. These improvements reflect DBF’s focus on inclusivity, both in the books it highlights and in how it serves its audience

Expanded Title Collection DBF has expanded beyond its original focus on picture books. This updated collection features early readers, chapter books, graphic novels, middle grade, and young adult novels. This makes it a more thorough tool for finding diverse books appropriate for a range of audiences.

Content The collection is organized with over 200 new tags that describe content and character representation, allowing for more specific searches. Users can filter by race, culture, gender, theme, and even the lived experiences of the book’s creators by choosing the “Creator Lived Experience” tag. This feature provides detailed information on the identities and experiences of the authors and illustrators. This tag can be ­particularly useful for librarians, educators, and publishers who want to ensure that the stories they choose are informed by lived experiences, providing a more authentic voice.

The “Collection Analysis Tool” ­allows ­users to critically evaluate their current ­library collections. This free account ­enables librarians to upload their collection, analyze its diversity, and identify gaps in representation. Once the free account is ­created, DBF will notify users with ­credentials, ­allowing users to get started in their ­collection analysis and eventually ­arrive at a ­generated, detailed report that provides ­visual comparisons to national census data in users’ ­community, helping to guide future ­collection ­development. This would be an extremely helpful tool for those conducting a diversity audit of their collections.

New & Expanded Search Filters DBF’s recent updates include expanded search filters that make it easier to find specific books that align with thematic needs or programming. ­Users can search the collection with over 200 new descriptive tags, such as race, gender, themes, and others. This allows for more ­precise searching, allowing librarians to quickly locate titles that meet specific ­educational goals. The enhanced search functionality is convenient for those developing lesson plans, designing library programming, or curating book lists on specific topics.

Applications in Libraries & Schools DBF is a useful tool for libraries and school ­classrooms working to promote equity and ­diversity in their collections. For librarians, the “­Collection Analysis Tool” allows a deep dive into how well current collections represent diverse cultures, ensuring that students from all backgrounds can see themselves reflected in the literature.

Verdict Diverse BookFinder is a ­beneficial ­resource for librarians and educators who are dedicated to encouraging diversity and ­inclusivity in children’s literature. Its ­upgraded tools, such as the expanded search filters and the “Collection Analysis Tool,” offer educators ways to engage with and develop ­collections that reflect the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences of their ­readers. It is a resource that contributes ­intentionally to the ongoing need for ­representation in ­children’s literature.

Alexandra Cornejo, Harlingen School of Health Professions, TX.