Research shows that reading is paramount to academic success. That's why building a library that incorporates diverse perspectives is an essential component of an equitable classroom. So, the question remains, how can we ensure access to equal representation in literary characters in classrooms around the country? How can we provide all students with the historical context to understand the world around them? This session will focus on research on the power of independent reading, diverse in-home and classroom libraries, and the demand for more representation. Join us as we explore a transformative framework that uses literacy to build equity, one book at a time.