At The Reading Lens, we're passionate about fostering a love of reading in children and young adults that lasts a lifetime.
Recent reports from PEN America have highlighted a concerning trend: books that reflect diverse experiences—particularly those by Black authors addressing race, identity, and history—are increasingly being removed from school libraries where young readers would typically discover them.
Important present-day stories like Angie Thomas's "The Hate U Give" and classics like Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" offer young readers valuable perspectives that build empathy, critical thinking skills, and self-awareness.
As a bookstore dedicated to children's and young adult literacy, we believe every young reader deserves to see themselves reflected in literature while also gaining windows into experiences different from their own. These stories don't just improve reading skills - they help develop compassionate, thoughtful individuals.
That's why The Reading Lens is committed to keeping diverse books accessible for young readers of all ages. This month, we're featuring a special collection of powerful stories for children and teens that celebrate different voices and experiences. Visit our website to discover books that will not only improve literacy but also inspire the next generation of thoughtful citizens.
Because at The Reading Lens, we believe literacy means more than just reading words -it means understanding our world.

Explore. Discover. Read. 📚 🌍 🚀