#ownvoices for IASL: Curating a List of Authentic Voices for Indigenous Children’s and Young Adult Literature

Abstract

At the 2017 IASL Annual Conference, the Children’s and Young Adult Literature Special Interest Group (CYAL SIG) discussed the creation of “Authentic Voices,” a curated list of titles, authors, illustrators, and publishers identified by IASL members as sharing authentic voices from indigenous peoples around the world. “Authentic Voices” is envisioned to be a mirror for readers from these groups, a window for readers outside of these cultures, and a sliding glass door to promote engagement with all (Sims Bishop, 1990). This paper describes the need for such a list, important diversity movements and trends in children’s and young adult literature including #weneeddiversebooks and #ownvoices, and some exemplars to be included on the list.