In the world of children’s literature, few authors have had as profound an impact on diverse representation as Grace Lin. With a career spanning over two decades, Lin has carved a space for herself as an acclaimed author and illustrator, known for her vibrant stories that celebrate Asian culture and identity. In a recent interview, we discussed the increasing inclusiveness and representation of diverse characters and groups in literature and illustration.

Grace shared her observation that while the change towards greater diversity was previously slow, it significantly accelerated within the last decade, with the emergence of new diverse books and an increasing number of authors and illustrators of colour. We agreed that while there was still a long way to go, this development was a positive and welcome trend.

Lin’s journey as a creator is deeply rooted in her childhood experiences and the books that shaped her imagination. “The books that inspired my creation process are those that I read when I was younger,” Lin explains. “Classics like Anne of Green Gables, The Wizard of Oz, and The Search for Delicious by Natalie Babbitt had a profound impact on me.” Lin’s own works, such as Where the Mountain Meets the Moon and The Year of the Dog, draw inspiration from these beloved eastern classics, infusing them with her unique perspective and cultural heritage.

However, Lin’s path to becoming an author and illustrator was not without its challenges, particularly in navigating the publishing industry as an Asian American. “In the beginning, there were very few books with Asian characters,” Lin recalls. “Publishers only seemed to need one Asian author per house, and breaking into the industry was incredibly difficult.” Lin’s early experiences of rejection and the lack of representation fueled her determination to create stories that reflected her own experiences and culture.

One of Lin’s most notable contributions to children’s literature is her unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. Through her books, Lin seeks to fill the gap she felt growing up—a lack of characters who looked like her. “I loved books so much when I was younger, but I never saw anybody that looked like me in those books,” Lin explains. “That’s why I started writing and illustrating my own stories—to fulfil my wish of seeing myself represented.”

Lin acknowledges the evolving landscape of diversity in children’s literature, noting significant strides in recent years. “The biggest change came with initiatives like ‘We Need Diverse Books,'” Lin reflects. “In the past decade, there has been a noticeable increase in authors and illustrators of colour, but there’s still a long way to go.”

Discussing the importance of diverse representation, Lin emphasises the impact it has on young readers. “When children see themselves reflected in books, it validates their experiences and fosters a sense of belonging,” Lin explains. “Conversely, the absence of representation sends a message that their stories don’t matter.”

Lin also addresses the issue of cultural appropriation in children’s literature, highlighting the importance of authentic representation. “It’s not just about whether you can write about another culture; it’s about why you should,” Lin asserts. “When creators from marginalised communities are sidelined, it perpetuates the idea that only certain voices are worthy of telling certain stories.”

As Lin continues to champion diversity in children’s literature, her legacy serves as an inspiration to aspiring authors and illustrators worldwide. Through her heartfelt storytelling and commitment to representation, Grace Lin has undoubtedly left a persisting mark on the literary landscape—one that celebrates the richness of culture and the power of diverse voices.

Find out more about Grace Lin at: https://gracelin.com 

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Lin, Grace. Personal interview with the author. 19 April 2024.

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Eleanor Duggan is a passionate children’s book reader, a storytelling enchantress, an aspiring globetrotter, a part-time book crafter, and an impassioned foodie who is a cooking disaster. She is more known as an international school teacher-librarian and the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) Regional Director for East Asia. She is a Taiwanese with a Belgian soul and is currently enjoying her life as a citizen of the world with her daughter and their 2 one-of-a kind cats. You may find her via The Third Culture Librarian 

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