Growing up in a neighborhood where summers were spent indoors due to lack of access to camps, Andrea Jamison found solace in books. Reading became her „saving grace,“ providing an escape and a window into different worlds. However, it wasn’t until she was 14 years old that she came across a book that truly resonated with her – Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. This pivotal moment sparked her passion for diverse literature and set her on the path to becoming an advocate for representation in children’s books.
As an assistant professor specializing in diversity and inequities in children’s literature in libraries, Jamison plays a crucial role in ensuring that all children see themselves reflected in the books they read. Her expertise in the field led her to be selected as a juror for the Coretta Scott King Book Awards, which recognize outstanding books by African American authors and illustrators that reflect the Black experience. Through her work with the American Library Association and other organizations, she advocates for the importance of diverse representation in children’s literature.
Jamison’s own experiences of not seeing herself represented in books outside of slavery motivated her to write and publish Decentering Whiteness in Libraries. As a professor of school librarianship, she teaches courses on selecting library materials for students and conducts professional development courses for teachers on diversity and equity. Her dedication to promoting diverse content in children’s literature is evident in her efforts to ensure that meaningful representation is prioritized.
In her role as a juror for the Coretta Scott King Book Awards, Jamison reviews hundreds of books that are nominated for the prestigious award. This commitment allows her to stay connected to her research and identify upcoming titles that specifically cater to the African American experience. She also shares these books with students, encouraging the next generation of librarians and educators to prioritize diversity in their collections.
Jamison’s advocacy extends beyond the realm of literature, as she stands with the ALA in opposing censorship of books that focus on LGBTQIA+ issues and the Black experience. She believes that all stories deserve to be told and that censoring books can be harmful to students who see themselves reflected in those narratives. By championing diverse voices in children’s literature, Jamison is paving the way for a more inclusive and representative literary landscape for future generations.