Changing the story: Why kids' books should put people before profits

By Rita Ho-Bezzola and Taraneh Arhamsadr

As moms, we see every day how stories shape our kids—what they learn, how they understand the world, and how they see themselves and others. Stories are more than just entertainment; they serve as guideposts, helping kids build empathy, discover new things, and grow into kind humans. But right now, so many stories that reflect the real experiences of families and kids—especially those who walk a different path—are missing. For families navigating big challenges, like medical journeys or cultural differences, it’s heartbreaking when we can’t find stories that reflect what we go through. It feels like publishing companies care more about what will sell than the stories that could actually make a difference. We need stories that don’t just cater to trends but ones that connect, teach empathy, and really mean something to our kids.

So, how did we get here? And what can we do to change this?

Why business doesn’t always get what kids need: As businesses get bigger, they tend to focus more on profits, stockholders, and market research. Big publishers are looking for books they know will sell in large numbers. And that means they often pass over the stories that speak to smaller, more unique audiences. For them, if there’s not a big enough market, there’s no point in telling that story. But what about the impact those stories could have? What about the power of a book to reach a child who feels unseen or help kids learn compassion for someone different from them?

When publishers say, “the market isn’t big enough,” they’re telling us that our children’s experiences and journeys aren’t “worth” sharing. But we know—as moms, we know—that these stories can touch people, teach them to be kinder, and help kids see the world in a whole new way.

The real loss when we don’t tell inclusive stories: When kids’ books don’t reflect diverse stories, we’re leaving our kids without mirrors and windows. For some kids, not seeing themselves in stories makes them feel like they don’t count. For others, not reading about kids who are different from them means they miss out on learning compassion and empathy. As moms, we want our kids to see themselves, but we also want them to see kids from every background and experience so they grow up understanding and accepting of others.

And when we ignore these unique stories, we’re silently telling our kids that only certain kinds of lives or experiences “matter” enough to share. That’s not a world we want for our children. More than ever, we need stories that bring our kids closer together, not reinforce the walls that keep them apart.

Reframing publishing from transactional to transformational: We need to start thinking about publishing in a new way. Publishing could be seen as a chance to lift up society, not just make money. Imagine if, instead of asking, “How much will this sell?” publishers also asked, “How can this book help someone?” Of course, it takes commitment. But as moms, we know the impact a story can have. These books might not always be bestsellers right out of the gate, but they’re the stories that shape a better world for our kids.

If more parents, teachers, and caregivers start asking for these kinds of books, publishers will feel the pull. We have the power to drive demand for inclusive, therapeutic, and educational stories that help kids understand the beautiful range of experiences around them.

Building a new path for diverse stories: If the traditional publishing world isn’t stepping up, other paths are opening for these stories. Independent presses, digital platforms, and even AI-driven content creation are finding ways to bring unique stories directly to the families who need them most. And this means parents, educators, and advocates can have a bigger voice in sharing these vital books.

We can all play a part in building this movement. Parents like us, teachers, healthcare workers, and everyone who believes in the power of inclusive stories can share, support, and lift up these books, using them as tools to raise empathetic and kind-hearted kids.

Can we change this story? Yes, we can. But it takes a community to make it happen. If we come together—parents, educators, librarians, and publishers alike—we can show that there’s a real, growing demand for stories that represent every child’s journey. This isn’t just about sales; it’s about creating a world where every child feels seen, valued, and celebrated. Our kids deserve a publishing industry that doesn’t just mirror the world but actively helps create a kinder, more inclusive one.

Let’s make it happen: As parents, let’s encourage publishers, writers, and storytellers to think beyond sales numbers and recognize the lasting impact of inclusive kids’ books. By supporting and amplifying these stories, we’re helping build a more empathetic world, one that welcomes and honors every child. And we’re teaching our kids that every story—especially the ones that make us feel and think deeply—has a place on the shelf. Let’s build a world where all kids see themselves and each other, learning values that will guide them for a lifetime.