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Dr. Danielle Hartsfield knows it's important for children to read books featuring diverse characters. It "validates and affirms a diverse range of identities, backgrounds, and experiences," she said.

Hartsfield, associate professor of literacy and elementary education at the University of North Georgia (91ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ), believes it so wholeheartedly that she edited a book about it. It is titled "Handbook of Research on Teaching Diverse Youth Literature to Pre-Service Professionals."

The book is a comprehensive resource to help college and university educators teach their students about the ideal way to use books when teaching small children. It covers topics such as syllabus development, diversity, social justice, and activity planning.

"This text is useful for university-level teacher educators and library educators who prepare pre-service teachers and librarians," Hartsfield said.

She edited the book, which includes chapters from fellow higher education professionals. Hartsfield even co-authored a chapter with a former undergraduate student in the Honors Program, Angelica Marquez, who graduated in May.

"I'm proud of the fact that this book represents the efforts of several 91ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ colleagues," she said. "Dr. Anastasia Lin, Dr. Sheri Hardee, Dr. Jennie Jones, Dr. Tiffany Watson, and Dr. Crystal Matey all contributed chapters. Dr. Amy Williams, Dr. Nicole Maxwell, and Dr. Annmarie Jackson served as peer reviewers."

Her book is available on and .