Why Diverse Books Aren't Enough: The Hidden Problem You Need to Know

Why Diverse Books Aren't Enough: The Hidden Problem Every Teacher Needs to Know

🎯 In this eye-opening interview, high school English teacher Morgan Jackson reveals the critical difference between diversity and equity in classroom libraries - and why it matters more than you think.

Morgan, who teaches 11th and 12th grades at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, breaks down why simply having diverse books isn't enough. She explains how trauma-centered diverse literature can actually harm students and shares practical strategies for creating truly equitable representation in your classroom.

What You'll Learn:
• The difference between diversity vs. equity in education
• Why trauma-based diverse books can be harmful to students
• How to create inclusive classrooms that truly serve all students
• Effective teaching strategies for difficult conversations
• Student engagement techniques that honor every child's identity
• Pro-kid mindset approaches to book selection
• Culturally responsive teaching methods that work

Episode Mentions: 

Morgan’s Published Writing:

• Jackson, Morgan (2021).  How Librarians and Teachers Can Cultivate Diverse Books That Go Beyond the Trauma Experience.  We Need Diverse Books.

Morgan’s Recommended Resources: 

• Booksource. (2022). Why Incidental Diversity is Important In Your Classroom Library. 
• We Need Diverse Books
• Dr. Bichmore’s YA Wednesday blog
• The Brown Bookshelf - United in Story

Other Notes:

• National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
• Nerdy Book Club - a community of readers

Perfect for: teachers, education coaches, school administrators, parents, homeschoolers, teacher mentors, instructional leaders, school counselors

Chapters
0:00 - Introduction & Welcome
0:27 - Meet Morgan Jackson: From Middle School to High School
1:12 - The Inspiring Teacher in Morgan's Life
2:13 - Defining the Problem: Diversity vs. Equity Confusion
4:01 - The Power of Rudine Sims Bishop's Mirror/Window Quote
4:45 - Why Diverse Representation Isn't Enough
6:42 - The Pitfalls of Trauma-Centered Diverse Literature
7:18 - The COVID Analogy: Understanding Trauma Fatigue
9:08 - Moving Beyond Trauma: What Students Actually Need
9:42 - Resources for Equitable Book Selection
11:01 - The Cognition Piece: Who Are We Putting Forward?
12:02 - "If a Book Doesn't Belong, The Kid Doesn't Belong"
12:45 - Addressing Book Banning and Censorship
14:16 - Teaching Critical Thinking Over Content
15:50 - Having Difficult Conversations with Students
17:59 - Handling Parental Pushback
19:48 - Student-Centered Approach to Literature
20:32 - Final Thoughts: It's Not Just About Seeing Yourself

When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.