Join Young, Black, & Lit book drive for O.C. Allen Elementary School

O.C. Allen Elementary School in Aurora has a 92% minority population, yet its students often can't see themselves in the books they read.

In 2012, the Cooperative Children's Book Center reviewed 3,600 children's books, finding less than 8% percent featuring BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) characters.

Young, Black, & Lit wants to change that. A nonprofit with the mission of giving books to youth, it offers individuals the chance to spearhead book drives for local schools.

"It's important for children to see themselves in what they read," said local organizer Ellen Jo Ljung of Geneva. "That validates their place in the world, offers them role models, and encourages identity formation. And all of us benefit from multicultural literature that reflects the world in which we live, helping us to learn to appreciate others and get along."

Anyone can participate by going to the Young, Black, & Lit website (youngblackandlit.org), choosing a book or two, and putting the code "Panthers" in when they order.

The company will hold all the books until Jan. 5, the end of the drive, and then ship them to O. C. Allen at no charge.

Librarian Margaret Hollar points out, "When a book mirrors a reader's life, physical appearance and inner thoughts, connections are built. Children and adults alike will absorb more of what is read because they can relate to what is happening. In addition, book mirrors provide self-affirmation and an acceptance that the reader is part of a greater whole."

People who buy a book or two for O. C. Allen can help this happen locally.

For more information on this book drive, contact Ellen Ljung at ellenjoljung@gmail.com.

Young, Black & Lit is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing children's books featuring Black characters to local youth at no cost to the youth or their families.