New books from India
I’m writing this still buzzing from an incredible trip to India last week. I had the chance to spend hours in libraries and independent bookstores in Mumbai and Delhi, and I was so energised by the children’s literature scene.
When I started Kibi, I knew there was a whole world of books beyond what I could find in my local book stores, and I wanted to get these books in the hands of my students. In India, I saw shelves packed with stories in English, Hindi, and Marathi, and contemporary Indian stories with relatable characters. I got to talk with local librarians about what their kids are reading and what “global” means to them. I’m so excited to share that a whole new collection of books from Indian authors and publishers will be coming to the Kibi site very soon. Stay tuned!
What Do We Really Mean by “Accessible”?
New subscribers have been asking me about our Kibi principle: “Accessible, Not Simplified.”
It’s such a tricky balance, isn’t it? As educators, we’ve all handed a student a “simplified” graded reader and felt that twinge of… ugh, disappointment. We know these books are useful tools, but they often lack the magic that books bring, and they can make students feel “other” or even “less than” their peers.
Sometimes it can feel at odds with our goal to show our EAL learners that they’re valued and celebrated for their multilingual abilities. So, we hand them an “authentic” book, and we watch their shoulders slump as they hit a wall of slang or complex vocabulary.
Accessible is the magic in the middle.
An accessible book doesn’t dumb down its ideas. It respects the reader’s intelligence. It tackles complex emotions like feeling displaced, finding your identity, or navigating a new friendship. But it does so with language that is clear, and supportive. It builds confidence and gives students that incredible satisfaction of finishing a real book.
We call these books Bridging Reads. They are real books, by real authors. But they have language that is accessible for students who are reading below grade level. They are often supported with illustrations, and they introduce new phrases and vocabulary thoughtfully.
You can find our latest Bridging Reads on the Kibi webpage. We’re not a bookstore, we just recommend the books and tell you where to find them. You can add books to your wishlist to share with your local book store, or buy directly online using the links on the page.
How Can You Get Involved?
We love to share what we’re reading, but we can’t do it alone. Help us to grow our Kibi mission!
- Tell me: What’s a book you’ve found that perfectly fits the “Accessible, Not Simplified” theme? Just add a comment to this post and let me know. I’d love to add it.
- Recommend: Have a favorite global author or a book from your home region? Add a comment!
- Share: Know another librarian or teacher who is tired of the endless searching? Send them this link!
Let’s work together to make our libraries truly reflect the world our students live in.
