AustLit

'This article explores the findings from the first “diversity count” of Australian children’s picture books, conducted in 2019 in partnership with advocacy group Voices from the Intersection (VFTI). Specifically, this article explores the eighty-three percent of 2018 Australian children’s picture books that did not feature a marginalized protagonist: namely, those that featured human characters who could not be identified as marginalized in any way, animals, and inhuman protagonists. We propose that the Australian publishing industry, rather than suffering from a “diversity deficit,” instead overrepresents a narrow demographic of human experiences and non-human protagonists. We suggest that the oversaturation of the local children’s picture book market with such similar stories disadvantages all children, who are denied a rich and diverse reading experience, as well as the opportunity to see themselves and their peers depicted. This article provides greater insight into the current debates about diversity and inclusion in children’s media.'(Publication abstract)

'Research into diverse representation in children’s literature has predominantly focused on highlighting positive representations of marginalized communities, or critiquing overtly negative stereotypes. While important, this has resulted in the more innocuous representations of marginalized characters being overlooked in scholarship. This study discusses 35 2018 Australian children’s picture books in which marginalized characters were depicted; yet their identities were not engaged with as part of an enjoyable narrative. These findings provide new insights for scholars, librarians, educators, readers, and publishers, that can support the identification of truly inclusive children’s picture books.' (Publication abstract)

'This article based on an empirical study of Australian authors argues that, despite the OwnVoices movement gathering momentum in Australia, there are still barriers and limitations for authors from marginalised communities within the Australian publishing industry. This is due to power imbalances in publishing spaces which silence marginalised writers, limiting the availability of their books to teenage readers.'

Source: Abstract.

'Based on a study of Australian young adult (YA) fiction authors, this paper argues that it is necessary for publishers, booksellers, and YA librarians to pay attention to the global movement towards diversity: diversity within their own organisations, diversity among authors they publish, stock, or collect, and representations of diversity within YA fiction. The mainstream attention to diversity has particularly focused on media for young people, with advocates stating that children and teenagers from traditionally marginalised communities deserve to see their own experiences reflected and validated in the media they consume. This paper looks at diversity in writing and traditional publishing through interviews with Australian YA authors (conducted in 2016) from traditionally marginalised or unacknowledged communities, especially as it relates to their transition from reader to writer, and their experience of the publishing journey. A critical discourse analysis of the interviews point to a need for more diversity representations in YA fiction, and also the need for a change in industry practices to enable this, including publishing, bookselling, and library practices.'  (Introduction)

'This article explores findings from an investigation into the publishing experiences of Australian authors of inclusive Young Adult (YA) fiction. A total of seven authors, each publicly identifying as part of a marginalised community in Australia, were interviewed. This paper concentrates on the findings of semi-structured interviews with two authors of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Asexual, Pansexual, and Other (LGBTQIAP+) fiction, and their experience of promoting their books in school and library environments. Findings were analysed using Critical Discourse Analysis to understand their interactions with publishers, audiences, and school staff. The research was carried out in 2016 but highlights longstanding issues regarding the inclusion of queer literature for young people in educational spaces, including school libraries and high school English curriculums. More broadly, it contributes to the understanding of how diversity and inclusion within YA Fiction is viewed in Australia, and the role of gatekeepers in providing or denying access.' (Publication abstract)

Data for this paper was obtained from AustLit : The Australian Literature Resource and the archives on Goodreads.