In 2021, out of an estimated 5,000 children’s books published, only 99 were by Black creators. For that same year, 96 were by Asian authors, and 77 were by Latinx authors. To see the data on diversity in children’s publishing, check out the CCBC’s Diversity Statistics: https://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/literature-resources/ccbc-diversity-statistics/

Minnesota is home to highly talented BIPOC authors and illustrators who create books for children, from board books to picture books, from middle grade to young adult. They write books that are both windows and mirrors to young readers from all backgrounds and life experiences.

See reading lists of books by Minnesota-based authors.

Members of the MN BIPOC Kidlit Creators are a mix of traditionally published and independently/self-published authors and illustrators who come from a variety of backgrounds. They possess a wide range of career and life experiences, talents, and skills. They have been recognized both nationally and regionally through awards and organizations such as:

-American Library Association

-Bank Street Best Books

-Bush Foundation

-CCBC Choices

-Loft Literary Center

-McKnight Foundation

-Minnesota Book Awards

-Minnesota State Arts Board

-National Book Critics Circle

-NEA

-Printz Award

-Society of Midland Authors Awards

…and so many more!

Yes! Inviting authors to visit your school benefits students and staff in a number of ways:

-Meeting authors promotes literacy by bringing to life the writing and publishing process.

-Authors are writing experts!

-Many authors, especially those who write nonfiction, are also subject-matter experts and can share their experiences as researchers.

-Students learn that authors are real people!

-Improves the reading and writing culture in a school.

-Sparks more reading and inspires creativity.

-Seeing authors that represent students’ cultures validates their lives and learning experiences.

-Seeing authors from a range of cultural backgrounds expands both students and staff views of the world.

-Author visits reinforce learning strategies and can motivate students to pursue literary pathways.

How to Host an Author Visit:
Learn more about planning, funding, and hosting an author at your school or organization.

Authors love to meet readers of all ages! Most of the authors listed on this site are available for in-person and virtual visits for schools, libraries, books clubs, and more. Contact the group or reach out to an individual author for rates and details.

Unfortunately, most children’s authors do not make enough through book sales alone to support their livelihood. Yet they devote a significant amount of time perfecting their craft to create books that will engage young readers because they believe in the power of literature to educate, uplift, and entertain. Just as educators expect to be paid for teaching, authors and illustrators need to be paid for educating students about the writing and publishing process and sharing their work, talents, and skills.