A Content Analysis of Picture Books Read During Drag Storytimes in Public Libraries

This study sought to determine the extent to which picture books read during drag storytimes in the United States include representations of diversity. One hundred and three picture books were analyzed via content analysis. The findings demonstrate that while the lead characters/subjects in picture books read during drag storytimes are primarily white, cisgender, heterosexual and able-bodied, there is greater representation of diversity when non-lead characters/subjects are considered. These findings indicate that while those involved in planning and implementing drag storytimes have attended somewhat to issues of diversity in their picture book selections, there is still room for improvement.