Meaghan O’Donnell
Diversity in Children’s Literature
Exposing children to cultural and neurological diversity through children’s literature is incredibly important because when encountering these themes early in life, children are more likely to be encouraging, accepting, and willing to learn.
Inspired by the way her siblings view the world, Meaghan has experienced first-hand how art and design are important tools for communication. Meaghan hopes to make the world a better place with her designs by encouraging those around her to find joy and positivity in every moment. Meaghan’s show is dedicated to her late brother, Kiernan, who embodied that it’s our differences that change the world.
TITLE POSTER
CHILDREN’S BOOKS AT A GLANCE:
This is a timeline of children’s books. Children’s literature has progressed exponentially from the first children’s book written in 1744 to the children’s books being written today. Within the last decade, children’s books have been aimed towards inclusion and diversity to include people of every background.
DIVERSITY IN CHILDREN’S LITERATURE:
Based off of information done in a 2018 by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center, School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison. This visualizes how different races are portrayed in Children’s Literature, the majority of the main character’s are white.
CHILDREN’S BOOK COVER REDESIGNS:
I redesigned the covers of 2 popular children’s books which make the main characters minorities. It’s important that children see themselves represented in media. I chose to redesign James and the Giant Peach and Matilda, which are heavily read by most children.
BOOKMARKS:
These were going to be my take-away items, which are bookmarks based on the children’s book covers I redesigned.
DIVERSITY QUOTE POSTERS:
These 4 posters are of quotes that involve the importance of diversity. Each of the quotes was said by a different author, which emphasizes the importance of diversity and reading.
AUTISM/DYSLEXIA/ADHD INFOGRAPHIC POSTERS:
Along with cultural and racial diversity, I wanted to highlight Neurological diversity. The infographic posters educate people on three highly diagnosed neurological disorders. Each poster mentions what the early signs are and elements to successful education.
GROWING UP O’DONNELL – CHILDREN’S BOOK
LINK TO READ Growing Up O’Donnell HERE
My main project was writing and illustrating my own children’s book. I grew up in a neurologically diverse family, with 5 of my siblings being on the Autism spectrum. For my entire life, I have witness people look and acknowledge my siblings differently because of their disability. This book is set in my point of view and focuses on how I learned about their disabilities as well as highlighting their talents. The message I really want to spread is that it’s our differences that change the world, and those differences should be celebrated.
GROWING UP O’DONNELL STORYBOARD:
This was to be displayed so people could read the book from afar while they were waiting to read the physical copy.
Thank you so much for viewing my senior exhibition!
More of my work can be found HERE