We write about children’s book trends about the beginning of October every year. Never have we seen a year like 2020!
The year began with the same groove and trends we were seeing in 2018 and 2019. Then, like everything else in the world, there were some radical turns due to the COVID crisis. From a pandemic to racial justice and all the technological advances, it’s amazing to see how global events drastically changed book trends this year.
Below are five trends that are unique to 2020. We added to trends that are book-related, but not book-specific.
1. Racial Justice
With the events that took place earlier this year, books about anti-racism and racial justice have become the most popular books of 2020.
While there are controversial books about this subject, there are also books that take a look at the situation at hand and make it easier for children to understand.
Clean Getaway allows you to take a trip with a boy and his grandma to be educated on the realities of the American South history. This year has been about opening your eyes to the realities of this country and its past, and this book offers just that through a fun story kids will actually want to read.
Another wonderful example is Little Leaders, Bold Women in Black History. This book tells the story of a few amazing women who took a stand in places that weren’t always accepting of them. It teaches kids to speak up and respect themselves.
2. Female Empowerment
When shopping for books, you will notice more women in lead roles. Not just romantic roles, but strong leading women who stand up for themselves and show that you can do anything on their own.
Think Big, Little One is a board book that showcases famous women from around the world. It is designed to create the mindset in little ones to dream big and you can accomplish anything.
Published September 2020, Legendborn is another great example of a strong female lead. It features an independent girl who learns about her past and tries to figure out what she needs to do to save everyone.
3. Social Media Fiction
It’s no surprise that social media is a hot topic in today’s world and even in books.
Eliza and her Monsters talks about a girl who lives her life online, hiding behind a screen. Her world gets flipped upside down as she is challenged to spend more time offline.
This resonates with younger kids today as it is easier to get hooked on living the online life.
We can all learn from Eliza by taking the time to unplug.
A new style of writing has come from this trend. Books are being formatted as text messages. Not only the wording used, but when you open the book, it’s as if you opened your phone and are reading your own messages. A great example of this would be Lauren Myracle’s Internet Girls books (ttyl, ttfn, l8r g8r, yolo).
4. eBooks
We would not typically place a non-genre type activity on this list. However, when schools and libraries closed in mid-march, the need and use of e-books was shocking. eBooks provided a convenient and germ-free alternative way to enjoy books. Readers around the world found comfort in knowing they didn’t have to go anywhere to purchase a book. They could do it from home and have the books ready at their fingertips.
A variety of eReaders have been made available to suit the needs of readers. Waterproof, original, kid friendly, you name it. You can even have your favorite book right on your cell phone. They are interactive, easier on your eyes, and you only need one device to hold many, many books.
A variety of eReaders have been made available to suit the needs of readers. Waterproof, original, kid friendly, you name it. You can even have your favorite book right on your cell phone. They are interactive, easier on your eyes, and you only need one device to hold many, many books.
New authors have even found more success by self publishing through eBooks. According to publishdrive, “Amanda Hocking’s success story is also interesting and worth knowing: She wrote 17 novels while working at a full-time job. She self-published them all as ebooks selling more than a million copies.” There are many more authors who have been given this platform and were able to find much success from it.
5. Audiobooks
Again, not a typical item to place on a trends list. However, the COVID crisis changed the world of reading.
Audiobooks are not only used for entertainment, but are now being used as a learning tool for children. They follow along with their own physical copy of the book and are able to hear and learn the words they may struggle with.
The convenience of audiobooks has caused the surge in popularity. It allows you to be handsfree while listening to a story or provide an aide to children learning to read.
Audible is one of the most popular audiobooks platforms. You can listen on your phone, computer, or tablet wherever you are. Give it a try next time you’re doing household chores!
2020 has been full of twists and turns to say the least.
Happy Reading!