Stacy Frantz’s Young Adult fantasy has always been a favorite among readers because it takes them to other worlds. It transports us to different universes, makes us meet incredible characters, and lets us live in worlds full of magic and mystery. However, for many readers, these worlds have not always been welcoming or safe for them.
What is Diverse Representation?
Diversity is portraying people from different backgrounds, identities, and experiences in media, literature, and other forms of narration. This includes but is not limited to:
- Race and ethnicity: People of color should be in different positions and not just as one-dimensional characters.
- Gender identity and sexual orientation: Members of the LGBTQ+ should be represented and depicted in the best way possible.
- Socioeconomic status: It is essential that people of different classes are portrayed and stereotyping is not encouraged.
- Ability: It is important to represent people with disabilities as they are and without pity.
- Age: There should be a representation of people of different ages in the stories.
- Religion and culture: People of different faiths and cultures must be portrayed in a manner that is not degrading or insulting.
The Importance of Diverse Representation
In the last few years, there has been a demand for more diverse YA fiction, and fantasy is not exempted from this. There are several reasons why diversity is crucial.
First, it enables readers to find themselves in the stories that they read. This is true for all people, but especially for the youth, as they are still in the process of forming their identity. If students can identify with the characters in the books and see themselves reflected in them, they are important and matter.
Second, the presence of diverse characters prevents stereotyping and increases people’s tolerance. Through the characters, readers get to know the world and the people around them, thus gaining tolerance and understanding of others. This is especially important in the current world characterized by globalization.
How Diverse Representation Makes YA Fantasy Better
Thus, it is possible to list the following advantages of reading YA fantasy books with diverse representation. Here are just a few:
- More engaging stories: When authors use different backgrounds and experiences to develop their characters, the stories become more interesting to read.
- A more comprehensive range of readers: It also assists in drawing more readers to the given genre since it is more inclusive of the population. This benefits readers and authors by making the community more active and exciting.
- A more accurate reflection of the world: The world is diverse, and YA fantasy should be a microcosm of that. Authors make the reading experience more authentic by making the characters more varied.
Diverse Representation for The Best Young Adult Fantasy Books
It is always good to read best young adult fantasy books that are different from what you are used to. So, you can learn about other people and their way of life. It is also a good way to encourage authors who are writing diverse books for everyone to read. Therefore, the next time you are searching for the next young adult fantasy novel to read. Making sure to find one that has diverse characters. You could be in for the new Best Young Adult Fantasy Book you have been searching for.