Children's books featuring Black main characters saw an 8% reduction in 2025 publications, according to the research report. Of the 2,189 titles published for children under ten in 2025, only 47 featured a Black main character.
Representation for South Asian main characters declined by 14.3 percentage points, reaching just 1.4%. Only three books in the surveyed collection featured main characters of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) heritage.
The report surveyed picture books, baby and toddler books, and fiction intended for children up to nine years old. A total of 150 books, representing 6.9% of those examined, showcased main characters from minority ethnic, disabled, or neurodivergent backgrounds.
The number of picture books featuring disabled main characters fell by 60% in 2025, resulting in only two titles. Conversely, neurodivergent representation in picture books increased from three titles in 2024 to 13 in 2025.
The study noted that 37.3% of books with marginalized main characters were written or illustrated by creators who did not share the characters' background. In the baby and toddler category, the count of books with marginalized main characters rose by 29.4%.
All three books published in 2025 featuring MENA main characters were narratives concerning refugees.
Sheena Patel stated, "At an age when children are figuring out the world around them and where they fit in, it’s vital they have access to funny, inspiring, adventurous books that reflect both the lives they live and the ones they don’t. We must do better."
Sheena Patel
