Writers of Diverse Childrens Literature- Insiders or Outsiders?

In my opinion, I think we should choose literature that is written both by insiders and outsiders. My definition of an “insider” is someone that has direct experience in a particular culture. They may have either been born into this group or they have chosen to surround themselves with the culture of this group. It is important for us to read diverse literature from an insider’s perspective because they know first hand what goes on. They know what stereotypes have been said about them and they can address these in their literature.

Although it is important to get the viewpoint of someone from the group which they are writing about, I believe it is equally important to have literature written by an “outsider”. An outsider may not as educated about the group that they are writing about. This will cause them to write stereotypical literature. Yes, this is a bad thing, however if used in the right way it can be seen as very valuable.

As teachers, we may choose to use this literature to explain to them the way the particular group really acts. Many of our children may have not been exposed to diverse literature. By presenting them with literature from “insiders” and “outsiders” perspectives’ we are able to show them the differences and teach them the way the groups actually act. I think that it is important to choose diverse literature written by both "insiders" and "outsiders" of a group.